There are many different accommodation options suitable for every budget from inexpensive, to all-inclusive, to top-drawer luxury.
We stayed at the luxurious and highly exclusive Baraza Resort & Spa, a 5-star boutique resort voted the No.1 Luxury Hotel in Tanzania and one of the Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Africa, and also voted as one of the 60 best new hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. With just 30 elegant villas, all a short stroll to the beach, they all have their own private plunge pools, with private terrace where you can lounge the afternoon away.
We arrived at Zanzibar airport very late at night from Nairobi and were met by a representative from our tour company for the one-and-a-half hour drive across the island through some relatively run down neighbourhoods. As we approached the massive solid barrier of a front gate, it did give us reason to pause and perhaps question our choice. However, our driver made our arrival known to the guard on duty who had suddenly appeared and as we passed through the gate and through a tunnel of palm trees into the serene, lush grounds, our opinion was transformed almost immediately.
The buildings were striking and palatial in look and feel. The beautiful arches, hand carved white stone décor, gorgeous antiques and hand-made furniture that populated the corridors, along with the elegant brass lanterns carefully placed around the restaurants and lounges, incorporates the heritage of Zanzibar dating back to the era of the Sultans.
The Baraza offered us unparalleled standards of luxury; the service and the food were all exceptional. Our villa was exquisite, and we felt as though we were living in our very own private paradise.
