Emerald Spice Isle
Zanzibar’s flourishing luxury tourism scene has been well and truly spiced up with the arrival of its first member of Leading Hotels of the World - Emerald Zanzibar Resort and Spa, with 250 suites set on the white sands of Muyuni Beach and fringed by a protected coral reef.
Emerald takes its commitment to sustainability seriously, incorporating solar panels, on-site water purification and steam cleaning (to avoid using harsh chemicals) to help protect its impeccable Indian Ocean location. Guests will love the deluxe all-inclusive philosophy using authentic, locally sourced ingredients. From the Aqua Restaurant, to the Beach Club Grill Restaurant, the Carnivorous Restaurant and Le Asiatique – Pan-Asian Teppanyaki Restaurant, in addition to a Gelateria and myriad bars, the Resort is the ultimate location for couples and families alike. Meals, most drinks (excluding some top-shelf spirits, cocktails and premium wines) and the in-room minibar are included in the deluxe all -inclusive concept.
Creating an elegant cozy and relaxed ambiance with a mix of modern and exotic style, all Suites are curated retreat, designed to offer a true escape from reality with a direct focus on environment preservation. With unique and enchanting views either on the Resort’s lush tropical gardens or Ocean views, there is a superb collection of interconnecting and family suites, ideal for multi-generational holidays. Five of the suites have their own private pool and eighteen suites have jacuzzis. There’s also a lovely kids club and splash park for little ones.
Overlooking the picturesque Muyuni Beach in Matemwe, a completely pristine white sandy beach facing Mnemba Island, the Resort is located on a 10-hectares land that slopes down towards the coast with direct access to the sea and is surrounded by an oval reef, which has been declared a marine conservation area, where must-do snorkeling opportunities abound. The Resort’s Star Diving Center offers a wide range of activities that will allow guests to immerse themselves in the underwater world, discovering green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and schools of colorful tropical reef fish. It also offers the support of certified PADI professionals for guests wishing to obtain a PADI license. Non-motorised watersports, a boat tour and a snorkeling trip are included for stays of seven nights or more.
While we might find it hard to forgo lounging by the infinity pool or the secluded garden pool with its swim-up bar, life outside the resort is worth discovering… verdant green fields and cobalt skies are interspersed with low-rise buildings painted baby pink, bright orange or cerulean blue, and street market stalls sell zesty limes and juicy mangoes in towering stacks.
Guests can immerse themselves in Zanzibar’s cultural heritage with trips to Stone Town, the Unesco-protected heart of the capital Zanzibar City, which is a must to understand its troubled past as a centre of the East African slave trade.
Lighter diversions include perusing the spice-filled stalls of Darajani Market, admiring the elaborately carved teak and mahogany doors influenced by Indian, Arab and Swahili styles, and snapping a shot of Freddie Mercury’s House, where the Queen star spent much of his childhood.
Foodies will enjoy visiting a spice farm; Zanzibar once supplied the world with cloves, and there are community farms across the island where visitors can see twisting vines of vanilla pods, tiny peppercorns in bud and fragrant cardamom growing wild, alongside heaving bunches of red bananas, spiky-topped pineapples and bulging jackfruit. It’s easy to see why the ‘Spice Island’ captures so many hearts.
At the time of writing, ten days in November for 2 adults and 2 children (2 and 4 years old) in an Ocean View Junior Suite on a Deluxe All-Inclusive basis is £4182 when booked through Bright New Adventures. To discover more about booking a holiday at this fabulous resort, or anywhere, please get in touch and we’ll be delighted to provide a quote for your specific requirements.
