Riu Palace ZanzibarZanzibar, Tanzania

The Riu Palace Zanzibar’s is located on a beach at the northern end of Zanzibar, a 10-minute drive from the town of Nungwi.  Nungwi’s perched on the fence that separates old and new. It’s set at Zanzibar’s most northerly point, and cut its teeth as a fishing village before cottoning on to tourist demand. That said, it’s no urban metropolis. Traditional wooden boats still cast off from the waterfront to raid the Indian Ocean’s supply of fish, while swanky hotels watch on from prime plots along the shoreline. It’s also home to one of the island’s oldest buildings – the century-old Ras Nungwi Lighthouse – which rises up above the greenery.

True to its name, Riu Palace Zanzibar’s is huge. Blocks of rooms are spread throughout tree-filled gardens, and are connected together by paved paths. A lot of the facilities are down near the sands, including three pools, a bar and the scuba diving centre. The scuba diving school is where everyone, from beginners to experts, can book on to sessions. You can also try kayaking, pedalos, paddle boarding and snorkelling down at the beach.

You’ve got four restaurants to choose from. The main one serves up international and themed buffets. The three à la cartes come in the form of the Krystal Fusion restaurant, a fish restaurant and Beef Steakhouse, where you can try freshly grilled meats. You can grab lighter bites from the Coffee & Lounge Bar, or go for a grill-style lunch at Pepe's Food.

Massages, facials and other beauty treatments are all available in the spa. There’s a peaceful pool here, too, alongside some steam rooms and a beauty salon. The gym’s fitted with treadmills and bike machines, and they’re angled to look out over the ocean.

ALL INCLUSIVE

24-hour All Inclusive. Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with live cooking stations. Lunchtime grill in the pool area. Themed buffet dinner twice a week. Option to have à la carte dinner at Krystal Fusion, the fish restaurant and Beef Steak House - reservations required. 24-hour snacks. Selected local-brand and imported alcohol, soft drinks, tea and coffee, 24 hours a day. Regularly restocked minibar in your room.

Please note: Local charges may apply for some facilities

Riu Palace Zanzibar is located in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 03/03/2022