Zanzibar, TanzaniaNungwi
Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Thatched cliffside compound
Nungwi Zanzibar, Tanzania
Opened
2011
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe ResortOutside the door
The house
EssqueThatched cliffside compound
The compound gathers around an open-air thatched pavilion and an ocean jetty, with quiet suites set along the coral cliff.
What it’s good at
Notable
A forty-metre pitched makuti thatched roof rises above the oceanfront central pavilion.
Notable
Dedicated Navigator concierges arrange Africology spa rituals and private island excursions.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Luxurious seclusion is the order of the day… the suites and villas are arrayed on either side of the central complex and infinity pool to ensure privacy,
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a coral reef cliff above an Indian Ocean cove, outside Nungwi village.
The rooms
Suites center on colonial-style king beds and open layouts. Standalone villas add their own private plunge pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Jacuzzi jets bubble within the split-level lagoon pool, which stretches along the cliff edge above the ocean cove.
The spa and gym
Open-air massage pavilions look toward the ocean, and a separate gym with Technogym equipment stays open around the clock.
At the table
Market Kitchen serves local organic produce and oven-fresh breads, and open-air bars pour cocktails across the terrace.
Zanzibar
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.