Bluebay Beach Resort

This was my first visit to Zanzibar and stayed here for 7 nights. We opted for half board hoping that it was close to other bars and restaurants, not liking been tied to a hotel, however even though there are alternatives in the village the hotel staff strongly recommend that you don't leave the hotel in the evening, presumably so you will pay the over inflated bar prices! A walk into the nearby village is refreshing, if you are prepared from the onslaught of locals offering their services to escort you to different shops, I can cope with that, but I understand some people find it a little un-nerving and therefore stay within the confines of the hotel The hotel itself is aesthetically very pleasing, it is open, spacious and airy and the gardens are beautifully kept. All the staff are hard working and keep the area clean and tidy, there is however a forced almost contrived greeting from staff every time you pass them, I'm assuming they are told to greet the guests with "Jambo" as they pass by - this must be tedious for them after the hundredth time! The rooms are spacious and all have balconies, but are a little "tired" and need of a refurbishment. The floor and wall tiles are cracked and have been patched up many times, none of the doors and windows close properly and the furnishings appear very colonial. Despite its close proximity to the beach, no one sits on it due to the constant harassment from the "beach boys", but there are security guards in place to ensure they don't enter the hotel property If you are to visit and like a drink or two, I'd go for the all inclusive option, but be warned, the food is under-inspiring and lukewarm with the buffet style food usually made with a bit of meat and corn flour thickened sauce. Breakfast has the usual selection of egg dishes, fresh fruit and yoghurts but the "fresh juice" is reconstituted and tastes powdery. The other disadvantage is being pushed and shoved by greedy (usually European) tourists determined to get their money's worth, piling up their plates with food that they neither want nor need! The concerning theme that has appeared many times is the statements from non-europeans about how they were treated and I certainly saw evidence of these guests been treated very differently, the hotel guests being around 95% Italians and at one point we were the only 2 British people there - if you're looking for a taste of Africa, forget it! Overall, it's OK for a short stay, but certainly not a 5 star hotel, I was glad to move on to pastures new and certainly had enough after 7 nights. Read less

My husband and I stayed at the resort for a week. It was my first time to Zanzibar. We were welcomed with a sweet local juice. Our room was a bit of a walk but was quiet with a balcony to sit and have a sundowner. The resort staff were all friendly and welcoming. While it was busy we never struggled to find a sun lounger at the pool or overlooking the ocean. Every night was a different theme with buffet dining and entertainment. We thoroughly enjoyed the local dancing and the music was good too. The scuba diving and snorkelling is also well worth it. Read less

We cannot fault anything. All staff go over and above their job role, nothing is too much trouble. They are all so friendly. Special mention to Aisha, Jonathan, Nikki, Gerry aka Gagunna!!! Also Adonis who again went over and above when we needed help. Food is delicious and plentiful and again all staff are so friendly and efficient. Our room was very big, his and hers sinks, shower w.c, dressing area, seating area and huge 4 poster bed. The room was kept immaculate by the cleaning staff. The gardens were lovely to walk through and again kept immaculate. The pool area has ample sun beds, never a problem finding one. The beach was beautiful. One if the best we have seen. Would rival the Maldives. White sand and crystal clear blue water. Drinks always kept topped up and brought to you by happy smiling staff. We had two massages at the spa. Very relaxing and lovely area. All in all we have been to many places in the world but this is our favourite hotel. Very relaxing, felt totally recharged from our busy lives. Already looking to book for next year. Thank you to everyone at Blue Bay. Read less

I had booked this property on my recent trip to East Africa. The property had some very blatant gaps that were evident during my stay. Pros - The property faces the beach which may be the best part of this resort. Their helping house keeping staff is nice and pleasant and so are some restaurant people Cons - 1 - Very limited All Inclusive options, you’ll have 1 restaurant for your meals and the liquor is not top shelf for the price you pay 2- Overall energy is not the most positive as they pick and choose who they want to be nice to, from check in/ check out, staff was extremely unpleasant No genuine smiles/ welcome or courtesy / Which added to an overall unpleasantness for the stay - they get my 1/5 on that 3 - Every time you order even a bottle of water , they make you sign a check ( nowhere else in the world do you see this in an all inclusive) 4 - It’s being run by Europeans and all you see are people from Europe, not sure if I felt I was in Africa (95 percent of the people during my stay were families from Italy and England), Absolutely, no diversity. 5 - All families, if you’re flying Solo this is not your place to be I had to forfeit my 3 days of money and left early. I will not recommend this property to anyone (unless you get a really cheap price) Read less

Sincerly this place is a real paradise as I didnt expect. From a greographical point of vire beach is amazing And the peculiar phénomène of tides Makes it very charming. Thé structure is also beautiful, well immerged in nature, safe and well entertained. Food is also top, really good. Entertainement is very friendly and nice: if you want you participate to what they organize otherwise you stay quiet wherever you want. This is very respectful and relaxing. Thanks Alex and Ilaria! Read less