Destination Unknown
Aline Coquelle’s favourite addresses in Zanzibar, excerpted from her new book
STONE TOWN HOTELS
EMERSON
During your stay at Emerson, get lost in its secret garden while enjoying a coffee at Emerson On Hurumzi. Don’t miss the authentic Swahili dinner at the Emerson Tea House held on the impressive rooftop terrace, which offers a breathtaking 360-degree view. emersonspice.com; emersonhurumzi.com
JAFFERJI HOUSE
If you prefer an intimate teatime then look no further than the patio of Jafferji House, located in the heart of Stone Town jafferjihouse.net
SERENA ZANZIBAR
A timeless oasis in the city that offers the best view of the Indian Ocean, accompanied by warm Swahili hospitality. Don’t miss the aperitifs at sunset with live taarab music and a seafood dinner under the stars. serenahotels.com
RESTAURANTS & BARS
LIVINGSTONE CAFÉ Imagine your bare feet in the sand, some grilled fish, cocktails, excellent live music, all with the sunset in the background every Friday and Saturday and you have the Livingstone Café in Shangani.
LUKMAAN
If you’re going on a trip to the market, consider stopping by Lukmaan, a popular Swahili lunch spot that offers fresh exotic juices.
STONETOWN CAFÉ
Great for healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners. stonetowncafe.com
TAPERIA
Patrons come for the tapas and wine and stay for the live music and dancing every Friday just above the Shangani Post office.
THE SEYYIDA HOTEL
If a scenic sunset is what you seek, try having a drink on the unforgettable rooftop of The Seyyida Hotel, or for something with a Rasta vide, head to the floating bar at Dreamer’s Island. theseyyida-zanzibar.com
6 DEGREE
Head to the top-floor terrace at 6 Degree on Fridays and Saturdays, don’t forget to stop by the Forodhani Garden for an impressive night market offering local foods, sugarcane juices and coconut waters. 6degreessouth.co.tz
DHOW ESCAPES
THE SAFARI BLUE
If you’re looking to snorkel and relax in the natural sandbanks while snacking on an exotic picnic, book a private sailing dhow with The Safari Blue. safariblue.net
NAKUPENDA ISLES SAFARI & SUNSET DHOW CRUISE
One can travel along the coastline of Stone Town or out to sandbanks while enjoying live music and cocktails (perfect for a romantic date or for a night out with friends) or take a trip with the young sailing expert Rahim Saggaf. zanzibarfree@yahoo.com; vanorazanzibar.com
ISLANDS & RESORTS
&BEYOND MNEMBA ISLAND A private island that makes us believe in the existence of paradise and is also working tirelessly to reverse extinctions locally. The resort boasts several sea turtle conservation projects as well as a re-introduction and breeding programme for Aders’s duiker and suni antelope, while also offering activities such as diving, snorkelling, kayaking, yoga, fishing and relaxing—with amazing cuisine to match. andbeyond.com
CASADAMARE
A dedicated dream staff will ensure your stay is nothing short of perfect. It is an exquisite piece of heaven owned by a delightful Italian couple, and run by the incomparable Sara and Andrea. casadamarezanzibar.com
CHOLE MJINI
An eco-tree house boasting a starry sky every evening, flickering candles, great company and the opportunity to truly immerse oneself in nature, is the main attraction here. cholemjini.com
FUNDU LAGOON RESORT This resort in Pemba is where one can end up lost in the beautiful scenery and experience an idyllic marine safari. A world-class diving centre allows visitors to literally dive right into the island’s breathtaking nautical scenery, while numerous other aquatic activities, such as game fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding are also offered on-site. fundulagoon.com
KILINDI
It was originally designed for Benny Andersson of Abba fame, and sits on 50 acres of tropical gardens dotted with white-domed pavilion guest rooms. elewancollection.com
MAFIA ISLAND MARINE PARK AND RESERVE
It aims to develop responsible tourism in the area and bring real benefits to the community through support for wildlife conservation. mafiaisland.com
MWANI BEACH
For a unique insight into the lives of the women of Zanzibar, who combine traditional and modern techniques to produce magical organic skincare products by natural means, don’t forget to visit the seaweed plantations at Mwani Beach, founded by the magnificent Klaartje Schade.
PEMBA LODGE
Founded by the sailor Nassor S Ali Maharouky on Shamiani Island, Pemba Lodge is eco-friendly, rustic and remote; getting there is half the fun, by sailing through surrounding magical waters—a must for backpackers. pembalodge.com
THE AIYANA RESORT & SPA With a name that translates to “everblooming,”
Aiyana Resort & Spa is a beautiful, extravagant resort located on Makangale Beach, in a sublime tropical garden. theaiyana.com
UPENDO
In Michamvi, Upendo has lovely villas and a fashion concept store that offers Sunday brunches as well as live music, all of which serving as a stylish oasis with delicious food. upwendo.zanzibar.com
ZURI & MAUA WELLNESS, HOLISTIC SPA
A marvellous ecological hot spot with sublime villas overlooking a sprawling white-sand beach. zurizanzibar.com