Zula Zanzibar — Hotel in Unguja

Hands down Zula serves the best cocktails we’ve had in a long time, and trust when we say that we’ve had some great cocktails, globally. ||We were not guests at the resort, but whilst staying in Zanzibar, we decided to try out Paje Beach, which is one of the best beaches on the island of Zanzibar. ||After strolling up and down the beach looking for a place to chill, Zula stood out to us as most attractive. It had almost a sandy, off-white tone in colour, and the way its seatings are laid out just says ‘beach club vibes’, plus the view and access to the ocean are excellent; so much so that we went there on three separate occasions whilst staying in Zanzibar. ||Our first visit was a party of four plus our driver; as soon as we arrived, they started to play dancehall music as if they already knew where we hailed from, we took that as a warm welcome and felt right at home.||Our waiter was Hadjie, a great guy who informed us on all drinks and food menu, and even joined in on our group dance as we vibed to some Amapiano. We ordered Pina Colada, Long Island Ice Tea, Margaritas, other cocktails and mocktails. ||“Let’s just say that the cocktails were cocktailing!” The drinks did not disappoint, as a matter of fact, we will go as far as to say that the cocktails were the best; so much that we went back a second time. ||Fairly priced between 18,000 - 20,000 TZS in comparison to prices seen in our travels, we repeated our drinks order and the vibe at the Zula remained the same as our first visit. On our second visit, our order was extended by us adding a shared snack from the menu which was priced at 45,000 TZS. ||But that was the ordered that changed our perfect view of Zula. When it was delivered, the quality of the food was good, but our disappointment was of the quantity. “Straight rip off”, not worth the price at all. ||Obviously, our third visit was with a bit of hesitation, but with its ideal location, good vibes and Hadjie, being the best waiter, we decided to return to Zula again. We arrived with friends, now a party of seven.||But before we ordered, we shared our previous disappointment with Hadjie, who was equally not pleased that were had a complaint. He quickly introduced us to the F&B manager, who apologised and remedied the small wound with a complimentary Long Island Ice Tea.||And just like that, it was if it never happened. We had a great time, the cocktails continued cocktailing, everyone in our party loved their drink. The weather was perfect, the temperature of the ocean was ideal and the beautiful view from Zula continued to be unchallenged.||Highly recommended and we will always visit Zula when we are...

First time in Zanzibar, watched lots of You Tube vids to try and figure out where to go and landed up here in Paje at Zula Zanzibar. What a place, exactly as it looks, staff incredible from the bar staff, chefs, cleaning staff and managers. So lovely, friendly, informative and amazing service (better than I’ve experienced in other parts of Africa and the Caribbean). Also, this place isn’t that expensive - but I can’t think how it could be improved! Food is much better than I anticipated, great fresh sea food but also a wide menu. Rooms are lovely - go for an upstairs sea view. I’m sitting here watching the beautiful Indian Ocean and the last few kite surfers of the day writing this, a cold beer by my side and a lovely glow from an amazing day on holiday. Paje is quite small and while we were here quite quiet, but that’s what we wanted, the beach is gorgeous and literally right at the hotel. The town is poor and if you’ve never been to Africa maybe takes a little getting used to but it feels safe and friendly and has ATMs, places to shop for local stuff and taxis and other conveniences are easily located and reasonably priced (if you come from Europe or N America). The hotel, in my view, is perfect and over delivers per $ spent. If you are after something different perhaps Zanzibar isn’t for you. We’re spending 5 nights here which seems right, heading off to Kendwa then Stone Town cause we want to explore the island. I could easily spend longer here. Bear in mind of course this is a mostly Muslim island so there may be some cultural surprises like an early call to prayer, but I just took that as a reminder to watch the glorious sunset from the balcony. There were a variety of nationalities and languages in the hotel which was lovely, it felt utterly inclusive and welcoming. Book a pick up from the airport via the hotel, we arrived at 0230 am and a driver was there to greet us and bring us carefully to Paje, the hotel had emailed us to confirm and we were reassured that we were in safe hands. This is a lovely island, Paje was just right for us and Zula...

Nice hotel on the beach . Beautiful sea view . Very nice and warm water but many windsurfers there so you have to be careful in the water . Big PLUS - if you walk far enough in the water when low tide , you will find many starfish there , but take your water shoes as there are maaany sea urchins. Be careful . It’s thousands of them . We walked for a long time maybe 40 minutes . When the water level starts to rise it goes very quickly so make sure you have time to get back. There is a pool and small “glass pool” , looks very nice. Rooms are basic but nice. Too many locals walking around and trying to sell you something . Same person walks by 2-3 times and bothers you with the same thing even when you are clearly sleeping on the sunbed on the hotel property (but close to the beach where they are walking around ) then another one comes by … very annoying , we couldn’t relax 100%. The restaurant was okay . We had only breakfast included . Not much to choose from and a bit longer wait but it was okay . Lunch and dinner was nice but a bit pricey . Drinks were nice too if you ask for the exact brand of alcohol you want in your cocktails. If you don’t, they will make a cocktail with their local alcohol which I didn’t like very much . Staff was very nice and friendly . On our arrival one of the staff came to show us around and explain everything. You will receive a bottle of water which you can fill up anytime in the reception, that I liked very much . 🩵 overall we enjoyed...