Paradise Beach Resort, 4*, Marumbi
Situated in the small town of Marumbi on the east coast of Zanzibar is the cosy Paradise Beach Resort.
There are 96 rooms, all of which have mosquito nets, air conditioning, a safe, a terrace and free Wi-Fi. They are decorated in traditional Zanzibar style with colourful cushions and local art on the walls.
The rooms are located in two-storey buildings dotted throughout the tropical garden with the resort’s large pool as the natural centrepiece. One end of the pool is shallow and child-friendly. Sun loungers are arranged around the pool with plenty of parasols, so you can enjoy the shade or sunshine as the mood takes you. There is a small playground for the children on the lawn, and the resort is generally very child-friendly.
From the pool, there is a view of the beach, from which a jetty extends far into the water. Halfway out there is a bar, and if you continue further out, you will come to a platform with sun loungers. Stairs leads down from the platform into the water, so you can enjoy a swim even at low tide.
There are several bars and restaurants at the hotel, where both vegetarian and vegan food are available – just let them know when booking.
At the resort, you will also find a diving centre, an excursion desk, day spa, bicycle and kayak rental, and various activities such as table tennis, a pool table and entertainment in the evening.
Zanzibar Bay Resort, 4*, Marumbi
Zanzibar Bay Resort is the sister resort to Paradise Beach Resort, and the two resorts share a number of facilities such as restaurants and the long jetty out into the water.
At Zanzibar Bay, you will find 104 rooms with mosquito nets over the beds, air conditioning, a flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, a terrace and free Wi-Fi.
The resort has two infinity pools, one of which has its own small island with sun loungers. The second pool is deep enough for diving lessons.
Zanzibar Bay is an upgrade option for those who want a slightly more “private” holiday. The resort here is a little more appealing to couples than Paradise Beach, as there are no dedicated family rooms.
Price for upgrade from Paradise Beach Resort to Zanzibar Bay Resort (Luxury Room) per person:
During the entire stay in Zanzibar (8 nights in total): £169
The last five nights in Zanzibar (5 nights in total): £106
Catriona is passionate about helping other people fulfill their travel dreams, as she knows how much travel has only improved her life for the better!