Day 19

The Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski

A day at the hotel - a relaxing place
directly on the Indian Ocean

Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski

Today I had a nice day in the Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski – it is really a beautiful property! I was told by the staff that I was again walking on the same tracks as some VIPs: Will Smith and family came here after their visit in the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski; Teri Hatcher, Chris Tucker and an impressive list of former and current African Heads of State too. They stayed in the Zamani Villas – with uninterrupted sea-views, butler service and their very own infinity pool.

At first sight the whole property is pretty green – vast palm trees, trimmed bushes and flowers blend well into the surroundings. The hotel’s grounds are huge. When I arrived here on Day 16 we had to drive quite some minutes to get from one end to the entrance gate. It is great that the staff are always ready to take you around with one of the waiting golf carts, but I can also highly recommend you have a walk on the shoreline to get to your room.

The clusters

While getting around, I discovered that they need the space for three reasons. First of all the complex is split up into a bunch of smaller buildings or clusters. You won’t find a monumental high-rise building here. The main building is decently integrated into the environment. This results in uncrowded ambience and a fantastically individual and relaxing atmosphere.

Indian Ocean

The second reason for the large grounds is the ocean. The hotel is built on a reef along the Indian Ocean. The buildings are arranged in such a way that you have a view over the ocean from most places. A very special place is the 150 metre long Jetty Bar, where you can relax and have a light meal surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

Zamani Beach Club

And last but not least, they need the space for their own beach! The Zamani Beach Club is an amazing place. I felt like I was in a dream there, surrounded by tall palms, the splendid white sand at my feet and the gorgeous view of the turquoise ocean. Of course there is a wonderful restaurant serving grilled light lunches and a fully stocked bar so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

While relaxing at this totally peaceful location it was hard to imagine that this beach turns into a serious party zone once a month. The staff told me about the famous Zamani Beach Party. Like the “Full Moon Party” (which happens in the north of the Island), the Zamani Beach Party attracts hundreds of party people to celebrate at this unique Palm Beach until the early morning hours.

Anantara Spa

Returning from the beach I inspected the fine spa and wellness area. It is managed by Anantara Spa, the same company that runs the spa in the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski and the Bilila Lodge Kempinski. Again they did a great job here. The friendly and professional trained staff offer a fine variety of luxury treatments. As a speciality they provide romantic Pavilions where you can have a treatment while listening to the waves and watching the ocean.

I concluded my day with a very tasty meal in the Cloves Restaurant. Sitting outside on the terrace, listening to the live band and enjoying the delicious buffet, it is definitely one of the best ways to have a delightful dinner.