Zawadi Hotel, Zanzibar

一直相信貴總是好的，找了這家，總經理一個加拿大女生，傲慢，虛偽，無理的，後來才知道來自北部對華人是極其不友好的，被浴缸龍頭熱水燙傷，竟然被這個女的教育應該如何洗澡，被蚊子咬的滿身包，一路在非洲都沒被咬，要驅蚊劑她們還要收錢，這麼貴的酒店不做驅蚊的？！出去回來還不開門，讓你門口站很久，餐食也是很差的，一個加拿大人生活在非洲這樣的地方，可想而知她奇怪的態度了

After 4 days of pre 5am wake ups and a lot of travelling I’m glad I had booked to hop (1hr 40mins on a prop plane) across to Zanzibar for a few days of relaxation. So many hotels to choose from on the island but I opted for Zawadi, a 12 villa luxury resort on the East coast of Zanzibar, therefore on the Indian Ocean. I have quite specific criteria when I solo travel as I don’t like big resorts where I feel out of place. I normally plump for smaller resorts in a villa with a pool so I don’t have to really venture out if I don’t want to (which I didn’t for about 36 hours but that was because I was a poorly traveller - and not due to anything at the hotel I may add!). Zawadi is simply stunning. It’s an hour from the airport and they organised transfers for me. The fixtures and fittings, communal areas and the villas are exceptional with thatched roofs and grey / white tones throughout. There is a main pool that overlooks the Indian Ocean, a restaurant for breakfast/lunch/drinks and a separate restaurant for dinner as well as an evening bar area. There is a massage room which I took full advantage of by having a 75min full body massage. Zawadi also have snorkelling equipment you can borrow as well as hopping on a daily boat to a good snorkel spot. There is also an on site spice garden and farm but I didn’t get chance to visit these. The villa itself has everything you could want in terms of amenities plus a daily ‘sundowner’ and thorough turndown. Every night they leave a note giving details on the tides for the following day! The 12 villas are all the same with views over the Indian Ocean and a plunge pool on the spacious terrace. I felt like a duchess! The food was excellent with choices of local cuisine or more western based. It can be paired with tasty wines, soft drinks, a cocktail off the list or the waiters will make you a bespoke cocktail based on your mood and what you like! But the real gem of Zawadi are the staff. 100% attentive to your individual needs and genuinely care about each guest, who they always address by name. I was greeted with “welcome home” and I think that sums it up. Evelyn, the manager, is always present along with Bernard (food and beverage manager), Noa, Mr M, Iddy, Innocent, Isaack and the other housekeeping and reception staff. They are not intrusive but wait quietly, anticipating your every need. A real credit, all of them! When I was poorly and hadn’t made an appearance for most of the day, I had a couple of phone calls to the room to check I was ok and if there was anything I needed; doctor, food etc. When I did surface, they asked how I was feeling … very thoughtful. Correspondence with the team before travelling was also excellent. Would I return? Absolutely I would and I would recommend them to anyone wanting a quiet luxury break in paradise.

This hotel is the definition of 5 stars. The customer service was unlike anything I have experienced in prior travels. The staff was committed to our comfort and happiness. We felt pampered and spoiled. The accommodations were roomy and comfy. We loved having our own mini pool, mini fridge and deck. The food was amazing. Different dishes and themes daily. It was hard to make a choice. We will definitely be back to this hotel and it should be a must stay on your travel list.