Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar

It was pouring down with rain when we arrived at Baraza from the UK via Doha, but even with the heavens wide open we could tell that we were going to have a fantastic time; the beautiful gardens and entrance, the smiling reception staff, and the very warm welcome. Our own concierge, Cosmas, took us to Villa 11 which was in its own grounds, and quite literally our jaws dropped upon him opening the door, with a gasp too, when we saw what would be home for the next 11 nights. It was stunning, and that was before we even went outside to see the plunge pool. Top quality furnishings, premium bed linen, a free standing bath, large shower, walk-in dressing area...I could go on. Cosmas explained lots about the hotel, where to eat and drink, and we even found out that we had our very own allocated sun-loungers and straw umbrella on the beach. A quick unpack, valuables placed in the safe and we were off exploring. Jambo, jambo (hello, hello) from the gardeners, of which there were many, but Fatma was particularly lovely, an introduction to our room maid, Victoria, beaming from ear to ear, and then we began to meet the pool side staff and waiters in the bars/restaurants. Nothing, but nothing, was too much trouble for any of them. In particular we enjoyed chatting with Mussa, Fatma (waitress), Paul, Dora, and various others. Head of the restaurants and bars were Esther and Lukas. They were both exceptional hosts and were so kind to us; not just with some complimentary touches, but with their time talking to us too. We also liked it that the guest relations manager, Regina, was very visible and interested in our days, did we enjoy the food, had we had a good time snorkelling, that sort of thing. As for the food, we can only say that it would grace the table of many high-end eateries anywhere in the world. Out and about we'd recommend The Rock restaurant about 5 minutes north. Yes, its a rock on the brilliant white sandy beach at low tide, and in the turquoise sea when the tide's high, with a restaurant perched on the top. It's a short boat ride at high tide (complimentary) or a wade through the water. Not cheap, but a must-do thing so close to the hotel. Reception will book a taxi which will wait for you ($30USD). We went twice, at low and high tides, to get the full experience. We would also say to go for a full day trip to Stonetown including Prison Island. Such an experience! This was booked through Fisherman Tours (approx $250USD for 2). It was a private taxi across the island where we were then met by a guide for the day. Without him, we'd still be in the maze of alleyways. No visit to Stonetown would be complete without a photo outside Freddie Mercury's childhood home, and a climb up to the top of the Zanzibar Coffee House to catch the breeze and look across the town. The coffee and cakes were great too. Finally, to the Raguz family, owners of the Zanzibar Collection, we would like to tell you that you have the very best hotel we have ever had the

Un lugar paradisíaco aguas transparentes servicio de primera ,para descansar despues de un safari de varios dias en Tanzània , entorno, comida, atencion y vistas EXCEPCIONALES , un lugar de auténtico relax y gozo personal ……………………………………………………

We had an amazing stay at Baraza Resort and Spa. Enormously friendly staff that were helpful with everything you needed, quick response. Beautiful villa and surrounding areas. Clean and a fantastic athmosphere. The food was top of the line. A place I like to return too.

My wife and I were looking for the perfect resort for our 20th wedding anniversary. We battled to differentiate between many resorts but eventually settled on Baraza. It was the right choice! The resort is really a very large boutique hotel, with emphasis on the word “boutique”. We had the all inclusive package. I’m always a bit nervous of an “all inclusive” as the term always sends me chilly reminders of cheap hotel tactics to offer a sloppy buffet and some nasty house wines or watered down cocktails. Let’s be clear up front… Baraza is completely on the other spectrum. The breakfast buffet is immaculate, with only the freshest baked goods, delicious fruit, bespoke cooked eggs and all the extra’s. There’s a daily lunch served and dinner every night is a 5 course fine dining experience, rivalling many of the better restaurants that we’ve eaten at around the world. And if something on the menu doesn’t suit, they just make you something else. “Anything you desire”, was the one managers challenge to me! Challenge accepted and they didn’t disappoint. The hotel only caters for a small number of guests but the facilities are abundant. There’s private loungers designated to each villa on the beach. If that wasn’t enough, there’re more loungers at your villa. We had an ocean facing villa with its own plunge pool, which we used every day, and most nights after dinner to cool down as the temperatures were very high during our stay. The hospitality at the hotel is some of the best we’ve ever experienced and you can’t sit down for more than 20 minutes without someone checking in to make sure that you don’t need another bottle of water, a coffee or one of the magical cocktails. Angela was our personal host and she checked in with us every day. The hotel also kindly gave us some special complimentary spoils to celebrate our anniversary in the form of massages at the spa and also private sea food lunch on the beach. It was really special. We had an outstanding 5 night stay and will definitely be back.

Nous venons de passer presque 2 semaines au Baraza pour la 4é année consécutive, toujours avec le même plaisir. Comme les années précédentes tout était parfait dans tous les domaines. Les villas sont superbes ainsi que les parties communes, bars, restaurants, et même le spa. Une décoration magnifique et une propreté exceptionnelle. Le jardin très beau et fleuri est très bien entretenu. La cuisine est délicieuse et variée. Tout est conçu pour avoir une ambiance zen et le cadre est d'une beauté apaisante. Mais c'est le service qui remporte la palme avec un personnel formidable, attentionné et surtout compétent. Pour nous c'est la perfection et nous avons passé, à nouveau, un merveilleux séjour.

Chambre magnifique ,très grande et confort très bien. Personnel très souriant ,serviable et très accueillant Piscine et plage très bon service Restauration excellente ,bar cocktail au top. Un cadre exotique avec des vues superbes. Nous y reviendrons