Baraza Resort & Spa

Baraza Resort & Spa is a grand ultra-romantic resort on the south-eastern coast of Zanzibar. It offers the best of both worlds - the charm, style and romance of the East (when Istanbul was still called Constantinople) complemented by modern comfort and design. And it is decadent! It has private plunge pools, lush yet spacious gardens blazing with bougainvilleas, and intricate Swahili style.

The pictures below give the impression of gold everywhere but this is deceptive. The overwhelming impression is of spaciousness, white walls and shade curtains swaying in the breeze, expanses of green lawn and a magnificent turquoise swimming pool. If you have deep pockets and want to treat yourself, Baraza is the perfect place!

One of great aspects of this part of the eastern coast of Zanzibar - shared by Baraza, The Palms and Breezes -  is that even when the tide is out, the protected lagoon inside the coral reef keeps some of its water so that you always have a sea view, even if the sea is very shallow at low tide. Given this high tidal range, at low tide you can walk for miles in specially provided sandals, up to the edge of the coral reef. At high tide, you can dive straight into silky waters outside your front door.

Accommodation

There are 14 one bedroom villas, 15 two bedroom villas, and a two bedroom Presidential Villa. All the villas are decorated in the same style with classic Swahili architecture with dramatic arches and intricate hand carved decoration. Hand-carved furniture, brass lanterns and palatial bathrooms are the order of the day at all the villas.

The 14 one bedroom villas (148sqm) at Baraza Resort have either Ocean Front or Ocean View locations. Personally we think it's worth paying a little extra for the Ocean Front villas to get that full-on sea view. Each has a bedroom with en suite bathroom, walk in dressing room, living room, TV, CD Player, day bed, minibar, tea/coffee facilities, small garden area, terrace with sun loungers and a private plunge pool.

The two bedroom villas (193sqm) at Baraza Resort are ideal for families. They are decorated in exactly the same style but with a master bedroom and a second bedroom with en suite shower room. (The Sultans Villas are slightly closer to the sea but none have a full-on sea view so we are not sure that its worth paying the extra.)

The Presidential Villa is an impressive 254sqm with two master bedrooms. It boasts a spectacular sea front view, swimming pool and you can walk straight out onto a private area of beach which is reserved for you.

Facilities

The Baraza Spa is lovely - a serene oasis featuring its own lap pool, indoor and outdoor relaxation rooms, the Sultans Bath House (for Baraza's signature treatment for two) as well as a yoga room and fitness centre. The relaxation room may make you feel like you are an extra in Aladdin's nights!

The Water Club is located on the beach front, and offers wind surfing, kite surfing and sailing. They also offer a great snorkeling trip to the reef only 10 minutes drive away. Alternatively you can take some complimentary snorkeling gear and swim out to the reef which edges their beach.

Other facilities at Baraza Resort include a library, a selection of restaurants and bars, its own upmarket 'bazaar' shop as well as the very well equipped Baraza Kids Club with its own splash pool ideal for younger children.

Diving at Baraza Resort & Spa

The Dive Centre at Baraza Resort is the only PADI 5* Gold Palm and National Geographic Dive Centre in Zanzibar. There's a 65km reef just a mile offshore so diving is an excellent option at Baraza Resort.