Breezes Beach Club

Rooms

Spread amongst the grassy, palm-lined gardens, a short walk from the beach, are various two-storey ‘houses’ and a row of bungalow rooms further inland. With their red-tiled roofs, wraparound balconies and tinted windows, they look distinctly European, which may be a disappointment. But they also come with a European level of comfort - air-con, minibar, shower cubicle - which should make up for it!

Each house is divided into first-floor Suites, each with a private terrace and semi-enclosed sitting area in addition to the bedroom and bathroom; and ground-floor Deluxe Rooms with a smaller and less private terrace. The Garden Rooms are in a bungalow row at the back of the resort, near the tennis court, though actually being further away from the seafront may feel more secluded and tranquil. All the buildings face towards the beach, but, being inland, you can’t really see the sea. That does mean the beachfront remains relatively quiet, and you don’t get the impression of being in a resort at all.

All the rooms are identical in size, décor and facilities. They have a super-wide, netted double bed, a sofa doubling up as a third bed, some easy chairs, a desk or table and a mirror. They are amply large enough for all this. The beamed ceiling and dark wood of the furniture makes a token effort to look African, but the nicest touch are the fresh flowers on your bedspread. There's a fridge, safe, hairdryer, air-con and ceiling fan, but no TV or telephone in the rooms.

The ensuite bathrooms are small and functional, like in any standard European hotel, with curtained shower, handbasin, and sit-down toilet. The tap-water was slightly brackish when we visited, but bottled mineral water is provided.

Features include:

• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Mosquito net
• Safe box

Eating

There are no less than 4 different restaurants within Breezes, not to mention 3 bar areas.

The largest restaurant, seating over 100 in an open-sided space, is called Salama Dining Room where breakfast and some dinners are served. There is a huge buffet spread of meats, fish, salads, breads, fruit, cheese, desserts and so on. There are some Swahili dishes and a huge range of more European fare, so you'll certainly find something for everyone - including the kids. It is all labelled, which made it feel rather institutional, but the grilled barracuda and the olive-banana-tomato-basil salad were unusual and delicious. The desserts are mostly fresh fruit or pastries.

Through the week, there’s cultural entertainment outside - African dancing or steel band or something - rather staged, but quite fun nevertheless.

If you want to be more discerning, there is a stilted restaurant near the beach called The Sultan’s Table, which serves a fusion menu of Indian, Swahili and Asian dishes in an á la carte format.

Or, if you want total privacy, you can book The Tides, a tiny raised cabin for 2, overlooking the beach where you’re served by your own private waiter. Not surprisingly it’s most popular with honeymooners, though you may feel slightly self-conscious.

For lunch there is a beachfront barbecue called The Breakers Grill, or you can order lighter snacks at the poolside. We would recommend leaving your lunch options open and, at least once, trying the authentic Swahili cuisine at Palm Beach Inn a mile down the beach.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Kids' meals
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

• Go diving with the on-site Rising Sun Dive Centre (PADI 5 star) which offers everything from Discover Scuba to Dive Master courses
  
• Try snorkelling - an easy way to see colourful reef fish without the complications of diving
  
• Of course swimming and sunbathing on the endless white-sand beach running past the resort is a must (n.b. at low tide you can only swim in the pool)
  
• Hire bikes and cycle down the beach to Bwejuu village or up to the beautiful northern headland
  
• The resort has windsurfing boards and sea-kayaks for hire, as well as pedal boats if you’re feeling like a family excursion
  
• If you’re feeling energetic play a few games of Tennis on the hard courts
  
• Unwind with some spa treatments at the Frangipani Spa; everything from massages (incl. foot and Thai massage), facials, detox and rehydration therapies, steam room, Jacuzzis with essential oils, and a special 'Apres Safari' package to rejuvenate after the dust and bumpy roads!
  
• You can also take day, or half-day, trips to Kizimkazi ‘Dolphin Bay’, Jozani monkey sanctuary and the nearby mangrove swamps

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Scuba diving courses
• Snorkelling
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Windsurfing

Best Time to go

Our Top Tips

Location

Breezes is set on Zanzibar’s tranquil southeast coast, in Bwejuu. It's 1.5 hours from Stone Town by car.

By Air:
Stone Town Airport (60km) in Zanzibar is the closest airport. You'll probably fly here on a connecting flight from Dar-es-Salaam (in Tanzania). It's also possible to catch a hydrofoil from Dar to Zanzibar. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports, and hydrofoil information.

From the Airport
It’s a 60km, 90-minute drive from the airport in Stone Town. The resort can book a taxi transfer - enquire when booking - or you can simply hail one on arrival.

By Car:
Hire cars aren't very popular because of the bumpy roads, bad signposting and short distances involved, but work out well if you are a group of four or want complete independence. If you’re interested, see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.