Dolphin Bay Resort
Zanzibar – South
This new resort is in a prime location with beautiful private beach near Kizimkazi on the Southern tip of the island.
Overview
We stayed at Dolphin Bay in March 2011 and are very excited about the potential and excellent value of this resort. We have already received excellent feedback from many clients that we have sent there and there is certainly nothing to rival the size, quality, and value for money of these Villas anywhere else in Zanzibar.
Dolphin Bay Resort has been specifically designed to meet the increasing demand from international travelers seeking for an authentic atmosphere without compromising on comfort, facilities or intimacy. Both local and international architects combined forces to ensure that the true Zanzibar spirit was captured and the magic of the location was not lost.
Whilst modern facilities are available, the resort remains simple and embraces the amazing scenery and uses traditional architectural style.
The concept offers all the advantages of a service minded boutique hotel combined with the leisure facilities of a larger scale Resort & Spa.
Accommodation
Each Villa has a breathtaking sea view and have been positioned in such way around the bay that none obstructs the view of another.
12 villas are located on the South side of the Bay, 12 on the north side and 6 at the peninsula edge. From the sea, the layout is simply stunning.
The overall architecture is in a traditional style, with white walls, terracotta floors and Makuti roofs.
There are 4 Categories of Villas:
Zanzi Villa
Classic villas located on the second or third row – all Villas offer a 180 degree Sea view from the veranda and see view from the ground floor.
Peninsula Villa
The villas are located on the first row close to the Cliff with a direct view from both floors
Zanzi Pool Villa
They are similar to the Zanzi Villa. In addition there is a private swimming pool
Prime Pool Villa
They are similar to the Peninsula Villa. In addition there is a private swimming pool
On the ground floor; you enter into the villa via a traditional Zanzibar Door or via the Terrace. There is a living room with a dining space, Zanzibar Sofas and a flat large screen TV. On the same level, you have access to 3 en suite bedrooms (each 18-25 square meters + bathroom). On the first floor, the Princess Salme Lounge is the highlight of the accommodation; a large open roofed room decorated with superb Zanzibar furniture and 180 degree sea view veranda.
All furniture, Sofas, Couches, Chairs, tables, beds & Sun beds have been designed for the Resort with a special attention to carving details.
Facilities
The restaurants:
The Barracuda restaurant offers fine dining and views of the Indian Ocean. They serve buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and theme buffet dinners. A separate area is dedicated to a la carte dinner.
With breathtaking view, the Jetty restaurant offers light dishes for Lunch as well as an extensive selection of Zanzibar specialties. For the sunrise lover, Champagne breakfast can be organized.
Every day, local fishermen are come by the Jetty to present their catch; if required the staff will assist guests to choose the foods from the selection for their lunch or dinner.
Dolphin View Paradise also offers a unique Zanzibar cooking experience where one of their experienced chefs will prepare any meal in your villa.
The Bars:
The Reef bar services the infinite pool and main area, offering a choice of cocktails and refreshments in a casual and relaxed environment.
The Legends bar completes the Jetty’s fabulous panorama with delicious alcoholic or non-alcoholic concoctions.
All rooms feature Wireless Internet, a Safe, Flat Screen TV, Fridge, DSTV, CD&DVD player, Bathtub
Dolphin View Paradise also offer:
• Butler service and private chef
• 24 hour Room Service
• Concierge and Excursions desks
• 24 hour reception
• Wireless high speed cover the entire Resort
• Local sailing dhow
• Children’s Club
• Conference room
• Daily leisure activities
• Cultural lecturer
• Swahili cooking initiation
Other activities
Around the peninsula there is a paved walkway named “The Sunset Walk”, from where it is possible to enjoy stunning African sunsets over the Indian Ocean, perfect with a sundown drink.
Zanziplanet reviews
This is still something of a hidden gem in Zanzibar, offering high quality accommodation at incredibly competitive prices. The manager and staff are excellent, and the villas are simply stunning – larger than anything else in this price range, and perfect for both families and honeymooning couples, as each villa feels like your own private house.
The spa is also excellent, and the long jetty is a great spot for enjoying drinks as the sun sinks into the sea. The beach here is also very pretty, and the snorkeling is great. We think over the coming year Dolphin Bay looks set to take its place among some of the best hotels in Zanzibar.
Unguja Lodge
Zanzibar – South
Unguja is a very beautiful 12 bungalow luxury resort set on the southern tip of Zanzibar Island, in an area common with Dolphins.
Overview
Unguja resort can be found on the southern tip of Zanzibar. This little gem of a hotel consists of just twelve beautifully decorated private bungalows, a swimming pool, cocktail bar, and an elegant garden home to mango and baobab trees and all the wildlife therein.
Unguja is located on the southern tip of Zanzibar means it is able to capture some of the finest sunrise and sunset scenes on the Island.
Accommodation
The bungalows are newly built and of excellent size and quality, each decorated in traditional Zanzibar style and with natural objects. They comprise a large bedroom, lounge, upstairs landing with separate bed, very large bathroom and a superb ocean view terrace where you can watch the local fishermen sailing the Indian Ocean. Each Baobab Villa and Back row Sea View villa bedroom has air conditioning and some bungalows even have their own private Jacuzzi.
Facilities
Unguja Lodge has its own on-site dive center “Unguja Divers” and where resident dive instructor Nick and his staff offer you the chance to do some fantastic dives and snorkeling in the Menai Bay. They offer all the PADI courses and have all the equipment you will need whatever your level. Whether you are an experienced diver or a novice, the instructors give you the opportunity to discover the stunning undersea world of the Indian Ocean in a way that suits your personal wishes.
Unguja has its own traditional Dhow which goes on regular sailing trips to the Menai conservation area, offering the opportunity for snorkeling in one of the most beautiful scenes the island offers. After snorkeling the hotel can organize a barbecue lunch for you on the beach of a deserted island not far from the Kizimkazi coast.
The Kizimkazi coast itself is an area well known for its wildlife. The area is particularly popular with dolphins.
Zanziplanet reviews
On arrival at Unguja Lodge you feel like you have discovered a secret paradise situated somewhere near the edge of the world.
The Lodge is a fantastic, well run property located in quiet and beautiful surroundings. The villas are brilliantly crafted and very spacious. The staffs are friendly, courteous, efficient and great fun, and the tea and coffee left on your front doorstep each morning is a very nice touch.
Unguju Lodge has a small secluded beach and a fantastic pool. The opportunity to go snorkeling with the local school of dolphins is not to be missed.
In short, you would have to go a long way to find a better, more relaxing property.
What a lovely resort in a great location!
The atmosphere is very peaceful and the resort is very sensitive to the local community and environment. Where other hotels first clear all native vegetation prior to construction, Unguja have been careful to build around the existing indigenous trees and shrubs. Consequently, many of the indigenous animals have also remained, and this makes Unguja a perfect place for nature lovers and those wishing to learn more about Zanzibar’s natural environment and culture. The design of the resort also reflects this proximity to nature, with organic shapes and materials everywhere you look.
The One Ocean Dive Centre on site is also a fantastic facility, and as mentioned above, you should certainly not miss the opportunity to snorkel with the local Bottlenose Dolphins in their natural environment of the crystal clear waters of Menai Bay.