Is Zanzibar included on your travel agenda

Unguja, also known as Zanzibar Island, is the main island in the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar: a beautiful slice of heaven located in the Indian Ocean 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania, boasting soft sand, white beaches and shimmering azure waters – a breath-taking place to escape from the world.   With tourism on the increase and the improved popularity of Zanzibar as a holiday destination, and, more recently, an investment opportunity, you would be remiss not to add this island to your travel agenda (or investment portfolio).

The many beautiful hotels dotted along the coastline cater for leisure and holiday-makers, corporate and conference groups, incentive and domestic travellers catering to any pocket and with many more hotels, resorts and spas under construction and planned for, the area promises to become the destination of choice for any and all travellers.

Zanzibar is so much more than romantic coastlines and sunsets, she is an island rich in culture with great diversity in wildlife – plenty to see and do and a kaleidoscope of sights, smells, tastes, touch and sounds to fuel the soul.  Known as the spice island, Zanzibar’s Spice Tour is a feast for the senses, taking you to a variety of small farms in the rural area to sample vanilla, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, aniseed, bay leaves, chili, coriander, ginger, turmeric, lemon grass and other spices as well as farms that grow tropical fruits (such as Jackfruit and soda soda berries), medicinal and ornamental plants.

Owner of the 106-roomed Hotel Verde Zanzibar – Azam Luxury Resort & Spa which opened on 21 March 2018, Mr Said Salim Awadh Bakhresa said that he chose this particular piece of paradise due to the increasing popularity of the area as a holiday destination and to fulfil his vision of becoming a leader in building East Africa’s greenest hotel and promoting responsible tourism.  With his deep roots in the community, he added that he wants to give back and contribute to tourism and job creation in a positive way.

He went on to say that by commissioning Verde Hotels, a sustainable hotel management company, he was able to incorporate and employ green building elements, strategies and practices that will benefit the environment, the locals and guests.  By sourcing from local suppliers – from food, to staff, amenities and logistics – they are able to support the community, the economy and responsible tourism.

The hotel is situated 2km from the popular and ever-developing Stone Town where African tradition combines with Persian, Indian, Arab and European influences in the historic buildings, architecture and spectacularly carved wooden doors.   The island has an incredible history so be sure to make time to visit the National Museum, the town market, The Old Fort and Cultural Centre, Hamamni Persian Baths or the Old Dispensary, Sultan Palace, The House of Wonders, the old Slave Market or any one of the fifty-one beautiful mosques.

So whatever your reason for visiting her shores, be it for health and wellness, water sports, to attend a wedding or conference, indulge in a romantic getaway, take time out with the family or to experience the food, culture and wildlife, you are hard-pressed to find something Zanzibar cannot offer – it’s the exciting thing to do.

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