The Essque Zalu Zanzibar Hotel : At the northernmost tip of Zanzibar, near the settlement of Nungwi, is a peaceful, modern luxury resort with thatched bungalows facing a sandy beach. The Essque Zalu Zanzibar is a huge luxury hotel located on the island’s northern tip, with views of the Indian Ocean. The resort’s architecture is stunning, and its beautiful gardens are meticulously maintained. The interiors are simple yet stylish. There are 40 suites and nine three- and four-bedroom villas, all of which are spacious and enjoy spectacular views of the sea. The dining is excellent, and while there is no permanent sandy beach, there is a large pool and a jetty. Beach bums, on the other hand, should head to the adjacent Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort or the Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa in Paje.
LOCATION
At Zanzibar’s northernmost tip, the hotel is situated on a rocky natural cove with a calm tidal beach. Despite its remoteness, the nicer beaches of Kendwa and the busy area of Nungwi are only a 10-minute drive away, and the airport is only 90 minutes away. Transfers are available upon request, and a free daily shuttle service to Kendwa is also available.
STYLE AND CHARACTER.
With the highest makuti thatched roof on the island and a long private jetty going far out to sea, this modern hotel makes a dramatic statement. The cool marble flooring and sleek furniture inside the reception spill out into the enormous infinity pool. Even when the hotel is fully booked, there is plenty of space and privacy. The remote hotel isn’t exactly bursting with local character, but it does feel like its own realm, allowing guests to completely escape reality.
SERVICE AND FACILITIES.
The impeccable, polite, and personal service exemplifies the legendary Zanzibari hospitality. From the front desk to room service, friendly employees remember your name and preferences and are always willing to talk if you want to. The Healing Earth Spa offers treatments in individual rooms utilizing natural herbs and oils, as well as a steam room and a small gym, while an on-site PADI dive center organizes snorkeling expeditions, sea kayaking, and kitesurfing. The property’s crowning asset is the enormous and welcoming infinity pool at the center. Parking, restaurant, bar, laundry, room service, pool, sauna, spa, Wi-Fi, steam room/hammam, kids’ club, and beach are all available.
ROOMS
Throughout the manicured gardens, there are a total of 40 suites and eight villas. The sea view and beachfront suites are more like small, self-contained villas, and the Garden View suites, which are housed in two-story structures, are best for families. The villas with three or four bedrooms are located on the opposite side of the property.
All of the rooms are furnished in subdued, neutral tones, with Swahili elements such as wooden chests and vaulted ceilings coexisting with more minimalist, European-style furnishings. Palm fronds and banana trees provide shade from the view of other visitors in the outside seating spaces. The mosquito-netted four-poster beds are large enough to get lost in, yet shockingly hard. The bathrooms are spacious, featuring double sinks, walk-in showers, and bidets, which are unique to Zanzibar. Standard amenities include air conditioning, a safe, a hairdryer, a refrigerator, a kettle, television, and Wi-Fi.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
The main Market Kitchen restaurant might need a little more personality, but the food is fantastic, with fluffy waffles and decadent chocolate crepes for breakfast and fragrant curries, fresh fish, and Italian-style sweets for dinner. Try a private dinner experience or a Swahili cooking session with Chef Rose Mosha at the on-site studio. At high tide, the Jetty restaurant, which sits over the water, serves basic grilled seafood meals and is the ideal spot for the obligatory sundowner with a spectacular view of the coastline.
FEATURES
Excellent restaurants, a spectacular sea-view pool, and a luxurious spa. The resort includes three restaurants: an international set-menu restaurant; a rustic Market Kitchen with home-style cooking; and a restaurant and bar located at the end of the hotel’s long jetty. Dining on the island is often regarded as some of the best. The hotel’s two-tiered, infinity-edge pool is equally stunning, with sea views, a central whirlpool tub, and poolside bar service; multi-colored underwater lighting makes it especially appealing at night. There’s also a luxurious spa with six treatment rooms, a fitness center, a sauna, and an aromatherapy steam room, and a kids’ club with a dedicated staff that organizes everything from babysitting to creative activities.
WEDDINGS AND EVENTS AT THE HOTEL
You’ll find an inspiring place and people with a vision and creativity to make your event a perfect and memorable one, with exotic gardens, turquoise waters, a holistic spa, spacious accommodations, and mouthwatering cuisine. Zanzibar itself is romantic enough without any embellishments, with lingering golden sunsets, sublime weather, and a stunning coastline for the backdrop to a perfectly relaxed and memorable day. All of this contributes to a peaceful and happy marriage.
You are welcome to bring your own music or hire a DJ at Essque. Before spending your wedding night in one of the hotel exquisite suites or villas and embarking on the honeymoon of a lifetime, guests can dance the night away on a dance floor erected directly on the beachfront, surrounded by softly glowing lanterns.
ACTIVITIES OFFERED BY THE HOTEL
Do you require/need some exercise? Take a trip to the outdoor gym to stretch those tired limbs on the treadmill or flex those muscles on the cross-trainer. Looking for a thrill? Waterskiing, wakeboarding, banana boats, and fly fishing are just a few of the watersport activities available at Essque Zalu Zanzibar.
Alternatively, book a deep sea fishing charter boat from Nungwi for a game fishing adventure in Zanzibar’s waters. You’ll be on a well-equipped fishing boat with a knowledgeable crew. Do you want to relax? Salute the sun with a yoga session on the beach, a dip in the large infinity pool, or a spa treatment. Take a trip through the Essque Zalu Zanzibar gallery, which features paintings, sculptures, glassworks, and photography by local and regional artists. Step onto the deck of a traditional dhow as night falls, order a sundowner, and cruise into the African-Zanzibar sunset.
