The Palms Zanzibar - All Inclusive

“Amazing 10yr Anniversay stay at The Palms”

I'm like most people who only give reviews if the place is really bad, or really amazing. The Palms is the latter. A truly a special place with truly special people. I didn't get to know everyone's names, but these folks stood out: Othman, Fatma, and another kind lady at the front desk who's name… more

I'm like most people who only give reviews if the place is really bad, or really amazing. The Palms is the latter. A truly a special place with truly special people. I didn't get to know everyone's names, but these folks stood out: Othman, Fatma, and another kind lady at the front desk who's name eludes me. Then there's the amazing bar/wait staff: Ngasa, Kiba, Jackson, and M(?). And lastly, Siriak, the operations manager. Everyone went above and beyond. There's not enough space to list every single thing that culminated into one amazing experience. But, I can say that I will be saving my money so that I can return again. The cleaning staff was amazing too. The grounds were beautiful, the accommodation was superb, and the food was delicious.

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“Wonderful to be back!”

My wife and I decided to stay again at The Palms after our mountain gorilla trek. It was great to be back! It was just as we remembered in 2024. We were able to stay in the same villa. Siriak, the manager, was warm and welcoming, as was the fantastic staff who attended to our every need. The chef’s… more

My wife and I decided to stay again at The Palms after our mountain gorilla trek. It was great to be back! It was just as we remembered in 2024. We were able to stay in the same villa. Siriak, the manager, was warm and welcoming, as was the fantastic staff who attended to our every need. The chef’s attention to detail and preparation for each meal was phenomenal. We were very happy to be back and our only regret was not staying longer!

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“It really is paradise”

You will have seen the previous positive feedback from others. I can assure you its even better than they say. We are just back from a fabulous 9 day stay (should have been 7 but issues around the gulf meant we stayed a further 2 days). From the start entering reception we had a lovely warm welc… more

You will have seen the previous positive feedback from others. I can assure you its even better than they say. We are just back from a fabulous 9 day stay (should have been 7 but issues around the gulf meant we stayed a further 2 days). From the start entering reception we had a lovely warm welcome. We were given a tour of the grounds before going to our amazing villa for our stay. From the well kept gardens, superbly clean areas, very personal huge villas, welcoming bar and dining areas, the beautifully warm pool and very personal beach hut overlooking the beach and lagoon to the very welcoming staff this place is perfect. If like us you want a personal, friendly, relaxing holiday this place has it all. The food was delicious every time with good varying selection, not only different every meal but also whether you are meat eater, vegetarian etc the choices are all there. The waiters serve you with one of the best customer service ive seen in a long while. The Palm as sister hotels either side you can use, one has the most incredible spa ( an old sultans bath house), we had a beautifully relaxing massage, the facilities are incredible). The second sister hotel had water sport facilities including a dive centre. The diving was amazing and they even give refreshers in the pool for those like us who hadn't dived in a couple of years. Thanking George for his gracious patience. We were fortunate to meet the owners who talked with pride about their collection. Siriak the manager was always around for help, advice and a friendly chat. His team reflect his attention to detail, friendly and professional service at all times. Even when we hit an issue with cancellation of flights beyond our control they didn't think twice about accommodating us for a further 2 days. We loved this place really sad to leave and (not often we say this) would go back again and again it was everything and more. Recommended in a heart beat. Bernie and Phil

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“Unimaginable tranquility”

I haven’t written a review for a long time. Maybe the places we’ve been in the world haven’t really been worthy of one however when, once in a lifetime, somewhere touches you so sincerely that maybe the rest of the world needs to hear about it. Now, to describe this place, it would be advised t… more

I haven’t written a review for a long time. Maybe the places we’ve been in the world haven’t really been worthy of one however when, once in a lifetime, somewhere touches you so sincerely that maybe the rest of the world needs to hear about it. Now, to describe this place, it would be advised to close your eyes, sit back, breathe deeply and not to let your surroundings distract you. Relaxed? Imagine, the most beautiful landscaped lush green gardens, palm trees swaying above you , piercing blue skies, soothing warm air brushing against your skin coming from across the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Silence, tranquility, pure paradise for the senses. Can you imagine it yet? If so, I’ll begin… A year ago my wife was searching for a holiday. At the time we were in the Maldives. You would think that the Maldives would be the ultimate dream come true, not in a million years did we expect what she found would far, far out way the Maldives. Zanzibar she said, I replied, “where is that”? Little did I know or expect that this small island off the east coast of Tanzania would be our true calling. Now trying to research this island to find a resort to our taste took some work. A lot of research and discussion. A company called The Zanzibar Collection came to our attention and more acutely a resort of just 7 villas and 14 guests. The Palms, situated on the south east coast of the Island on Dongwe beach. I am a true believer that you get what you pay for, this resort is not cheap I will just say that. Worth it? Very much so, let me explain… When we arrived at the resort, tired from hours of travelling from England we were met by a man, reserved, with calming influence, dressed smartly in shirt and trousers. A beautiful smile on his face welcoming us to The Palms, this man was Siriak the hotel operations manager. I can truly say that to Siriak, everyone who walks through his doors are not just guests, they are friends and treated with the upmost courtesy, respect and professionalism. Escorted through the beautiful grounds we were invited to relax on the armchairs and were quickly served a welcome drink whilst he sat with us explaining the resort layout and going through a little bit of paperwork. Our room was not yet ready having arrived early in the morning. Check in is usually at 3pm however Siriak made us comfortable by providing us with a little side villa to change and relax. After a few hours, having breakfast and relaxing in the hotel grounds are room was ready. Now, to say this was a room is an understatement. It’s a private 130sqft villa. Seven in total all named after spices that are found and exported from the island. The islands main source of income. Our villa, Cinnamon, in my humble opinion is the best of them all due to its position on the right side of the resort which seems more private and exclusive. It’s the only villa which no one else can see or access due to its position. A private outside space with a chaise lounge, seating area and plunge pool, a indoor living area with seating, a bar area and fully stocked mini bar, water, soft drinks, beer, all plentiful. Tea and coffee making facilities. Two bedrooms, the main with the best bed I have ever had the pleasure to sleep in. Staff, at night, always provide a turn down service, placing the mosquito nets down and spraying the room for our return. Our room was cleaned every single day, made like new, new bed sheets, towels. Unbelievable. Two bathrooms with two showers and one with a large free standing bath. The villa far exceeded our expectations. But you have to see it to believe what I am describing. Our housekeeper, how can I describe Clemintina. A beautiful soul, a beautiful smile. It’s not just cleaning, it’s an art form. We are forever in your debt for looking after us and our room throughout our 14 night stay. Asanate Sana. Each villa comes with its own private cabana with three sided blue cotton privacy curtains and sunbeds just on the edge of the private beach looking out into the Indian Ocean. Bar staff come to you throughout the day with ice cold bottled water in an ice bucket and a request for any other drinks you may wish. The bar staff are incredible, more on these gentleman later. The grounds of this resort are immaculate. Beautiful in fact, flowering hibiscus plants, palms trees all around, lush grasses and neatly trimmed hedges. The ground staff here truly enjoy their work. It was a pleasure to see them work so tirelessly all day, every day. You want a fresh coconut? They simply free climb the palms and cut you one down, open it with a machete and you can drink the most fresh, pure coconut water I’ve had in my life. They even offered me a go at climbing the palm tree a little with their adapted palm leave foot harness. I declined however it is a sight to see… amazing upper body strength and skill. They cut many coconuts down during the day to use in the food and drinks everyday but I’ll come onto the culinary skills of Chef William shortly. Bar staff, well, what can I say to help you understand this… hospitality at its absolute finest. They cannot do enough for you. Nothing is an issue with a simple “Hakuna Matata” (no worries) attached to every greeting. We were a little taken back at first, we have never been treated like this in our lives. They are truly masters of their trade. Do not underestimate how hard they work to make your experience truly relaxing. They will make you any drink, even if not on their “suggested” menu. When not serving and making the best cocktails I’ve had in my life, they are also your waiters for breakfast, lunch and dinner. To Ngasa, Maulid, Kibalabala and Jackson, you are truly an inspiration. Your attentiveness, professionalism and hospitality is what makes this place what it is. You have my wife and my upmost respect and gratitude for all you have done for us. Never forget that you are the reason that people like us , your grateful guests, will always have the most amazing memories to cherish for the rest of our lives. Never change. Asante Sana Rafikis. There is a man, rarely seen, working behind the scenes of this resort. The culinary skills of this man and his hard working team are worthy of a Michelin star. Easy to say right? I’ll explain. Every. Single. Day, chef William meticulous prepares a five course, à la carte dining menu for lunch and dinner. Using the freshest, local produce from the land and sea of the island. He prepares a different menu every day. If nothing on the menu takes your fancy, at your request, he’ll make you something different, nothing is too much trouble. Menus are brought to you by the staff around an hour or so before each dining experience starts, in the evening with two sundowners (cocktails made by the bar staff) with hors d'oeuvres. No matter where you are, your room, the beach, your cabana, they will find you, and either wait for you to make a choice or come back. Never writing it down, they memorise your choices and take it to the kitchen. Amazing. My wife and I like to eat, we like eating at restaurants but I cannot truly believe that this à la carte dining experience is all-inclusive. Never come here expecting nothing but the most beautifully prepared lobster, local fish, beef fillet, and freshly made pasta dishes describing just a few. Unfortunately I cannot describe the sense of taste in a review but believe me when I say that the skills of Chef William and his team are one of absolute perfection. To Chef William and your wonderful team. It was our pleasure to experience your amazing skills. The food you produce, your forever expanding mind to inspire your culinary expertise it’s exemplary. Relax, a commonly used word when on Holiday. You cannot do anything but. The resort is so private and quiet, do not come with the expectation of a party atmosphere, this resort is for couples, romantic and for an experience of true self reflection and tranquility. Rarely seen security staff guard the grounds and private beach 24/7. They are placed in small huts at the end of each side of the resort. When you go to your cabana, they will move off and patrol. These gentlemen work in very hot conditions and I respect their professionalism and discrete respect of the guests. The resort put on entertainment at night, don’t expect a disco or karaoke, if you want that sod off to Spain. The entertainment provided is of local story tellers who will sit with you and tell stories of the island sitting in traditional dress, live music with African instruments and live Swahili singing. It makes for a magical, authentic African experience. My “African Grandma”. A beautiful lady, the Doctor. My wife and I came ill prepared for mosquitos, entirely our fault. We were bitten badly on our first day. A quick walk to reception, a discreet call. “The doctor will see you at your cabana”. 15 minutes later, there she was. A Beautifully dressed (I’m aware I’m using that word a lot, sorry), women who was so caring, she assessed the issue and provided us with cream and tablets. It’s a paid for service but not much, $40 but a small price to pay. Unfortunately I had the pleasure of meeting her again a few days later due to another issue I won’t go into (I used a lot of toilet roll) however yet again she came, she saw, we conquered. A truly wonderful lady who treats you like her own children. That’s why she’s my African Grandma. So, I think I’ve covered everything, I could go on to write a book on The Palms. In conclusion, you want to be treated like royalty, you want hospitality at its absolute finest, the most amazingly prepared food, relaxation, privacy and silence. Here it is, here is the resort you are looking for, believe me when I say… The most incredible place on earth, in my humble opinion.

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