Zanzibar
 

Hi,

Thinking about going to Zanzibar end of February next year. Would like to stay a few nights at Emerson Spice and combine that with a beach location. Recommendations?

I thoroughly recommend Mnemba Island in Zanzibar. Very private, unspoilt and only 12 beach villas.

Avoid The Residence like the plague, we had the misfortune of staying there two nights and it's one of my worst hotel experiences ever. Crowded by the pool, awful food and service and the rooms and public areas are shabby and unkempt.

I've been place with rates equal or higher than Mnemba where I've been disappointed by the value for money whereas in my opinion Mnemba is worth every penny. But you have to like barefoot luxury.

OK. Will seriously consider it, but we are three persons and I cannot even find a stay longer (4 for 2) or "kids for free"-offer (well, maybe not relevant anymore as our son is 15) so an alternative would be great.

Thank you. Looks interesting. Would love to hear from someone who has been there!!

I have a friend who stayed here: https://www.whitesandvillas.com/ and loved it.

I have not stayed at the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, but recent reports are encouraging.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyat...er-thread.html

I am kinda surprised because I did book a client less than 2 months ago at the Residence, and they were extremely happy. There have also been a few good comments on this proerty FWIW. They booked a 2 BR villa with pool for the 5 of them and truly liked it. Their previous trip was Alila Jabal Akhdar, just to put things in perspective.

Of course Mnemba is the best. But like you indicated, it also comes at a cost when travelling with children. In general I do feel like many travellers here are focused on travelling as a couple. Nothing wrong with that and may you all enjoy your trips. But keep in mind that some of us are actually 4, 5 or even more. So we need to at least double our budget.

Did you have a look at the Asilia properties? https://www.asiliaafrica.com/east-af...afari/zanzibar
Also barefoot luxury and much more of the beaten path. If you want more details, just let me know!

I would stay away from the many, many all-in tourist traps like the ones in LHW, Xanadu (sorry Mac!) ... Zanzibar is indeed very touristy and is sold as an AI destination for EU package travellers. Be aware!

Nice hotel to visit Stonetown but not a beach hotel. From that point of view: located on the worst location of the island.

consider somewhat to the south ?

private island
- andbeyond mnemba - Zanzibar Archipelago
- azura quilalea - Quirimbas Archipelago
- anantara medjumbe - Quirimbas Archipelago

not private island >

- vamizi - andbeyond - Quirimbas Archipelago

benguerra - Bazaruto Archipelago
- andbeyond
- azura

- Bazaruto - anantara - Bazaruto Archipelago

(andbeyond may offer multi destination discount)

edit - ah, no nonstop flights from zanzibar to pemba

Sold out for our dates.

We only have a week, so we will stay in Zanzibar I think.