Being in Zanzibar is the stuff of castaway legend. Even now, sat in the Meliá Zanzibar’s spacious lobby, I can see and feel nature all around me. It’s the same just about everywhere within this hotel. The entire property has been designed with nature in mind, and each room makes use of the wonderful weather and beautiful scenery beyond. It is interior design that brings the outside in, and it’s one of the reasons behind this archipelago’s allure.
Tourism has taken a tumble in recent years, however it’s returning with abundance. Zanzibar has done well to reinvent itself, now being called things like the ‘new Mauritius’ thanks in part to its phenomenal beaches, complete with powder-white coral sand and blue seas. Of course, it’s the barefoot attitude to island life that most attracts.
But I digress. Nature is built in to the very fabric of the Meliá Zanzibar, including the ground floor suite. Complete with an outdoor shower (there’s one inside too), the suite opens out in to a private grass lawn and clifftop, revealing an awesome view of the ocean.
I arrived late on a Friday night, and was immediately escorted to Melia’s private beach. A full BBQ dinner was in full swing, complete with dancers and live music – a fantastic introduction to island life in Africa. Each of the resort’s dining options revolve around water, whether it is lunch at the end of the private jetty, a fine dining experience at Aqua, a la carte to your cabana or a beach BBQ.
Most people come to the Meliá to relax. The fantastic beaches are certainly the main draw in Zanzibar, and I do plenty of swimming and sun worship over the next three days. The hotel has a world-class pool that overlooks the ocean, as well as private beaches with hammocks and cabanas.
Unlike some other luxury destinations – heavy on the sun and sand, absent the culture – Zanzibar offers more than simply lying on the beach. A half-day tour of the island’s biggest city, Stone Town, is a must. At least 11,000 years old, the island has a wealth of history and culture on display through its architecture and many museums. The influence of Oman, which ruled the island for nearly two decades from 1698, remains today, visible in the similarity of dress and the widespread adoption of Islam. A day in Stone Town is not complete without a visit to the night market along the corniche, where dozens of stalls sell freshly cooked seafood, fruits and deserts. It is also a fascinating opportunity to mingle with the locals while watching the sunset.
Back at the resort there is more relaxation to be had. Even the small storm that rolled through the resort provides ample time to enjoy the experience. In my case, playing board games in the two-story hotel lounge while listening to the tropical raindrops landing around me.
For more information on the Meliá Zanzibar, visit melia.com. Travel was courtesy of FlyDubai, which travels to Zanzibar two flights per week (around six-hour fly time from Dubai). CEO Middle East stayed as a guest of the Melia Hotels and Resorts.
