About The Palms
The Palms is an intimate sister property to Breezes Beach Club, and Baraza, which it sits between geographically.
However with only seven villas The Palms is much more exclusive.
The Palms is beautifully designed, and little personal touches like daily sundowners with the other guests make for a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. So if you are looking for a tranquil and very smart resort, then The Palms could suit you well. However be aware that the public areas of Palms are quite small considering the price.
Our view
The Palms is beautifully designed, and little personal touches like daily sundowners with the other guests make for a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. So if you are looking for a tranquil and very smart resort, then The Palms could suit you well. However be aware that the public areas of Palms are quite small considering the price.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
7 villas
Children
Adults only: aged 16+
Open
May to March
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of The Palms
5 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryThe Palms: Our full report
The Palms is an intimate sister property to Breezes Beach Club, and Baraza, which it sits between geographically.
However with only seven villas The Palms is much more exclusive.
Each of the luxurious villas at The Palms is spread out over two storeys, with two large en-suite bedrooms, a lounge with mod-cons (including a TV) and a private outdoor plunge pool. This means that the villas work well for two couples travelling together. Each villa also has the exclusive use of a private beach banda. Situated on the beachfront overlooking the sea and furnished with a pair of comfortable loungers – this is a great place to relax.
In the centre of the complex, in front of the villas, is a blue-tiled swimming pool for the use of all residents. Adjacent to the pool is the Pool Bar & Restaurant which serves a choice of daily specials for lunch. Opposite is the Plantation House where you will find the main bar/lounge and dining area. This is a beautiful colonnaded thatched building with French-windows all around, lovely wooden floors and dark, carved furniture.
The central areas at Palms have tried to capture a feeling of 'understated elegance' and when we were last there they had undoubtedly achieved this. The main area where you find the bar/lounge, dining room and library has been furnished using dark wood, antique furniture and natural fabrics all under thatch. The result is an elegant colonial feel that is made complete by little touches such as the use of old-fashioned ceiling fans, polished wooden floors and tea served on the deck outside.
The blue-tiled swimming pool sits back from the beach slightly and though the pool is a little on the small side, there is still a reasonable amount of space and plenty of loungers for snoozing and relaxing. Just adjacent is the informal pool bar which sits on decking under some shady thatch. It is open on all sides which welcomes the sea breeze and serves lunch from the daily specials board.
The Palms has a tiny spa with a sea view where you can get a variety of relaxation treatments. Oil treatments take place inside the spa and Thai massages are given on a comfortable bed on the outside terrace. Most guests, however, usually head over to the enormous and impressive Frangipani spa at Breezes Beach Club. Breezes and Baraza guests are not permitted into Palms, whereas Palms guests may pop over to Breezes and Baraza to use all their facilities and organise any water-sport activities.
Palms also has a small gift shop, with local curios and souvenirs.
The gardens at The Palms are beautiful, with, as you might guess, no shortage of palm trees, plus bougainvillea and manicured lawns setting off the makuti-thatch villas.
Geographics
- Location
- Michamvi Peninsula, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay 3 to 4 days or more to totally relax and take advantage of all the great facilities here.
- Directions
- It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then it's a further one hour by car to The Palms. See our Google map, and note that The Palms is the relatively small complex to the north of the beachfront. You can clearly see the six villas in a curve (top-left to bottom) around the central area.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Breakfast is usually served from 7.30 – 10.00 and consists of plenty of fresh fruit, pastries, a variety of cereals as well as a full English breakfast.
Lunch is an informal affair served in the pool bar where you can choose from the daily specials served between 12.30 – 2.pm. On our last visit we enjoyed a Greek salad, followed by octopus skewers and curried rice.
Dinner at Palms is usually a 5-course set menu and is a much more formal affair. When we last visited we had an incredible dinner - the highlight was a seafood platter that included red snapper, prawns and lobster Thermidor. Although the flavors were uncomplicated, the ingredients were top quality and, it was certainly some of the best food that we have had anywhere on the whole island. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included, except for champagne and specially imported wines and spirits.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- Enjoy the luxury and exclusivity of The Palms, and access to the facilities of its neighbouring sister resort. Each villa is opulent, with a private plunge pool and you’ll have your own banda on the beach. A relaxing Zanzibar honeymoon destination!
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Zanzibar
- Wellbeing
- The rooms at The Palms each have their own private outdoor plunge pool as well as the Sanctuary Spa which offers a variety of massages and treatments. For a broader range of therapies head over to the enormous spa at Breezes Beach Club.
- See ideas for Wellbeing in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Palms will welcome older teenage children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children have to be 16 years or older to stay at Palms.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities here for children
- Equipment
- There is no special equipment here for children, although an extra bed or two can be put in the rooms
- Generally recommended for children
- No
- Notes
- Younger children are not permitted to stay at Palms and children older than 16 years might find that they head over to Breezes fairly often, where there is a more buzzing and social atmosphere.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- 24 hour electricity.
- Communications
- All of the rooms have phones with an outside line; there is a charge for calling outside the hotel. There is free Wifi throughout the hotel. You will also find intermittent mobile reception around Palms.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV and DVD player in all of the villas and a selection of over 700 DVDs available to borrow in Reception.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is an on-site nurse who can treat minor illnesses and injuries - for more serious cases there is a nearby doctor who can be called as well as a hospital in Stone Town (about an hour away).
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The front gate is always closed and manned by security – getting in there feels like quite a mission even when you're a legitimate visitor! There are also discrete guards dotted around the property.
- Fire safety
- There are extinguishers in all of the rooms and main areas.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is an extra charge – when we were last there it was about $3 – 7 depending on the item.
- Money
- The Palms will exchange Dollars, Pounds, Euros.
- Accepted payment on location
- The Palms accept payment for any extras in Euros, Sterling or Dollars cash and Visa & Mastercard & Amex (with no extra charge).
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The Palms's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of The Palms.
Excursions from The Palms
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at The Palms. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Jambiani Village Tour
Half-day - mornings
Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.
More about Village Tour
Jozani Forest Tour
Half-day or combine with other tours
For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.
More about Jozani ForestOther lodges in Michamvi Peninsula
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Breezes Beach Club
Breezes Beach Club is a family-style resort that also appeals to honeymooners, and is perfect if you want plenty of facilities.
Qambani
Qambani is a luxury property on the tip of the Michamvi Peninsula, set on a low cliff above a white, sandy beach, with stunning ocean views.
Baraza Resort & Spa
Baraza is a high-quality resort, with a buzzing atmosphere and a range of activities that appeal both to families and lively honeymooners.
White Sand Villas
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a stylish, small resort lodge located near the town of Paje.
Xanadu Villas
Situated on a picturesque beach on the Michamvi Peninsula, Xanadu Villas is a sophisticated boutique hotel with six luxurious private villas.
Kono Kono
Kono Kono is a contemporary beach resort on a quiet stretch of west-facing beach on the Michamvi peninsula.
Anna of Zanzibar
Anna of Zanzibar’s warm atmosphere and five spacious and inviting villas make it a great place for a relaxed stay on a lovely stretch of beach.
Zawadi
Set on a pretty cove on Zanzibar’s Michamvi Peninsula, Zawadi is a modern boutique hotel offering lots of space and privacy.
When to go to Michamvi Peninsula
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit The Palms in Michamvi Peninsula
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zanzibar in January
As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.
New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.
- Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
- High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
- Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
- Quieter and better value later in the month.
- Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Zanzibar in February
The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.
At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.
- Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
- Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
- Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
- North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
- ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Zanzibar in March
March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.
Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.
- Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
- Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
- Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
- The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Zanzibar in April
April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.
Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.
- Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
- Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
- Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
- Low prices and few other tourists.
- Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in April
Zanzibar in May
The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.
Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.
- Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
- Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
- Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
- Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in May
Zanzibar in June
June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.
The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
- Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
- Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
- Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Zanzibar in July
July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.
The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.
- Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
- Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
- Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
- Great beach weather result in high prices.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Zanzibar in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.
High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.
- Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
- Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
- High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
- With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Zanzibar in September
September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.
September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.
- Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
- Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
- Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
- Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Zanzibar in October
October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.
With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.
- End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
- Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
- Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
- High demand means prices remain high.
- Northeast coast generally more sheltered.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Zanzibar in November
The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.
Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
- Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
- Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Zanzibar in December
December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.
The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.
- Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
- High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
- Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
- Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
- Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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