Following our stay at Riu Jambo, we proceeded to our planned second hotel: Gold Zanzibar. This 5-star establishment truly embodied the Zanzibari style, immersing us in the African experience with its fusion of African, Arabic, and contemporary architecture, complemented by African music playing in the background. Distinct from our previous hotel, Gold Zanzibar is not an all-inclusive resort.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted with refreshing towels and welcome drinks. To our delight, we discovered that we had been upgraded to the room of our dreams, a spacious 90-square-meter accommodation with direct pool access. It was an exquisite sight to behold!
The hotel grounds were equally impressive, adorned with lush greenery, palm trees, and vibrant flowers (although it is worth noting that Riu Jambo also boasted similar natural beauty). The key distinctions between the two hotels lay in Gold Zanzibar’s more pronounced Zanzibari style, its smaller and more serene atmosphere devoid of evening shows (with the exception of a live band during dinner), and its clientele, which seemed to prefer tranquility over indulgence in alcoholic beverages.
I found Gold Zanzibar to be a more luxurious experience overall. While I don’t mean to disregard the quality of Riu Jambo, there were certain aspects that were missing at Riu Jambo (as mentioned in my previous post). The atmosphere at Gold Zanzibar had a distinct and authentic feel, unlike any other hotel I’ve visited. In comparison, Riu Jambo, being a typical Riu property, lacked the true essence of Zanzibar.
Rooms
The rooms at Gold Zanzibar were truly remarkable. Our assigned room exuded an authentic African ambiance, immersing us in the local culture. It was exceptionally spacious, measuring around 90 square meters, and featured comfortable seating areas, a grand bathroom with a bathtub and shower, and a canopy bed. The bathtub itself resembled a relic from a bygone era, delivering an extraordinary experience. Every essential amenity was provided, ensuring a luxurious stay. It’s worth noting that the distance from the bed to the bathroom was quite considerable, which may require some extra effort when navigating during the night. Furthermore, our room overlooked the enticing pool, offering a splendid view. While there may have been a higher category of rooms with private swimming pools located directly on the beach, we were genuinely satisfied with the splendid room we received, feeling like royalty from a different era.
Pools
Gold Zanzibar boasted a single, yet impressive, pool situated right in front of the beach. This pool was meticulously designed, featuring various spots with bubbling water and massage elements, enhancing the overall experience. Undoubtedly, the pool served as one of the hotel’s focal points, adorned with elegant loungers and surrounded by a picturesque landscape that exuded luxury, making guests feel like royalty. The showers, cleverly integrated into the natural surroundings, created a whimsical effect, resembling water flowing from trees. One particular aspect I appreciated was the convenience of obtaining fresh beach towels without the need for a cumbersome card system, which often incurs charges for lost cards or towels. At Gold Zanzibar, guests could acquire as many towels as needed, exchange them as desired, and leave them behind. Although some towels were not always pristine, and it was evident that they were due for replacement, I found this system more convenient than constantly carrying a small card and worrying about the towels disappearing.
Location
Gold Zanzibar is situated in Kendwa, offering convenient access to several restaurants and shops just beyond its premises. While not extravagant, these establishments provide opportunities to purchase souvenirs and groceries. Surprisingly, there was even a liquor store nearby, as well as a few decent restaurants. However, the nearest ATM was still quite a distance away, particularly considering the village’s heat and terrain. The hotel staff informed us that we could withdraw money at a local store nearby, albeit with a small commission. Unfortunately, the minimum withdrawal amount was $400, which exceeded our needs. Consequently, we ended up giving less in tips during our final days. This is an unfortunate consequence when ATMs have limited availability.
Beach
The beach at Gold Zanzibar is none other than the renowned Kendwa Beach, famous for its vast expanse of sand and lively party atmosphere, thanks to the nearby Kendwa Rock Hotel. I had eagerly anticipated visiting this beach, having heard about its beauty and spaciousness. However, there were both positive and negative aspects to consider. Firstly, the beach was indeed very wide, requiring a longer walk to reach the water. This characteristic could be seen as both advantageous and disadvantageous. On the positive side, it meant that vendors did not approach the sun loungers too closely, creating a more peaceful environment. The hotel provided several comfortable sun loungers on the beach, which were even more comfortable than my own bed at home. The beach service was exceptional, with attentive waiters like Stuart who took excellent care of us, preparing delightful passionfruit cocktails tailored to our preferences. The level of service here was truly outstanding. However, one thing that stood out in comparison to Riu Jambo was the absence of palm trees. The palm trees that lined the beach at Riu Jambo added to its idyllic atmosphere, whereas Kendwa Beach, being wider, lacked the same abundance. Nevertheless, the absence of low tides was a positive aspect. If you wished to have a dining experience outside the hotel, you could visit Kendwa Rocks, which is located right next door. Kendwa Rocks offers beachfront dining with a vibrant atmosphere. While it may not match the level of luxury found at Gold Zanzibar, it provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a meal with a picturesque sea view. It’s worth noting that Gold Zanzibar also offers a lovely beachfront restaurant, and I will provide more details on that later.
One minor downside was the presence of numerous boats in the water, compromising the view and emitting a strong gasoline smell. Unlike at Riu Jambo, where the boats were positioned farther away, here they made stops and served as departure points for tours, posing potential hazards for snorkeling. I had a snorkeling experience where I realized, upon exiting the water, that a local boat had come dangerously close to me, creating a potential risk. Therefore, I do not recommend snorkeling in this area, although you may have the opportunity to observe beautiful starfish and other sea creatures. It would be beneficial to have some sort of demarcation in the water, separating the swimming area from the boat zone to ensure safety and prevent accidents. I am unsure if the hotel provided any water activities, but neighbouring providers offered plenty of options.
Food and restaurants
The hotel offers two distinct dining options. The main restaurant, housed in a spacious thatched-roof hut, operates as a buffet-style eatery. On our first day, coincidentally a Saturday, a renowned Mauritian chef treated us to a delightful showcase of Mauritian and Indian cuisine, resulting in a truly memorable dining experience. The selection was impressive, featuring freshly prepared tuna steaks, beef steaks, octopus, large shrimps, crabs, and an assortment of pasta dishes. One highlight was the mouthwatering tuna tartare mixed with avocado, prepeared right in front of us.
We later discovered a separate chilled room dedicated to delectable desserts and starters, which regrettably we overlooked the first day. The array of options was extensive, and the flavors were exceptionally satisfying.
During dinner, a live band played, adding a pleasant atmosphere to the dining experience. While their performances varied in quality, it was always enjoyable to have live music as an accompaniment, adding a touch of vibrancy to the atmosphere.
The beachside restaurant, nestled within a building featuring a roof but no windows or walls, offered a stunning view of the beach on one side and the pool on the other. Whether we chose to dine inside the sheltered space or opt for a table on the sandy outdoors, the experience was simply delightful. Additionally, the beachside restaurant offered the option of exclusive paid tables set up on the sandy shore, complete with charming curtains and other romantic elements. However, for us, a simple table on the sand with a view of the beach and sea was more than sufficient.
The pasta with shrimps was a standout dish, as it was generously filled with plenty of shrimps, unlike some places in Warsaw where only three shrimps are served with the dish. The grilled lobster was also outstanding, although I personally prefer boiled lobster. The dish was undeniably flavorful, and the accompanying rice and tasty sauce complemented it perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised. To top it off, we enjoyed a glass of rosé wine, elevating our dining experience to new heights.
Bars and evening entertainment
The hotel had two bars, each with its own distinct style. The first bar had an Arabic design, evoking memories of Oman. The second bar, located next to the main restaurant, combined Arabic and Zanzibari influences. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful space with its unique blend of styles, including TVs for sports viewing and a selection of books for reading. During dinner, a live band entertained guests with a mix of music genres. We particularly enjoyed their African tunes but found the atmosphere and quality changed when they switched to Abba and American songs. Surprisingly, they even played “Haba Haba” by Stella Mwangi, a Norwegian Eurovision song with the singer having Kenyan roots, which explained why I wasn’t that surprised after all. We preferred the African music, especially at the beach bar where modern African tracks played throughout the day. The beach bar offered fantastic cocktails and a stunning view of the pool and beach. While the evenings were generally quiet, there was a scheduled white party during the full moon. Unfortunately, we missed it because we assumed it was canceled due to the rain. It was a shame to learn later that the party actually took place once the rain stopped, and we regretted not attending
Service
Regarding the service at this hotel, I am generally pleased with the level of attentiveness. From the moment we arrived and received a room upgrade, we felt well taken care of. Stuart, the diligent waiter/bartender at the beach, provided exceptional service. However, at the restaurant, while our primary waitress was pleasant and attentive, there were instances where other staff members didn’t meet the same standard. When comparing the staff to that of Riu Jambo, with the exception of the exceptional individuals mentioned earlier, I must admit that the service at Riu Jambo was superior. The visible appreciation for tipping that I noticed at Riu Jambo wasn’t as apparent here, possibly due to a larger presence of American guests (although I didn’t come across many) or because cash payments are more common in a non-all-inclusive hotel setting. However, it was observed that most guests opted to charge their expenses to their room. It’s important to note that these are minor differences and they didn’t detract from my overall experience. Despite these observations, the hotel still exuded a sense of luxury that surpassed that of Riu Jambo.
Summary
In summary, our stay at Gold Zanzibar was a truly luxurious and authentic experience. From the warm welcome and room upgrade to the remarkable African-themed rooms and stunning pool, every aspect of the hotel exuded luxury and attention to detail. The beach, while lacking palm trees, provided comfortable loungers and exceptional beach service, creating a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere. The dining options, including the buffet-style restaurant and beachside eatery, offered a wide selection of delicious dishes and the added touch of live music. Although there were minor differences in service compared to our previous hotel, Gold Zanzibar’s overall sense of luxury and genuine Zanzibari style made it a standout experience.
Anyah Mroz 