LIVE 24-SEVEN ZANZIBAR LUXURY REDEFINED
Definition of Sardanapalian: “Of, relating to, or characterised by the luxuriously sensual nature or way of life attributed to the Assyrian King Sardanapalus.”
Does it feel rather random, just dropping in the definition for excessive luxury? I suppose it might, but when it comes to The Zanzibar Collection, it barely seems adequate…
It all began (I feel as though this is a ‘Once upon a time…’ moment) on a cold winter’s day and an invitation to visit the Zanzibar Collection – four incredibly luxurious hotels designed and built on Zanzibar by the Raguz family who decided, a long time ago, to become the first real investors in sustainable tourism on Zanzibar. The hotel group remains family-owned and is run almost exclusively with locals. The hotels comprise four very unique styles, but with a luxurious thread linking them together in the most lavish way possible.
Zawadi Hotel, The Palms, Breezes and Baraza Resort and Spa became my home for a few blissful days…
The Swahili, Portuguese, Omani and British influences found all over the island are celebrated by the different architectural styles and designs embodied by each hotel , each with a unique style.
Set alongside Bwejuu Beach, Baraza Villas are private, each with their own plunge pool outside, whilst inside, the very spacious villas provide everything one could ever want or need. I have a bit of a ‘thing’ about bathrooms…mine was magnificent and came with oils and fragranced salts for body rubs, set by a beautiful standalone bath and a walk-in shower big enough to host your own supper party in…if the fancy takes you!!
Feel like a private yoga lesson on the beach, cocktails at Dhahabu Bar, Swahili dinner at the Livingstone Terrace? If you can imagine it, then the incredibly friendly and efficient team at Bazara will make it happen.
Baraza is primarily an all-inclusive hotel, but not as you might imagine, or have previous experience of the concept. The food – quality, presentation, choice – is simply outstanding and is on a level all of its own. Wines are exceptional and eclectic, with classic and iconic styles sitting happily next to a more esoteric selection. As I say and, in case I haven’t been clear, this is wraparound luxury that just happens for your never-ending convenience, to be all-inclusive. It was a revelation to me and clearly, when I stopped and talked to guests already there, I was not alone.
It matters also (to us all) that the Raguz family hotels have been built in a responsible, sustainable manner and with a personal passion. There is a state-of-the-art disposal and recycling system and an in-house produce garden provides much of the fresh food served in their restaurants which, in turn, promotes local agriculture. Mr Raguz is personally responsible for the design and implementation of an environmentally responsible desalination
plant, which means that water is produced and processed locally and not taken from surrounding villages.
Have you ever snorkelled? Me neither…but I did!! We loaded a trunk filled with the essentials (fresh fruit and beautiful wines), climbed into our traditional Swahili Dhow and sailed to the Blue Lagoon. It’s fair to say that I didn’t present the most elegant sight on the coral reef that day, but once I relaxed and followed the excellent instructions of our lead (thank you Kevin), it has to count as one of the most memorable experiences in my life as, for a couple of hours, I swam, watched and marvelled at the sights just below the surface of the Indian Ocean. As with everything else, attention to detail when looking after their clientele was impressive and yet they view this as simply what they do.
After snorkelling, we climbed back into our Dhow and sailed on further up the coast and then turned and watched the setting sun on the horizon. Honestly…there are no words.
We visited Stone Town and walked the maze of little walkways and sat with a coffee while the hustle and bustle of a city surrounded us. We relaxed back at Baraza with a traditional Masala Afternoon
Tea...delicious!
In the Zanzibar Collection, there will be a hotel that, once you have visited, will forever be ‘your’ hotel.
Zawadi Hotel: this is the newest addition to the Collection and, with only nine villas, very private and perfect for a wedding party to hire entirely.
The Palms: just six villas and has the vibe of a private lodge, oozing understated elegance.
Breezes Beach Club & Spa: a wonderful family retreat, superb décor and the most incredible open reception/foyer I have ever walked into!
Then we have Baraza Resort & Spa, which shall forever hold a little piece of my heart…
Stay at the award winning Baraza Resort & Spa, Zanzibar
www.baraza-zanzibar.com part of the family-owned and managed Zanzibar Collection
www.thezanzibarcollection.com
Rates on all-inclusive basis starting from £564 per villa per night for 2 guests sharing.
Please book direct through
baraza@thezanzibarcollection.com or with any good travel operator.
We flew with Ethiopian Airlines as below: Ethiopian Airlines fly daily from London Heathrow and four times per week from Manchester to Addis Ababa and onto Zanzibar with a modern fleet. Lead in return fares start at £438 economy and £1620 business class, inclusive of all taxes, bookable online at
www.ethiopianairlines.com; Tel: 01753 967 980 or via travel agencies.
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TRAVE L GUIDE THE ZANZIBAR COL L ECT ION
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