An Island Daydream Come to Life
Zanzibar’s Azanzi Beach Hotel is nestled within a canopy of coconut palms and indigenous trees, and is flanked by the azure, warm waters of the Indian Ocean. In such tranquil and scenic surroundings, there is little else to do but adopt the mantra “hakuna matata” (no worries) and truly embrace island life.
The luxury boutique Azanzi Beach Hotel is situated on the palm fringed edge of the North East coast of Zanzibar, and adjacent to the world acclaimed Mnemba Island Atoll. The hotel has an array of accommodation, featuring cool inviting villas with private outside showers and king sized beds.
An Ideal Holiday
Relax on the pure white sand beaches, sip exotic cocktails or frolic in the warm, crystal clear Indian Ocean. Join an idyllic sundowner **dhow** cruise with its white lantern sails puffed out by the Cascasi breeze, leaving behind only memories and fluorescence in the boat’s wake. With shadows lengthening, prepare for your dining experience infused with fragrant Zanzibar spices and herbs.
Retire to the exclusive and inviting confines of your air-conditioned villa and finally succumb to the laid back Zanzibar way of life. Wake up to the soothing melodies of rustling coconut palms and the lapping of the ocean on the crisp white beach. A tension releasing massage awaits you after a delicious breakfast. This provides the perfect remedy to rejuvenate your weary body and soul under the hands of an experienced masseur. Once refreshed, enjoy a range of activities, including scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing (deep sea and fly fishing), as well as various non-motorised activities, before rounding off your day sipping cocktails around the pool as the sun sets in the distance.
Island Activities
Scuba diving and snorkelling excursions can be arranged through the hotel’s One Ocean Dive Centre. Guests can visit the Mnemba Atoll Marine Park, with its coral gardens, tropical fish, green turtles and anemones, as well as its excellent water visibility. A dive with the ever present Bottle Nose dolphins is guaranteed to be the highlight of any underwater experience. The dive centre offers a full spectrum of dive courses, from novice to dive master.
A symphony of screaming reels and shrill calls from diving birds awaits seafaring adventurers on their deep sea fishing excursions. These can be arranged through the hotel on a registered sport fisherman craft. Game fish, such as Barracuda, Dorado, Tuna, Kingklip, Wahoo and Sail fish abound in these pristine tropical waters. The hotel will gladly turn your catch into a gastronomic feast which can be enjoyed with an appropriate bottle of wine selected from their well stocked cellar.
Spice tours, which can be arranged and conducted by an Azanzi guide, are a must for aspiring chefs and nature lovers alike. Jack fruit, Pili-pili Hoho, bananas and star fruit make up a fresh cornucopia of fruit to be savoured on the deck overlooking the spice gardens. Death defying palm tree climbers can also toss coconuts down to eager visitors keen to sip the fresh, thirst quenching coconut milk. After an enlightening adventure of discovery through the spice gardens and plantations, a well earned cup of cinnamon and lemon grass tea gives relief to the weary adventurer.
A guided tour of Stone Town – with its labyrinth of narrow, twisting streets, bustling bazaars and markets, former palaces and grand Arab mansions – allows you to enjoy this historical town with its old world feel. As the sun sets, the local cuisine in Stone Town can be savoured at the popular food market at Forodhani Gardens, which combines a vibrant atmosphere with delicious local cuisine.
A scenic drive to the indigenous forest at Jozini brings you to the treetop homes of the chattering Red Colobus monkey. This troop of monkeys has been isolated from other Red Colobus monkeys on the Tanzanian mainland for over 10,000 years.
Crisp, soft sand underfoot and the embracing dawn with its hues of pastel pink and blue lift the spirits of early morning runners, who can savour the fresh air of the North Eastern tip of Zanzibar. Azanzi Beach Hotel is also the perfect secluded, romantic spot for honeymooners to start their married lives together in the most idyllic way possible.
Hakuna matata, indeed!
For bookings and more information, contact +27 11 791 2349, email reservations@africanshores.co.za or visit http://www.azanzibeachhotel.com/.
Story & Pix © An Island Anthology
