Beach
Set on Stone Town's beachfront, the chic Park Hyatt opened in 2015, so you can expect the very best quality. The hotel comprises two buildings. The first, Mambo Msiige, is a modernised typical mid-18th-century Zanzibari residence, with architecture that fuses Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements and rooms that centre around a cool, peaceful courtyard. The second, an annex called the Zamani Residence, is a new building designed to blend the old and modern. It's a romantic, elegant place to stay, with friendly staff, authentic cuisine amd all the facilities you need to make a holiday spectacular.
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This hotel blends the best features of a beach resort with those of a top city hotel. The communal areas are spacious and cool, with unique artworks from Africa, Asia, the Arabian Peninsula and Europe. Breakfast is a buffet affair, with a wide choice, and several restaurants in the Zamani Residence offer a range of menus, sophisticated to casual, but all extremely good. There's a welcoming lounge, library, a veranda, a spa and pool. Sea views and wi-fi throughout.
The 67 guest rooms (including 11 suites) are spacious and faultlessly designed, with comfortable netted beds, en-suite bathroom with tub, shower, bidet and free toiletries. There's cable TV (if you have the time!), a minibar and all the other facilities you'd expect from a hotel of this calibre. We recommend the ocean-front rooms for their spectacular views and the suites for their balconies, sitting rooms and rain showers.
Get lost in Stone Town's winding alleyways, gazing at the ornately carved doors and visiting the bustling markets and restaurants. Don't miss the Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort, Old Dispensary, House of Wonders and Palace Museum. Head to sea and snorkel, scuba dive, go dolphin watching or deep-sea fishing (the chefs will prepare your catch). Have lunch on a sandbank, test your kitesurfing skills, head for the golf course, swim in the pool or enjoy sundowners on a dhow.
The interiors are swishy and cool and stepping through the glass door is a welcome reprieve from the madness of Stone Town on a hot day.
Come hungry - the breakfast buffet is a sight to behold!
This is by far the most modern home in Stone Town and culture vultures may feel they are missing out on the city's rich heritage.
A time capsule in Zanzibar's capital with a head-turning maze of unique architecture and history.
