Melia Zanzibar: Our full report

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. Located on Zanzibar’s east coast, it has its own beach complete with a private jetty. Being part of a hotel group, this large resort offers an extensive range of facilities and services for both leisure travellers 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, and safes. There is interest access in all rooms and bathrobes are provided.

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

Melia also has a gift shop and a luxury jewellery boutique, along with business-centre services, and three conference rooms.

Melia Zanzibar has a variety of activities on offer. Overlooking the beach is the Amphitheatre, where yoga and exercise classes take place. You will also find a Kids' Club, a 60-metre outdoor leisure pool, tennis and basketball courts, table tennis and bicycle hire. For snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, boat cruises and volleyball, head to the Beach Club.

For relaxation, there’s the Anantara Spa. Managed and operated exclusively by professional Thai therapists, it has six private treatment rooms, two 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.

Our view

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

Geographics

Location: East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Key personnel

Owner: Melia Hotels and Resorts

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Melia.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

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

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Melia Zanzibar has its own resident doctor.

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.

Money: There are safes in each of the rooms.