We were a family of 4, with two teenage girls, and overall had a good, relaxing time over 8 days. We loved the beautiful gardens, the sea view, the quality evening shows, the coziness of the place (only 16 bungalows) and the exceptionally nice and helpful Tanzanian staff (we had a memorable New Year's Eve dancing with them!) - they care deeply to ensure everyone has a good time while remaining discreet. The location is great to visit the Island as we did one day out of two, organised through our agent in Geneva and the hotel (we recommend the day's private outing with Safari Blue out of Fumba, the Maalum cave to be combined with the Jozani forest rather than done over two trips). The main downside of the hotel is the food: the limited choice each day would be no issue if there was more variety from one day to the next and the food was not so bland, with big pieces of meat/fish each night, hardly any vegetables, no big salads, not a single local dish in our 8 evenings despite Zanzibar's cuisine being notoriously tasty, and nothing festive for New Year's eve (the same BBQ as 5 nights before: grilled squid and octopus, and grilled meat in copious amounts, a small potatoe each, no vegetables (!), and a piece of average cake). The wine list was also quite limited. Overall, definitely not worth the very high price charged for each dish (or for the all inclusive) nor the fuss made about the food at this hotel. It is obviously aimed at a particular clientele, but was a real disappointment to us and the reason why we would not give theTulia 5/5. We ate much better in Stone Town and in many the 5* hotels of many other countries. Travelers may want to note the following: the common area around the (small) pool and facing the sea is small, including the deck above the sea (when there is one but the changing tide is quite charming), although well-furnished; there is non-stop music (but they will turn if down or off if you ask); the hotel faces East and loses the sun around 5.30pm (but nice moon each night); it is quite windy all day long, but we found this OK given the heat and as a result had virtually no mosquitoes. The Royal bungalow, where we were, is big (save the bathroom, small) but lacks a bit of charm, facing the back of the propery, although it is good for a family of 4, has its own swimming pool, and is quiet as against the spa (no neighbours). Overall probably a better place for 3 to 5 days' rest after a safari than for an 8/9 day stay as we had. But again, we have rarely experienced such nice and helpful staff, they made our stay!
Outstanding
47 Reviews