One of Zanzibar’s longest-standing resorts and part of The Zanzibar Collection, Breezes is well-run but unfussy and offers good value for families and couples alike. Sitting on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach next to its sister properties, Baraza and The Palms, it has 52 rooms and 20 suites divided between 11 villas surrounded by tropical gardens.
LOCATION
Breezes sits directly on the long white sweep of Dongwe Beach on Zanzibar’s tidal east coast. The sandy shore is just a few steps from your room and views of the turquoise ocean can be had from most parts of the resort. The resort is surrounded by well-established, tropical gardens, awash with the colours and scents of bougainvillea and frangipani.
Dongwe Beach is very tidal so for large parts of the day it is not possible to swim in the sea. However, paddling around the reef, walking along the sandy shore or lazing by the pool more than make up for this. Of an evening, take a walk along white sands and see local fishermen sailing their dhows back home with the day’s catch.
ACCOMMODATION
Although 72 rooms may sounds a lot, for Zanzibar, none of the accommodation at Breezes is more than two storeys high and rooms are spread over 11 villas meaning the resort retains a small and intimate feel. Four Deluxe Rooms make up the ground floor of each villa while the first floor houses two suites, each with a spacious private terrace. In addition, one villa houses two Deluxe Rooms connected by a living area, which is perfect for families of four or five. All rooms and suites can sleep up to three people with the addition of an extra bed.
FOOD & DRINK
Eating and drinking at Breezes is generally a relaxed affair with the main culinary themes being fresh local seafood and plenty of Zanzibari and Indian spices.
Buffet breakfasts are served in the Salama Restaurant, which also lays on buffets and table service dinners on alternating nights. The Breakers Grill, open daily for lunch, specialises in fresh barbecues, catch of the day and a tandoori oven while the Sultan’s Table offers a more formal, a la carte dining experience in the evenings, again focusing on spices and seafood. Intimate dinners for two can be booked at The Tides.
Three bars provide a choice of settings whether you fancy a lunchtime cocktail, candle-lit aperitif or a post-dinner whisky while the Chai Room serves tea, coffee and cakes while guests lounge on daybeds.
FACILITIES
Alongside Baraza, Breezes is probably the most comprehensively equipped resort on Zanzibar and facilities include water sports, a gym, large outdoor pool, floodlit tennis court and diving centre.
The extensive spa offers a variety of treatments including Thai and Balinese massages and makes use of Zanzibar’s abundant local spices to create soothing aromas.
OUT & ABOUT
Snorkelling and diving are of course popular activities and the resort has its own PADI dive school.
Visit endangered red colobus monkeys at nearby Jozani Forest, then take a short walk in the peaceful and enchanting Mangrove Forest.
Stone Town is a 30 to 45-minute drive away and is well worth a half day trip to experience its narrow maze of streets, traditional Swahili architecture and popular sights such as the Sultan’s Palace and The House of Wonders.
While you’re on the ‘Spice Island’ you may also like to take a tour including a visit to a local spice farm, tasting exotic fruits and spices and the opportunity to buy some local produce.
INSIDER VIEWPOINT
- Breezes delivers a relaxed, low-key resort experience at reasonable prices. Ideal for a post safari wind-down.
NOTA BENE
- There are no televisions in the rooms but there is a TV lounge showing international sports and news channels. Only meals at the Salama Restaurant are included in the half board rate.
