On the South Eastern coast of the exotic island of Zanzibar lies this exclusive property with only six beautiful villa suites that combines effortless elegance and exclusivity with Zanzibari sophistication. The Palms is an oasis…..where rustling coconut palms, white powder sand and the warm waves of the Indian Ocean combine to create a stunning private setting for the discerning traveler. For any small group, this is an idyllic spot to stay in Zanzibar. It is intimate and private, yet some of the facilities of its larger sister properties may be utilised, if desired.
The Palms provides a range of beautifully appointed facilities reflecting the warmth and character of the local architecture. Overlooking the beach, each villa has its own private palm-thatched “banda” that shelter private day beds and carved sun loungers to provide intimate beachfront privacy.
The tiered swimming pool of tiled blue Mosaic complements the poolside loggia with a driftwood bar, shaded by mangrove poles and tumbling bougainvillea.
The elegant colonnaded terrace of The Plantation House leads into the spice-inspired bar, onto the antique-elegant dining room where fabrics change daily from rust coloured silks to crisp white linens.
But there is more to do here than simply lie on the beach. Don’t miss a visit to the habitat of the red Colobus Monkey, or exotic and bustling Stonetown, rich in colonial and cultural history. You can visit a Spice Plantation, to discover the many spices that brought wealth to the Island. And of course, the snorkeling and scuba diving is phenomenal.
The fusion of cultures in Zanzibar has created an exotic cuisine, which blends spices and flavours featuring the best of the island’s produce. Zanzibar lobster is a plentiful and regular feature. The spices of the island provides an exotic side to the cuisine.
The Palms is a sanctuary for those in search of tranquility…a place to stimulate the senses, to restore the body, and to learn about this interesting island
VILLAS
The Palms has six villas, each over 140 square meters with a bedroom, living room, full en suite bathroom, dressing room, extra room with its own en suite bathroom & large furnished terrace with views of the Indian Ocean.
Each villa features a sophisticated interior composition in all colours of coffee and cream, where filmy caramel-coloured curtains billow, dark grained polished floors extend and the decor is a unique marriage of colonial grandeur and traditional design. On the veranda, a silk-draped four-poster Zanzibar Bed accents a sunken, midnight blue plunge pool with long views of the Indian Ocean.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
* Private Outdoor Plunge Pool
* Satellite TV & DVD player
* Mini Bar
* Safe deposit box
* Standing bar with tea / coffee making services
* Telephone
* Air conditioning
The following services are included during your stay: breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, soft drinks, mineral water, juices and a selection of in house spirits and wines. There are a wide selection of other wines & spirits, which are available at a charge. There is also a snack menu available in your room, which is available at a charge.
In accordance with the local culture of Zanzibar and out of respect for the local people, please note that it is illegal to sunbathe topless. In this context guests are requested not to walk around the reception or restaurant areas in swimsuits only. The dress code for dinner is smart casual and gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers and shoes.
In an effort to preserve the fragile marine environment, Zanzibar law strictly prohibits the collection of shells or corals from the sea or reef. Please help them to protect their natural resources!
Sports & Marine Activities
Guests receive a Breezes Beach Club & Spa membership card upon check in, which allows them to use all the Marine Activities and Fitness Center facilities at Breezes Beach Club & Spa, the adjacent facility under the same ownership, free of charge. This includes pedal boats, windsurfing, canoes, snorkeling, reef shoes, gym and tennis court. At the Spa, traditional henna painting & hair braiding is also available at a charge.
Scuba Diving Center
The Rising Sun Dive Center is one of the most famous on the Island and provides instruction in Italian, French, English & German and administers courses for beginners and advanced divers. Discovery Dives and Dive Packages are also offered.
The Sanctuary Spa & Frangipani Spa, Breezes Beach Club & Spa
Having opened the first professional spa on the Island of Zanzibar, guests are invited to experience a wide range of treatments and massages in a beautiful setting.
The Sanctuary is the first and only Spa on the Island of Zanzibar. The Palms was the pioneer of luxury accommodation in the region and The Sanctuary is an extension of this concept. In this beautiful & private setting, guests can enjoy a variety of treatments and therapies, which are aimed at relieving the negative impacts of a modern lifestyle such as stress and exhaustion.
Offering a selection of treatments and massages drawing on contemporary Western & exotic Oriental techniques, The Sanctuary has added an additional touch of luxury and pampering to a stay at The Palms. The private ocean front spa is decorated in relaxed tones with beautiful details reflecting the Zanzibar heritage.
The professional therapist has expert knowledge in a wide range of specialized massage techniques as well as treatments of the face, hands and feet. A variety of facial treatments including hydration, anti‑stress, restoring and firming action will ensure that you feel relaxed and rejuvenated by the end of your stay. Special hand and feet treatments using natural extracts and balms are a wonderful way to unwind.
Therapeutic and relaxing massage techniques using essential oils and extracts for aromatherapy induce stress‑relief and reduce tension. Natural skin care products of the highest quality only are utilized in the treatments. These treatments, together with a wide array of specialised massage techniques will stimulate the senses and allow a complete relaxation of body & mind.
CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The Library features a wonderful selection of historical and educational books on Zanzibar and is a comprehensive resource on the History of Zanzibar and East Africa. There are also a great selection of books with information on animals, trees, spices and fish relative to the Island and East Africa.
Classes can be organised “under the Palm trees” featuring Mwalimu (teacher) giving Swahili classes and lessons on the History of Zanzibar. Guests can also learn Palm weaving on the beach
Cooking classes are organized regularly where guests learn to prepare some classical Swahili dishes with our excellent chefs who discuss the local spices and their use and importance.
Aside from the Tours and Excursions that are offered at our Guest Relations Desk, The Palms features a selection of activities designed to explore the area and interact with the community
EXPLORING ZANZIBAR
The Mangrove Forest and Dhow Trip
The day begins with a leisurely cruise around the mangroves in a traditional Swahili Dhow where the guides will show the guests some of the abundant marine and wildlife thriving in these forests. After the visit to the mangroves the guests are instructed on how to hand line fish as it has been done on the island for hundreds of years. This is just one small way that the reefs and marine life are preserved on the island as there is no trolling, dynamiting or mass fishing. The boats do not anchor but rather drift with the currents whilst the guests fish. The guest’s catch is then brought back to the hotel and after a short meeting with our chef, prepared for their dinner that evening.
A visit to our local village of Bwejuu:
Guests pay $20 for the trip and Baraza provides the transport and tour free of charge with all proceeds going to our charity Baraza for Bwejuu. Guests have the opportunity to visit the local school, dispensary, and mosque, have a soda in the village and take a walk through a typical Zanzibari fishing village. All the proceeds of this trip go to our charity Baraza for Bwejuu which is engaged in giving back to the village.
Reef Safari:
At low tide, guests are able to go for a reef safari where they take a walk out to our coral reef and see the spectacular marine life. Guests will be accompanied by a member of staff out on the coral shelf in front of the hotel and will point out many of the juvenile fish that seek refuge in the shallow waters at low tide. The guests will listen to how the coral itself is vital to the island and its inhabitants as well as information about the sea life they encounter.
World Renowned Diving:
The Zanzibar Archipelago features some of the best diving in the world and Baraza offers diving with the only National Geographic affiliated Diving Center in Zanzibar.
Turtle Rescue Program:
The Rising Sun which is based in Baraza founded a very successful Turtle Rescue program to discourage local capture of turtles where they pay local fishermen to bring live turtles to our beach. They are then and marked and released back in the ocean.
Stone Town:
Baraza organizes Educational visits to The World Heritage site of Stone Town, viewing of historic Spice Plantations, the slave chambers, Maruhubi baths and Prison Island on the island of Zanzibar.
Jozani Forest:
25 minutes away is the Jozani Forest: home to the Red Colobus Monkey which is indigenous to Zanzibar and only found on the island.