OLD COLONIAL CHARM AT ZANZIBAR SERENA HOTEL
Idyllically situated on the sea-front of ancient Stone Town, and flanked by an exotic mix of sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, and bright bazaars, the Zanzibar Serena Hotel is a haven of tranquility and opulence amongst the bustle of one of Africa’s most ancient and most enchanting towns.
With a prime position, right on the seafront of Stone Town, Zanzibar Serena Hotel is an intimate and peaceful retreat that overlooks the traditional dhows ply their way to and from the harbour as they have for centuries. The hotel is also a part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World Collection. With a lovely pool and two restaurants serving the most wonderful freshly caught seafood, and an infinite variety of activities and interesting places to visit, this is a special spot to stay on this beguiling tropical spice island.
Each one of the 51 rooms and suites at Zanzibar Serena Hotel is designed in traditional Swahili style with high ceilings, arched niches, shuttered windows and cool, white walls. Antique plates and lamps meld with carved wooden furniture with basket weave and ceramic inlay. All are sea facing, have romantic four-poster beds and a spacious balcony with a large free-standing hammock.
Take in the sights of Stone Town and visit the Sultan’s baths, the slave caves and the slave market. Then go on a plantation spice tour to see the cultivation of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and other spices that have made the island famous. In the evening, enjoy a Swahili feast at Serena Inn accompanied by Taarab music and the next day there is always the chance to go diving and dolphin, turtle or humpback-whale watching.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy body treatments. You can soak up the sun at the private beach or enjoy other recreational amenities, which include an outdoor pool. Additional features include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare (surcharge).
Fine dining at Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Constructed so that the waves lap to within inches of its open windows and the lateen-sailed dhows pass within metres of its tables, the Baharia Restaurant features fretwork screens, Omani carvings, Persian rugs and bright Swahili artifacts. The Zanzibar cuisine meanwhile, blends freshly caught seafood, fresh spices, luscious fruit and delicately flavoured vegetables.
The Baharia Restaurant
Lapped by the waves of the Indian Ocean, the Baharia Restaurant in Stone Town offers all-day international and Swahili cuisine. Weekly Swahili banquets are also held around the pool.
The Terrace Restaurant
On the roof of Zanzibar Serena Hotel is our exclusive open-air Terrace Restaurant, which looks out over the bay and features a supreme selection of freshly-caught sea food.
The Masahani Bar
Presented in traditional Swahili style, the Masahani Bar also offers performances by traditional Taarab orchestras.
The Pool Terrace
Indoor and outdoor seating overlooks our pool terrace where a wide range of drinks and snacks are served all day long.
The Mdele Coffee Shop
Adjacent to the pool, the Mdele Coffee Shop offers traditional Swahili coffee, fresh-baked pastries and a wide range of international beverages and snacks.
Room service
The hotel offers a 24-hour room service, which features an extensive menu offering everything from the classic club sandwich to a delicately-spiced curry. We are also delighted to serve a private lunch or dinner in your room or suite; or to provide cocktails and canapés on your private terrace.
How to get there?
The hotel is in Stone Town, which is in the ‘Old Town’ of Zanzibar City, which lies on the western side of the island of the same name. Zanzibar has an international airport, which is approximately 20 minutes flight from the mainland. There are daily flights linking Zanzibar with Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Arusha, the northern safari circuit airstrips and Nairobi (Kenya). Ferries and speed boats link Zanzibar with Dar es Salaam daily and with Pemba several times weekly. The airport is 7km south of Zanzibar Town and the journey takes 15 minutes by taxi. Airport transfers available upon request from the hotel.
Read more about our incredible experience in Zanzibar here.
Rooms start at 300 Euros per night, but can be also be booked at a better price through Dertour Agency ( www.dertour.ro )
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