Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar lies on the northern stretch of Zanzibar’s Indian Ocean-facing east coast, a popular spot for post safari beach retreats. To the north and south there are a handful of other resorts, but the Melia sits on its own, surrounded by a lush 40-acre estate that features manicured grounds and palm gardens. To the front of the hotel, at the bottom of some low rocky cliffs, there’s a narrow beach (at high tide) and a wooden jetty that extends out over the glass-clear waters of the ocean. At the far end of the jetty, there’s a lounge where international seafood dishes, snacks and cocktails are served.
The rooms, suites, pavilions and villas at Melia Zanzibar are wonderfully spacious and airy. The Melia Garden and Terrace Rooms are a great choice for a good-value stay but we highly recommend one of the charming pavilions. These adult-only stand-alone rooms have coconut leaf and wood roofs and an unbeatable setting – The Romance Oceanfront Pavilions have 180-degree views of the coast from their slightly elevated position, while the Beach Pavilions are set in the shadow of verdant palm trees close to Gabi Beach. Guests in these pavilions, and in the One Bedroom Villas and Grand Suite Zanzibar have access to The Level benefits like access to an exclusive lounge and a preferred area by the main pool, and an à la carte breakfast served overlooking the Indian Ocean and jetty.
The wonderful Gabi Beach, a toes-in-the-sand lounge and grill restaurant, is reached by a 10- to 15-minute walk or a short golf buggy ride from the resort’s main lobby. Gabi Beach is also where you’ll find that wide stretch of white sand lapped by the sea you’ve dreamed of and where you can take part in a selection of watersports. Back at the heart of the resort is the main infinity pool, the buffet restaurant, Spices, and Aqua – the fine dining restaurant. The modern spa is set in a quiet spot and has a range of treatment rooms, an infinity pool, sauna and fitness centre.