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Green and Blue

Green and Blue: Our full report

**Green & Blue has undergone a re-branding, and is now known as Sevi Zanzibar.

We have not stayed since, so please speak to us for more information**.
The pretty Green and Blue hotel has a picture-postcard setting on a sweeping curve of white sand in the Matemwe area of Zanzibar’s north-east coast. A lot of effort has gone into the room design here, and the grounds are well looked after. This area represents pretty much the northern end of a long stretch of beach, so there is little passing foot traffic along the beachfront.

We first visited Green and Blue a month before it opened. Although it was still under construction, we were greeted by an extremely polite and friendly receptionist and could see how it would look when complete. We most recently stayed here in July 2017 and were delighted to see that it had developed in to a beautiful boutique hotel with a lively atmosphere.

The lodge's accommodation consists of a collection of 13 inviting bungalows and a sea-front villa, all dotted around colourful landscaped gardens filled with leafy tropical plants. The gardens are in raised beds, between concrete paths. Some of the spiky agave plants are beginning to intrude on the paths a little - they're going to need to cut them back to avoid impaling visitors.

Apart from the view (garden view rooms #1–7, pool front #8–12 and ocean view #13–14), the two-storey thatched bungalows are all built to the same plan, with a mosquito-net draped double bed on the ground floor and two single beds upstairs. Depending on the number of occupants the upstairs area can also double as a comfortable lounge. The air-conditioning unit is downstairs (though it's worth noting that with shutters on the windows rather than glass, this isn't as efficient as it might be), with a ceiling fan inside the double bed's mosquito net. Upstairs, a standing fan is set up for the twin beds. Ochre-washed walls make the place seem bright and spacious while finishing touches such as blue sheets, coconut-wood furniture, a 'baraza' sofa and arched windows add to the high-quality feel. The rooms are beautifully designed, however on our most recent visit we felt that a few cracks were starting to show and they lacked a little attention to detail.

In front of each bungalow is a veranda shaded by palms and banana trees, which also offer some privacy from the surrounding rooms. On this veranda in bungalows #7–14, there's a small plunge pool as well as an outdoor shower decorated with pretty shells.

The ocean-front villa (#14) has similar facilities, but has two double rooms. The ground-floor master bedroom has a sea-view shower with a seat, and there's also a living room. Upstairs in the villa is a second double bedroom with a sea view from both the bed and the balcony. This room also has an en-suite shower and twin basins.

On a cantilevered deck by the beach, overlooking the sea, the restaurant at Green and Blue is built around a boat-shaped bar. In the evening, the restaurant is lit by lamps, creating a romantic atmosphere. With beautiful views out to Mnemba Island, this is a great place to come in the evenings and enjoy a cocktail.

Set in the centre of beautiful gardens is the Tulia Spa, which has a pretty planted roof and is surrounded by a wall for privacy. There are two breezy treatment rooms and it also has its own small swimming pool. Here, well-trained therapists offer body massages, head massages, manicures, pedicures and cosmetics. 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 swimming pools are found by the beach, and are surrounded by sun loungers. An infinity pool is set on the upper deck and provides lovely views over Matemwe beach and to the sea beyond. On a lower level is a second larger pool bordered by a number of tall palm trees. It is possible to walk under the first pool, where there are a couple of ‘baraza’ benches that look out on to the second.

The powder white beach in front of Green and Blue is beautiful, with a few shady sunloungers that usually manage to escape the high tide. At low tide however the tide retreats significantly, meaning that swimming is not possible from the beach. The diving school Dive Point, based out of Sunshine Marine Lodge, has a branch outlet at Green and Blue. It is possible to arrange snorkeling and diving excursions here, and Dive Point will collect guests on the beach before taking them on a 20 minute boat ride to the diving center at Sunshine Marine Lodge. Green and Blue can also arrange a number of excursions such as spice tours and trips in to Stone Town.


Our view

With high levels of quality and very good food, Green and Blue has become a reputable base on Zanzibar's east coast. With a beautiful beach and stylishly designed rooms, it has become a great choice if you're seeking an attractive and relatively exclusive beach retreat.

Jessica Plumb

Jessica Plumb

Zanzibar expert

Geographics

Location
East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
Ideal length of stay
We recommend spending at least four nights at Green and Blue. Green and Blue have a minimum stay of eight nights over Christmas and new year.
Directions
Green and Blue is located in Matemwe, about an hour’s drive from Zanzibar airport.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Half Board
Food quality
The chef at Green and Blue, Mr Erasmo, offers a daily, changing menu. Green and Blue strive to offer some of the best food on the island, and they periodically play host to visiting international chefs. Green and Blue is normally booked on a half board basis, which includes breakfast and dinner.

Breakfast is served either in the restaurant or, if arranged in advance, on your private veranda. This normally consists of a cold buffet with a selection of fresh fruit, bread, pastries and cereals on offer; cooked options also available from an al a carte menu.

Dinner is a three course al a carte menu. On our most recent visit in July 2017 we tucked in to a Swahili style vegetable curry with jasmine rice. For dessert we had jackfruit cooked in a caramel sauce, this was served with homemade vanilla ice cream. Alternative options included seared tuna steak or a fillet of beef.

The food was both fresh and tasty, although we found the service was fairly hit and miss.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Free room service is available.
Drinks included
No drinks are included.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at Green and Blue.
Property’s age restrictions
There are no age restrictions here.
Special activities & services
There are no specific activities for children here.
Equipment
Green and Blue does have a limited number of highchairs and babycots.
Generally recommended for children
Although families do stay here, Green and Blue is a fairly adult-orientated lodge, and children may find more entertainment elsewhere.
Notes
Children must be under parental supervision at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes
There is 24 hour electricity in all the rooms, with generator backup kicking in when required.
Communications
WiFi is available throughout.
TV & radio
There are no TVs.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
Bottled water is supplied in the rooms.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The lodge has a first-aid kit and some staff are trained.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
There are security guards on the premises 24 hours a day.
Fire safety
Both the bungalows and the villa have fire extinguishers.

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Laundry is available at a small extra charge.
Money
Green and Blue can exchange money – pounds, euros, dollars and Tanzanian Shillings are all accepted.
Accepted payment on location
British pounds, euros and US dollars are accepted here as well as Tanzanian shillings, Visa and MasterCard are taken (not Amex) with a 5% surcharge.

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