Melia Zanzibar is the new name for the former Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski, which changed hands in May 2011 and was reopened by the Melia hotel chain in June of the same year. Being part of a hotel group, this large resort has many facilities and services on offer for travelers and business visitors.

The Melia Zanzibar has 123 rooms in total - 117 standard rooms and six honeymoon suites, all with satellite TVs, minibars, tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a safe. There is interest access in all rooms and bath robes are provided.

There are three restaurants here - Aqua, which serves a set menu, Gabi Beach, which serves Italian inspired cuisine and the Spice Market which serves a variety of different food buffet-style.

Melia offers business centre services, 3 conference rooms, a resident doctor and extensive recreation facilities. You will also find a gift shop, a luxury jewellery boutique and a private beach and jetty. Overlooking the beach is the Amphitheatre, where yoga and exercise classes take place.

Melia Zanzibar has a variety of activities on offer. The Anantara Spa is managed and operated exclusively by professional Thai therapists. It has 6 private treatment rooms, 2 private outdoor massage pavilions and a 23 metre outdoor lap pool. There is also a beauty salon, fitness centre and sauna, with treatments offered by Thai masseuses.

You will also find a Kids' club, a 60 metre outdoor leisure pool, tennis and basketball courts, ping-pong table and bicycle services. For snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, boat cruises and volleyball, head to the Beach Club.

Our view

While the Melia Zanzibar has retained the facilities and some of the features of the old Kempinski Hotel, but has unfortunately removed the character and essence of the place, leaving a large, rather functional resort.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Beach

No. of bedrooms: 123 Rooms

Season: Open Year Round

Geographics

Location: East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Melia hotel chain

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Dining style: Inidividual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: Private dining is available around the clock.

Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Melia.

Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions.

Activities: Melia has a kids club, a large pool and a variety of activities on offer to keep children entertained.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

TV & radio: All rooms come with phones and DSTV.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care:

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: The hotel is accessed through high, guarded gates.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available for an extra charge.

^ Top of page