Fairmont Hotel and Beach Resort

Recall the ultra-stunning Palm Hotel situated in the sea of Dubai? Well, the same company responsible for that magnificent development, IFA Hotels and Resorts, has applied their ingenious minds to Zanzibar. A lot of money has been spent on this resort, previously known as the Protea Hotel Zanzibar, and the refurbishments and redesigns – although nowhere as near as ambitious as the Palm (after all this is quiet and peaceful Zanzibar) – are all for the better.

The Fairmont Beach Hotel and Resort, situated on the island’s northeast coast, has a number of attractive draw cards. It is not only close to one of Zanzibar’s top dive sites, the Mnemba Atoll, but it has one of the best scuba diving schools, called Urchins, on the island. Urchins is run by a seasoned diver called Cathy who has a wealth of underwater experience. Besides exploring the underwater spectacle of Mnemba, Urchins offers trips to Leven Bank, Bawe Island, Prison Island, Menai Bay, The Great Northerner Wreck and Pange Sand Bank.

Got young kids travelling with you? The resort’s other big draw card is its proactive approach to catering for families. Your children will be entertained for hours in the resort’s special kiddies playground area which has a clubhouse, shallow splash pool, jungle gyms, 9 hole mini-golf course, swings and kiddies race track. There are also a variety of rooms geared for different size families.

The general ambience of this lodge is excellent and the service remarkable. We found all staff – from the cleaners right up to the management – were exceptionally friendly and helpful. We especially appreciated the fact that they took the trouble to pre-air condition our rooms so we were instantly refreshed after our hot journey.

The main lodge is thatched and accessed via neat, sandy paths in the greenery. The restaurant has a marvellous atmosphere and overlooks the ocean. It’s the ideal spot for a romantic candle-lit dinner where you can feel the soothing caress of the gentle ocean breezes. Bar prices at the hotel are far more reasonable than a lot of others on the island, therefore suiting South African pockets.

Rooms have all the necessary luxuries. The luxury beach front rooms and the honeymoon room are located closest to the beach and swimming pool area. The family villas are the furthest back on the property but command stunning ocean views. 

The standard rooms can comfortably sleep 2 adults in either three-quarter beds or double beds. Some are built using traditional coral rag and have terrazzo floors while others have polished stone floors and hand carved wood features. Each is en-suite and has a built-in vanity or writing desk (to write those blissful postcards to your friends back at home) and an open balcony.

The luxury rooms are situated closer to the beach. They’re large enough to accommodate 2 adults in twin double beds and 2 children in twin single futons which convert to lounge chairs when not in use. The hand carved double entrance doorways leads off a spacious covered balcony which is furnished with cushioned sun loungers. The bar fridge can be stocked at your request with all your favourite drinks so you can enjoy sundowners in privacy.

The family villas, situated on a hill with gorgeous ocean views, are perfect for larger families of 6. They offer 3 rooms (1 double and 2 twins all en-suite), a lounge, open-plan kitchen and a lovely balcony overlooking the sea. They were originally built with self-catering in mind so they still have a fridge, stove, sink and cutlery – useful for eating snacks from the markets. On the sundeck you’ll find a Weber barbeque and sun loungers.

Honeymooners are treated to exquisitely sumptuous furnishings. The honeymoon room is situated almost on the beach and is discreetly separate from the rest of the resort. On your two private balconies you can easily feel you’re on your own deserted island. The room features an extra-length king-size bed and a lounge. The best part is the large berazzo stone bath situated in the corner of the bathroom, offering gorgeous 180 degree views of the ocean. Now there's the place to sip a romantic glass of bubbly!

Many of the rooms are being redecorated in an enticing colonial African theme so you can look forward to even better rooms. The only downside of the resort is the fact that it doesn’t have the authentic Zanzibar look and feel when standing outside the rooms. The rooms have tiled roofs whilst most other guest rooms in Zanzibar have makuti thatch. However, the main reception is thatched.