DESTINATION CHUINI

Zanzibar Beach Lodge

Only 12 km from Stone Town in Zanzibar, is a place of tranquillity – a lodge that welcomes guests to relax to the sounds of the Indian Ocean just a few metres away. Here, excellent service and comfortable luxury are found. Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge of Newmark Hotels, Residences, Reserves & Lodges is not your stock standard retreat – ruins of a bygone age of sultans rise between the whitewashed walls of the modern lodge.

When planning a romantic vacation and trying to decide on a destination, an island holiday is often the popular choice. Sunny days spent on the beach, sipping cocktails while watching the sun go down, indulging in decadent meals by candlelight while crashing waves serenade you, and ocean adventures all chalk up to an ideal holiday. One destination in Africa that is known for being an ideal location for this type of vacation is Zanzibar. Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge has incorporated everything that is loved about the island archipelago, and placed it in a historical setting.

Remains from the Age of Sultans

Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge has been built around over a century-old historical palace ruins. The Chuini Palace was built for the Zanzibar Sultan, Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al-busaid in 1873. The age-worn palace and aqueduct ruins still stand proud among the modern times, and provide ideal places for guests at the resort to visit.

For a postcard-perfect view of the surroundings, guests are able to climb up a spiral staircase to the top of one of the relics. However, this is not the only view that Chuini boasts.

Island Relaxation

An ideal spot to relax a sunny day away in is by the pool, overlooking the ocean. Positioned next to the bar, guests are able to relax on the loungers and sip cocktails while basking in the Zanzibari sun; to cool off, the pool is the ideal respite, as well as the ocean just a few steps away. There is a second pool on the property that allows for a bit more privacy, and is located next to another spot for relaxation: the spa.

Chuini Spa places emphasis on the surroundings in its layout – the therapy rooms are open to the environment. While being pampered with a massage, pedicure, manicure, or facial, the island breeze can be felt, and the ocean heard.

Ocean Adventures

Just a few steps away from Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge is the beach, and from here numerous activities can be launched for those who want to explore the ocean. If guests would prefer to stay above the surface, big game fishing, boat cruises, as well as kayaking and paddle boarding are available. For those who wish to get more up close and personal with the ocean residents, there are fantastic scuba diving and snorkelling spots to explore.

The Fare of the Spice Island

The history of Zanzibar is deeply rooted in spices – hence its nickname, “The Spice Island”. The island nation became a major producer of spices in the 18th century, with countries around the world craving cloves, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and cardamom.

This rich history of spices has not been forgotten, and has translated into modern age local cuisine.

Due to the international influences on traditional cuisine, local fare is varied and exciting. At Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge, guests can experience Swahili dishes. The resort lays out three course meals, and places an emphasis on local flavours. To start a meal, traditional Swahili sweet bread is brought to the table; starters include meat and vegetable skewers coated in fragrant spices along with samosas. For mains, fish curry in coconut masala is one

of the specialities of the kitchen.

Wherever the dinners are held – whether around the pool looking out to the ocean, or in a palace ruin – it is a romantic, candlelit affair.

Accommodation

Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge comprises 12 bungalows and one villa ideal for travelling families. All feature touches of local décor, and draping nets around kingsize beds wrapped in crisp linen, and light, bright ambiances.

The Honeymoon Suite is the perfect choice for couples. It is set apart from the other bungalows to ensure utmost privacy, and includes a wooden deck shaded by a tree growing right through it, and access to the beach is just steps away. Should a couple wish to have a private dinner, it can be set up on their balcony.

Mixing the allure of Zanzibar with historical wonder, Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge has pride of place in one of the best island destinations in the world.

For more information, visit newmarkhotels.com.