Review of Baraza Resort & Spa, Zanzibar: A Sultan's Palace!

Had we accidentally walked into a sultan’s palace in Zanzibar?

The gleaming white entrance lobby – embellished with marble floors, gold silk divans and battered brass lanterns – sure made us think so.

Staff padded about wearing flowing white gowns.

And through a row of key-hole shaped doorways, we could see the dazzling turquoise Indian Ocean beyond.

Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar — Is this a sultan’s palace? Or the exotic lobby of a 5-star Zanzibar hotel?

But no, this was Baraza Resort and Spa.

And Baraza Resort and Spa – and the island of Zanzibar – was the perfect place for chilling after our safari in Africa and canoeing adventures at Chiawa Camp in Zambia.

Baraza Resort is a wonderful luxury resort on Zanzibar. — Baraza Resort was a wonderful resort on Zanzibar to decompress after our African safari

Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar: Review

All “rooms” are private villas at Baraza

We had kicked off our Zanzibar visit with a few days exploring Stone Town.

After that, we enjoyed a couple of resort stays – the incredibly romantic Palms hotel (one of Baraza’s sister resorts) and the ultra-luxurious-in-a-barefoot-way andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge.

Baraza Resort and Spa – located on the white sands of Bwejuu Beach – was our last hotel stay on Zanzibar.

Sugar white Bwejuu Beach in front of Baraza Resort

All-inclusive Zanzibar hotel

Baraza is one of four Zanzibar beach resorts in the Zanzibar Collection.

It has 30 luxurious one- and two-bedroom villas with private pools.

Each Baraza villa boasts its own private pool

Baraza villas

Each Baraza Resort villa has a separate living room with an alcove for a daybed — Our Baraza Resort villa had a separate living room, with an alcove for a daybed

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When we entered our one-bedroom villa, our jaws dropped.

It was a full 1,600 square feet, with its own plunge pool and alfresco lounging area – huge enough to have a party.

And we loved the clove-scented soaps and bath products in the bathroom.

Our villa bathroom at Baraza Resort & Spa. Don't you love the egg-shaped bathtub! — Our villa bathroom – don’t you love the egg-shaped bathtub!

The pool

Baraza also has a common swimming pool for laps and lounging – should you want a change of scene from the beach or your own private pool.

The main swimming pool at Baraza - it was wonderful to swim here! — The main swimming pool at Baraza – it was wonderful to swim here!

Dining at Baraza

The food and drinks at Baraza Resort and Spa are lovely — The food and drinks at Baraza are lovely

All meals and drinks (cocktails and wines) are included in the rates.

And with four restaurants and two bars to choose from, you never lack for choice!

Bottom line?

We found Baraza Resort and Spa to be a resort fit indeed for a sultan (and his princess).

Booking details: Baraza, a luxury all-inclusive Zanzibar resort

Rates

Rates are all-inclusive at this luxury Zanzibar resort.

The Zanzibar Collection

For more information about Baraza’s sister hotels in the Zanzibar Collection, see here.

To book

Baraza Resort & Spa: Check rates and availability

Our top travel tips and resources

Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!

Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).

Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)

Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!

Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.

Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.

Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.

Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)

Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.

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About the authors

Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.

Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews, articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews, insanely useful travel tips and more!

Ben

Monday 31st of March 2014

Looks like a paradise. How much does this paradise cost? :)

Janice and George

Tuesday 1st of April 2014

All-inclusive rates for a 1-bedroom villa start at about $900 per night per couple.

Noel Morata

Friday 28th of March 2014

Raises hand - Ah yes please. this is dreamy and what a real exotic destination....I want to learn more!

Corinne

Wow! Janice. Stunning...Looks like the perfect place to de-stress and have a romantic getaway.

At the end of our safaris in Africa, it was perfect...

Irene S. Levine

Thursday 27th of March 2014

Looks simply exquisite! How did you ever get yourself to leave?

Let us tell you, leaving was difficult!