As you have probably gather we like Unguja Resort, Ralph and Elies have created something that they can be proud of, a superb lodge... its only flaw (a potentially major one) is the location; the beach is simply very disappointing. If you can get over this fact then there is no better value lodge on Zanzibar.
Unguja Resort - The Facts
Located in the South West of Zanzibar
10 large villas; Sea Villa, Baobab Villa, and a family Villa
A good sized and well designed pool
AC in and a plunge pool in the Baobab Villas
The One Ocean diving centre found on site can organise PADI dives, snorkelling trips as well as trips to swim with dolphins
Unguja Resort - The Detail
Ralph and Elies initial stay at Matemwe Bungalows obviously influenced the choice of lodge that they would eventually build; Unguja Resort is incredibly similar in stile and feel but with a few subtle differences.
There are 10 detached villas in total, the sea view villas as you can imagine have a great sea view and because they are South / South West facing they are a great place to relax with a drink at sun set, the baobab villas have a garden view and face east so to make up for this fact the bedrooms have AC and there is also quite a big plunge pool in the living area and finally there is a family villa with just enough space for five. All in all when we last stayed at Unguja Resort we were taken aback by the size and quality of the rooms it could be agued that they are actually too big and self contained!
The main lodge area has a small bar/restaurant area there is not a lot to it, but there doesnt need to be. The food is to a high standard, nothing over the top but good food non the less. The staff were quite helpful and friendly, and generally the service was good throughout our last stay.
The location at the South West of Zanzibar, there is great diving to be had just off the coast and the nearby marine sanctuary is home to large numbers of dolphins but there is one big disadvantage... the beach is basically non existent.
