Highlights

  • Dine on just-caught seafood over the water
  • Treat yourself to a spa treatment
  • Relax on your private terrace
  • Sip cocktails by the infinity pool

Capped by the tallest makuti thatched roof on Zanzibar, the Essque Zalu combines bold tradition with contemporary élan, offering everything from all-suite accommodation to innovative spa treatments and an oversized infinity pool. The dining is a further highlight, spread over three venues, including one particularly enticing offering that spreads out over the water. It all enjoys a secluded setting, perched above a near-private cove beach and just a short reach from a lively village.


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In more detail

The all-suite rooms are superb, all neatly combining minimalist-chic furnishings with Swahili accents in the form of wooden chests and exposed timber beams. While all enjoy gorgeous private-garden settings with sitting areas shaded by giant palm fronds, those with sea views are particular favourites, more like small, independent villas. For the real deal, look to one of the multi-room Residences, which feature their own private spas and plunge pools.

If the next-door beach isn’t enough, you’ll want to spend your time sipping cocktails by the giant infinity pool; it’s become something of a resort icon. Alternatively, book into the spa, where treatments range from body wraps to Indian head massages and bespoke facials. For those who want to get active, look no further than the water-sports on offer. The snorkelling, diving and kayaking are special highlights. Otherwise, pay a visit to a local village and spice farm, or go out in search of the island’s giant tortoises and red colobus monkeys.

However, it’s perhaps the dining that stands out most. Along with the light snacks on offer at the two bars, the Market Kitchen dishes up everything from just-caught seafood to breads straight from the oven. The aforementioned Jetty, though, is the highlight. Lunging out over the azure Zanazbari waters, you’ll be able to dine on perfectly grilled steaks and lobster as the sun dips below the horizon. Inspired? Book onto a Tanzanian cookery class, held in a delightfully rustic thatched-roof house.

 

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Suggested itineraries

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Rwandan gorilla trekking & Zanzibar beach

11 days from £8,875 pp incl. flights

Pair a beach getaway on the spice island of Zanzibar with one of the world’s greatest wildlife encounters, enjoying luxury stays, expert-led tours and gourmet dining throughout.

Get in touch and let a personal travel consultant help book your bespoke holiday

Enquire

Get in touch and let a personal travel consultant help book your bespoke holiday

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