Breezes Beach Club: Our full report

Breezes Beach Club occupies a lovely stretch of beach along the Michamvi Peninsula.

Compared with many other Zanzibar lodges that we feature, it is a large (70 rooms) place, but being family-run it is less commercial than some of the international-style resorts that can be found here. Its size means it has some excellent facilities and a more buzzing atmosphere than you may find at some of the smaller lodges we feature - however the traditional dark Zanzibari furniture used throughout the resort, and high thatched roofs ensure that it doesn't lack in character.

It's a good option for families travelling with younger children, as there are plenty of activities and distractions. These include a floodlit tennis court, movie room, fitness centre, swimming pool, a dive centre and a well-stocked watersports and activities centre where you can hire bikes, snorkels, floating trampolines, volleyballs and kite surfing. They also offer complimentary guided reef walks to all guests where you can discover some of the corals and local marine life.

The Rising Sun Dive Centre is one of only 250 National Geographic Dive Centres in the world - and the only one in East Africa. This means it is has top-level safety and conservation records - and with a 65km reef just rising a mile offshore, diving is the perfect way to pass a morning at Breezes. The Rising Sun Dive Centre can cater for divers of all abilities, offering taster sessions and PADI courses for beginners as well as deep diving courses for more experienced divers.

Honeymoon couples staying at Breezes Beach Club may appreciate the lively atmosphere of the resort and the excellent Fragipani spa - one of the finest in Zanzibar. The spa has an international team of trained therapists (including Thai massage therapists) and offers a great range of treatments - including facials, massages, hand and foot treatments and meditation. Large changing rooms, pre and post treatment relaxation rooms and a yoga room are just a few of the features you'll find here. Couples will especially like the Sultan's Bath House - where the treatments includes a double massage followed by Jacuzzi bath with essential oils. The atmosphere is one of complete relaxation and the intricate designs are reminiscent of the days of Arab rule in Zanzibar.

There are a number of common areas to relax in around Breezes Beach Club, not to mention numerous restaurants and bars to choose from. During the day the Pool Bar is a popular spot for enjoying a cool drink in the shade. Breakfast and dinner take place in Salama Restaurant - a large thatched room with a buffet table, which is regularly decorated with different themes and has live entertainment every night. Alternatively pop to Breakers Restaurant for a lunch snack.

For a more intimate dining experience the Sultan's Table is a smaller restaurant overlooking the sea. The Indian and Swahili inspired food made from fresh, local produce is very good, and the Arabian style décor and fabrics create an excellent atmosphere, but please note this restaurant incurs a supplement on half and full board rates.

For a truly romantic meal, Tides Restaurant is an intimate table for two set away from the main dining areas. The open-sided Arabian style room allows an uninterrupted view over the Indian ocean and the excellent service ensures a magical experience. There is always a supplement for this exclusive dining experience.

After dinner, retire to the Safari Bar for a few drinks, or to the Baraza Bar for a cigar and liqueurs.

There are four different categories of room - Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and Suites. All have the same interior décor and are of a similar size, however, deluxe rooms are closer to the sea than a standard room, and the Suites are situated on the upper level with a large balcony. It is important to note that none of the rooms have a guaranteed sea-view.

Breezes has a large two-floor villa, which contains four deluxe rooms sleeping up to 6 people. The villa has all the facilities of the other rooms, plus TV and DVD player.

If you are looking for somewhere which offers all the facilities of a resort such as Breezes, but with much more exclusivity, then consider Palms, the sister property next door. Or perhaps Baraza Resort & Spa which is also just up the beach. Alternatively if you are looking for a fresh, modern and luxurious alternative then you may want to consider Zawadi, the latest property in The Zanzibar Collections portfolio.

Please note, that during school holidays and Christmas and New Year, advanced booking is strongly advised here.

Our view

For one of the larger properties we feature in Zanzibar, Breezes maintains a good amount of Zanzibari character. We have always found the service to be efficient and feel the property offers excellent value. With plenty of activities and facilities, it's a superb choice for families and more active couples.

Jessica Plumb

Zanzibar expert

Geographics

Location: Michamvi Peninsula, Zanzibar
Ideal length of stay: Stay here for 4 to 5 nights to relax and take advantage of the great facilities.
Directions: It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then it's a further one hour by car to Breezes Beach Club.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: There are four different dining areas at Breezes Beach Club so there is plenty of variety, though not all of the restaurants can be used on the full board basis. Breakfast is always served in the Salama Restaurant in a buffet style and includes a wide variety of fresh fruits, cereals and a full English breakfast.

The full board lunch is then served in the relaxed poolside Breakers Restaurant which offers an a la carte menu with most items included. Though guests on half board can also eat here for an extra charge. When we were last here we enjoyed chicken satay skewers and chips. The Sultan's Table is a more formal restaurant with Indian and Swahili influenced food – this restaurant always commands a supplement, though guests on a full board rate do get a 15% discount.

Afternoon tea is served in the Chai Tea Lounge from 4 - 5:30pm.

For dinner you can head to the Salama Restaurant for a 5-course meal, or for a substantial supplement dine in the Sultan's Table. There is also the Tides Restaurant which is exclusive dining for two right next to the beach in a small gazebo. This also commands a supplement and it should be booked in advance.

When we last visited Breezes Beach Club, we were entertained by Maasai gymnasts which was part of the weekly Swahli night. We enjoyed an al a carte menu featuring a range of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. Our starter was tomato soup followed by fresh fish in a coconut crust; pudding was a delicious chocolate brownie and vanilla ice-cream. Four nights in a week there is a buffet in Salama Restaurant, and for the other three nights there is a set-menu, which means that there is plenty of variety for guests staying a full week.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Yes
Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Special interests

Family holidays: The large, family-run Breezes Beach Club has a big pool, a tennis court, movie room, gym and an outstanding watersports and diving centre, plus cots and high chairs available. It welcomes children of all ages on family beach holidays in Zanzibar.; See ideas for Family holidays in Zanzibar
Beach holidays: Breezes Beach Club sits on a pretty stretch of beach on the Michamvi Peninsula. With plenty of loungers, a large swimming pool and a water-sports centre it is the location for a great beach holidays particularly for families.; See ideas for Beach holidays in Zanzibar
Diving & snorkelling: Breezes Beach Club has the Rising Sun Dive Centre on site, where you can join one of the PADI scuba diving courses on offer. If you already have your certification you can head straight out on one of their organised dives to the nearby reefs.; See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Zanzibar
Wellbeing: Breezes Beach Club has one of the finest spas on Zanzibar – the Fragipani Spa. There is an international team of trained therapists offering a wide variety of treatments such as facials, massages and hand & foot treatments.; See ideas for Wellbeing in Zanzibar

Children

Attitude towards children: Breezes Beach Club welcome children of all ages
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions at Breezes Beach Club
Special activities & services: Over Christmas and Easter, Breezes organize special kids clubs however throughout the rest of the year they cannot offer this.
Equipment: Breezes can provide cots and high-chairs on request.
Generally recommended for children: Breezes is a great option for families with children.
Notes: Breezes Beach Club is a larger resort with plenty of activities on offer, a large beach and a pool to keep children busy. Though parents should also be aware that children are their responsibility for the duration of their stay.

Communications

Power supply notes: There is 24 hour electricity.
Communications: There are phones in all the rooms. Wifi Internet access is available throughout.
TV & radio: There is a TV room that has DSTV (satellite)

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: Breezes have a nurse on site, however for more serious medical situations there is a western hospital in Stone Town.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Breezes Beach Club has a front gate which is normally closed and watched and discrete security guards around the property.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all of the main areas and bungalows, as well as 10 fire hoses dotted throughout Breezes.

Activities

Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: There is a full laundry service for an extra Charge – around $3 – 7 depending on the item.
Money: Breezes Beach Club will exchange Dollars, Pounds, Euros.
Accepted payment on location: Cash, MasterCard, Visa and Euro card are all accepted for settling payments. There is no surcharge.

Room types at Breezes Beach Club

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Deluxe Room

The Deluxe Rooms, at Breezes Beach Club are identical in terms of size and interior décor to the Standard Rooms, at ground floor level with a private veranda; however the Deluxe are closer to the sea front – though there is no guarantee of a seaview.

Each of the Deluxe rooms is spacious and bright with cream tiled floors and local Zanzibari furnishings. There is a comfortable double bed draped in mosquito netting, a safe box and refrigerator and air-con keeps the rooms nice and cool. Any of the Deluxe Rooms at Breezes can be made into triples by using the large sofa as an extra bed.

The rooms at Breezes Beach Club always feel welcoming with lovely little touches such as fresh flowers around the room.

The en-suite bathrooms in the Deluxe rooms are the same as the Standard Rooms, with cream tiled floors, and cream walls. They are spacious and spotlessly clean with a flush toilet, sink and a hot-and-cold shower. They are relatively functional rather than especially stylish, but they have all the facilities you would need – including a hairdryer!

For an aerial picture of the different rooms, then look at the satellite map of Breezes Beach Club. The Deluxe Rooms are situated on the ground-floor level in the red terracotta-roofed cottages spread through the gardens toward the sea.

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Standard Room

All of the rooms at Breezes Beach Club are similar in terms of size and interior décor, however the Standard rooms are set further away from the sea front. They sit on the ground floor of two-storey cottages, in beautifully sculptured gardens; each has access to its own private veranda.

Each of the spacious rooms has a comfortable double bed draped in mosquito netting, cream tiled floors and local Zanzibari furnishings. Air-con keeps the rooms nice and cool and there is also a safe box, hairdryer and refrigerator. Any of the rooms at Breezes can be made into triples by using the large comfortable sofa as an extra bed.

Little touches such as fresh flowers dotted around the room, natural fibres and fabrics and also no TV or radio – make the rooms welcoming and peaceful.

The en-suite bathrooms at Breezes Beach Club are a continuation of the rooms in style, with cream tiled floors, and cream walls. They are spacious and spotlessly clean with a flush toilet, sink and a hot-and-cold shower.

For an aerial picture of the different rooms, then look at the satellite map of Breezes Beach Club. The Standard Rooms are in the five cottages, which sit in a row set right back from the sea (in the far left of the picture).

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Suite

The Suites at Breezes Beach Club differ from the other rooms by being located on the upper floor of the two-storey cottages (above the Deluxe Rooms.). Each of the Suites has an extensive balcony with plenty of space and the balconies are separated from the next door room by a wooden partition. Honeymooners can even request to have their bed put out on the veranda for a night under the stars.

The bedroom in each Suite at Breezes Beach Club is the same as the bedrooms in the Deluxe Rooms and Standard Rooms. They are spacious and bright with cream tiled floors and local Zanzibari furnishings. There is a comfortable double bed draped in mosquito netting, a safe box and refrigerator and air-con keeps the rooms nice and cool. Any of the rooms at Breezes can be made into triples by using the large comfortable sofa as an extra bed. They also have a walk-in dressing room.

All use cool colours with natural fibres and fabrics, as well as welcoming touches like fresh flowers dotted around the rooms. They are very peaceful, which is enhanced by Breezes policy of having no phones or TVs in any of the rooms – you are here to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet!

The bathrooms in the Suites at Breezes Beach Club are much larger than the Standard Rooms, though they are very similar in style and design with cream tiled floors, and cream walls. They are spotlessly clean with a flush toilet, sink and a hot-and-cold shower.

For an aerial picture of the different rooms, then look at the satellite map of Breezes Beach Club. The Suites are on the upper-level in the red terracotta-roofed cottages spread through the gardens toward the sea.