Green and Blue: Our full report

Brand new for 2012, Green and Blue has a picture-postcard setting on a sweeping curve of white sand, just a little further down the beach from Matemwe Lodge A lot of effort has gone into the room design here, and we have high hopes that the same amount of thought will go into the service and facilities as well.

We first visited Green & Blue in November 2011, a month before it opened, and were greeted by an extremely polite and friendly receptionist. Although still under construction, we could see how it would look when complete. The lodge has a collection of 13 bungalows and one beach-front villa, all dotted around colourful landscaped gardens filled with leafy tropical plants. Apart from the view (garden view, sea view or pool view), the two-storey bungalows are all the same, with a mosquito-net draped double bed on the ground floor and two single beds upstairs. The upstairs area also doubles as a comfortable lounge. All rooms have fans and air conditioning and wifi all over, even inside the mosquito nets. Ochre washed walls make the place seem bright and spacious while finishing touches such as blue sheets, coconut furnishings, a baraza sofa and arched windows add to the high quality feel.

In front of each room is a veranda shaded by palms and banana trees, which also offer some privacy from the surrounding rooms. On this veranda is a stylish plunge pool and outdoor shower decorated with shells. There is a real attention to detail here, from the hand-made welcome packs that each guest receives, to the planting on the roofs so that the rooms blend in to the surroundings.

The lodge also offers one ocean front villa with two double rooms, although two singles can be added. The master bedroom has a seaview shower with a seat, while there's also a living room and kitchenette, although a private chef is on hand to provide private dining. Green and Blue can even provide guests with ingredients to cook with.

Upstairs in the villa is a second double bedroom with a seaview from the bed and the balcony. This room also has an en-suite shower and his-and-hers sinks.

On a cantilevered deck overlooking the sea, the restaurant is built around a boat-shaped bar. The two Austrian chefs use locally grown herbs and high quality, fresh ingredients to create delicious meals that change daily. The restaurant is lit by lamps in the evening, creating a romantic atmosphere.

In front of the restaurant is the beautiful beach with a few shady sunloungers that usually manage to escape the high tide. Out to sea is Mnemba island, which is also framed perfectly by the upstairs lounge windows. The chilled-out lounge contains a large Swahili table and there are plans for a computer to be added.

In the centre of the beautiful gardens is the Tulia Spa, which is surrounded by a wall for privacy and has its own pool. (Tulia is Swahili for relax and enjoy). Here the well-trained therapists offer body massages, head massages, manicures, pedicures and cosmetics in two therapy cabins. Private spa sessions and candlelit treatments for couples are offered. Blue and green towels are provided, in keeping with the colour scheme.

Two further fresh-water infinity pools are found by the beach, and are surrounded by sunloungers. One pool is shaded by a yellow muslin sail while the other runs over into the second. It is possible to walk under the first pool, where there are a couple of beach-facing seats.

Our view

Green and Blue is an exciting new addition to Zanzibar's east coast, and with high levels of quality and attention to detail, a beautiful beach and beautifully designed rooms, this promises to become a popular choice for a beach holiday.

Geographics

Location: East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Ideal length of stay: At least three nights

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: The rates here include breakfast and a light lunch such as salad or sandwiches. Dinner is served in the restaurant by two Austrian-trained chefs who use fresh, high quality ingredients.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: No drinks are included.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Green and Blue.

Equipment: Cots, highchairs and a baby monitor are available.

Generally recommended for children: Yes, although this is an adult-orientated lodge, and although families do stay here, children may find more entertainment elsewhere.

Notes: Children must be under parental supervision at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: WiFi and a phone are found in every room. There are plans to add a computer to the lounge area.

TV & radio: There are no TVs or radios here.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The lodge has links to a local Belgian doctor.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: There are security guards on the premises 24 hours a day and two dogs join them at night. The whole property is surrounded by an electric fence.

Fire safety: Every bungalow has a fire extinguisher.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Included

Money: There is no currency exchange available.