Zuri Zanzibar Review: Experience Luxury in Paradise!

The luxurious Zuri Zanzibar resort is located in Kendwa, on the northwestern tip of the tropical African island of Zanzibar, Tanzania.

“Zuri” means beautiful in the local language of Swahili, and it’s utterly appropriate here. This beautiful resort has been pampering guests since 2018.

The resort spans 30 acres of lush gardens and beaches, with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. From the moment of your arrival, you’ll slip into the oceanside utopia as though you were born to it.

By the time you’ve seen a stunning sunset, spent a blissful night in your cloud-like bed, and woken up to the sounds of the island, you’ll never want to leave.

Zuri Zanzibar

Zuri Zanzibar really is an idyllic paradise. The setting itself is perfect, on about 300 metres of beachfront on the western shore of the island.

Unlike many other Zanzibar beaches, the location of the Zuri Zanzibar means that the tide does not affect the beach. The water is always nice and close, so you never have to walk too far to soak your toes in the sea.

Aside from the tropical gardens, the spectacular beach, and the spa treatments that you should not miss, the staff is also beyond incredible. These are people who care that your stay is a dream come true. You’ll find yourself smiling whenever you see one of them.

And not just because of the wide and welcoming smile they will always have for you.

The Rooms

This may seem like it should be a straightforward subject, but Zuri Zanzibar makes it an extraordinary one.

You can choose between 56 accommodations – maybe a bungalow or a suite with a sea view. You might opt for an interconnected room or one with a hot tub.

All these spaces are decorated with traditional African textiles and natural materials. Woven grasses, carved wood, and upcycled artifacts abound.

In addition, many items, from the bath products to the window treatments, have been sourced from local creators. You can feel good knowing that in supporting Zuri Zanzibar, you are supporting local communities.

Once you’ve spent some time on Zanzibar and have met some of the lovely people in these communities, this will mean a lot to you!

All options come with a long list of complimentary conveniences, and each one feels utterly private, hidden in its own jungle.

Rest assured, whatever your requirements or desires, this resort has your perfect accommodation.

The Bungalows:

• These are individual, self-contained units, surrounded by gardens that you can enjoy on your private terrace. The terrace flows on into the exquisite indoor sleeping area, cooled with an eco-friendly cooling system.
  
  There is even an indoor/outdoor shower. A bungalow will accommodate 2 adults in 1 king-size or 2 single beds.

• Or you could choose a bungalow with an adjoining unit. Each unit includes the same amenities and luxuries as a single bungalow, such as private terraces.
  
  But the units will be interconnected by a door on each unit and a very short hallway.

• A third bungalow option is a single bungalow with a private hot tub tucked away down a path in the garden.

The Suites

• A Jacuzzi Suite has separate sleeping and living rooms and can accommodate up to 3 adults. Suites are furnished with both indoor and outdoor showers.
  
  And, of course, you will have a hot tub, as well as private terraces off the living area and the bedroom. In addition, you will have access to a semi-private beach.

• An Ocean Front Suite is similar to the Jacuzzi Suite, but this one is just steps away from the beach and the balmy Indian Ocean.

The Villas

These are absolutely your dream home away from home. You can choose between 3 styles of villas.

• The Ocean-Front or Garden Two Bedroom Villa. In these villas, you will have private hot tubs, terraces, and butler service. Each sleeps 4 adults, with an optional additional bed for a child for a fee.
  
  The Ocean-Front villas contain a kitchen corner in the living room, while a Garden Villa has a fully equipped kitchen and office nook.

• If you’re travelling with family or friends, you’ll find the Ocean-Front Three Bedroom Villa ideal. This villa also features a hot tub, as well as a game room, kitchen, infinity pool and private beach.
  
  It can accommodate up to 6 adults, with the option of up to 2 child beds for a fee.

✷ One caveat – the units are very private, and you may certainly feel like you’re alone in a jungle. BUT the jungle is not soundproof. Musical events in the evenings, for example, can be heard around the property.

Noise from the restaurants, and even neighbouring hotels, may be heard at Zuri accommodations. Just be aware.

🌍 Read more about Tanzania:  17+ Awe-Inspiring Reasons to Visit Tanzania

Zuri Zanzibar Amenities

It would be much quicker to list what is not offered at Zuri Zanzibar, than attempt to include all of the amenities available. Here is a brief summary:

Your Wellness Options

Zuri is not only a blissful vacation spot, but can also be the wellness retreat you’ve always dreamed of. Yoga classes, meditation, and mindful walking are just the beginning of the journey.

Take a few classes, a couple of walks, or fully immerse yourself in awakening your consciousness. The choice is yours.

Meet with Claudia, the wellness manager, to discuss your goals, or just drop in at the indoor or outdoor gym when you need to get your blood pumping. There’s no better setting for a workout.

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Dining and Cocktail Options

Zuri Zanzibar features 3 separate dining experiences. You can choose to eat poolside at Maisha with its mix of Indian Ocean and Southern European foods. Think seafood, curries, and wine.

Relax at the beach with umbrella drinks or smoothies, and a selection of delicious nibbles. Or go big at Upendo, the resort’s main restaurant.

Upendo looks out over the property, and you can enjoy the spectacle of chefs as they make your meal while you watch.

Each restaurant has its own bar, and there is also a private beach bar for guests in the villas. I love this!

Activities and Indulgences

Most activities that can be done on the island of Zanzibar can be done here, without ever leaving the resort. From diving and snorkelling to sailing and kayaking, all of the gear you need can be found in Zuri’s watersport centre.

Spend an afternoon of indulgence with a simple massage – or combine yours with a moisturizing wrap or body polish. Or, if you only have a short time before your yoga class, treat yourself to a relaxing mani/pedi.

If you feel like exploring more of the island, the amazing resort staff can arrange any outing for you.

🐠 Read more about diving in Tanzania:  The Best Dive Sites in Tanzania

Sustainability

Zuri supports a host of community projects and businesses, and they encourage guests to bring items that can be used by local people.

From school supplies and hygiene items to books and craft tools, there are a myriad of ways that you can contribute.

The resort also uses local businesses and craftspeople throughout its property. For example, the guest bathrooms contain locally-made amenities created from Zanzibar-grown seaweed.

These items can be purchased to take home from the gift shop, too.

You’ll find many more examples of their efforts during your stay, and even more if you take a moment to chat with the staff. You might hear about Zuri’s contributions to community education or their “Keep Kendwa Clean” project, Zanrec.

They make it easy to indulge ourselves in luxury, while still feeling like we might be helping to make the world a little better.

Summing It Up – Zuri Zanzibar Review

If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar, you can’t go wrong with the elegant and authentic Zuri Zanzibar. Even if you’d love an amazing tropical getaway but aren’t sure where you’d like to land, Zuri is highly recommended.

Or, you might need a follow-up to an epic safari, or an escape from the rest of the world. Whatever kind of holiday you want to take – lazy indulgence, snorkelling fun, wellness retreat-like. You’ll find what you’re looking for on the north end of Zanzibar.

Happy travels!

Read more about travelling to Africa:

➦ Dream Destinations: Spectacular Tanzania Beaches
➦ 5 Hidden Gems: Tanzania Off The Beaten Path
➦ Find the South Africa Luxury Tour of Your Dreams
➦ Find Your Dream Destination in Africa
➦ Travel Resources

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