Reef & Beach Resort in Jambiani | Zanzibar
Arrival at the Resort
I have just returned from a little gem of a hotel The Reef and Beach resort, situated on Jambiani Beach in Zanzibar, in the Indian Ocean.
We walked into the open air reception area, with its tall thatched roof and it’s straw lanterns hanging from the ceiling, it had traditional hand made wooden furniture, and small book cases to suit everyone’s needs.
We were greeted with a huge friendly smile from the staff at reception and the phrase ‘Jambo’ which means ‘hello’ in Swahili.
A Walk Through the Resort
We were shown to our room , walking past the swimming pool, and beautiful gardens ,where they were growing all their own spices and herbs, which they used in the restaurant.
The rooms are very Traditional and spacious , with a four poster bed and mosquito nets, a good size dressing room and separate shower room. You have all the amenities you need .it was spacious and very relaxing .
Wildlife Encounters: The Red Colobus Monkeys
In the evening we would sit on the terrace and watch the sun go down overlooking the Mangrove, where you will find its local inhabitants.
The Red Columbus monkey’s, these little fellows parents and babies were roaming all around the hotel, eating the berries and playing, swinging off the branches in the trees, you can also find them in the heat of the day relaxing on the armchairs in reception in the shade. I loved to watch these monkey’s they had such beautiful inquisitive faces, living in their own natural habitat.
I also used to wonder through the mangroves in the day if I needed to go back to the room. I used to keep my eye out while on my stroll to see if I can see the monkeys. But most of the time I used to get lost and walk around in circles, my husband used to laugh and me and say Sam there are only three walk ways around the mangroves, how could you get lost? My sense of direction is terrible.
Scenic Views and a Sense of Peace
As you walk around the hotel , you can see all the thatched roofs poking up above the palm trees, against the bright blue skies , and the crystal white beach. I felt at peace.
Dining at Makuti Restaurant
The Makuti restaurant serves International cuisine with a Swahili twist . As you walk into the restaurant the smell of all the different flavours capture your taste buds, floating around this open air restaurant, with a cool breeze flowing through it There is so much to choose from Salad starters, to main courses,from fish,beef,lamb, chicken and vegetarian dishes in big iron cast pots for the curries and also an island in the centre of the restaurant with English and many other international foods. There is a big selection of desserts too . The staff constantly are topping up your drinks at your table with their lovely smiles and friendly chat. There is also an array to choose from at the Live cooking station which changes daily.
Poolside Relaxation and a Tropical Atmosphere
We took a dip in the freshwater pool, with an afro beat rhythm playing at the Mango bar, the water was warm and inviting, swimming under the bridge that goes across the pool to the Mango bar the sun beds surrounded the pool with thatched canopies shading them. I watched a little Monkey come from the mangrove sitting chilling by the edge of the pool.
The Jetty Bar Experience
One of the best features of this hotel is the Jetty Bar, which looks like an over water villa.
We would sit and watch the sunrise and sunsets from the jetty, while enjoying a drink listening to the music playing from the bar, looking out to the bluest waters and watching the tide come in over the whitest sands combining the most amazing contrast of colours together. We walked down the steps from the jetty to cool off in the sea , it was so inviting and relaxing as though you could have stepped off the edge of the earth into tranquility.
Exploring the Beach at Low Tide
When the tide went out we wandered onto the beach , watching the local ladies picking seaweed from their own seaweed farms ,and putting it into huge sacks ,which they would carry back home on their heads. This would be sold on to make body care products.
While we wandered on the beach we saw and chatted to the Masai Mara tribe, dressed in their beautiful coloured robes and sandals carrying their long sticks, they roam around the beach at low tide. They showed us the beautiful huge starfish all multicoloured which remain in the rock pools when the tide goes out. What an experience walking with the Masai Mara along this idyllic beach ,with the sun shining and finding the most beautiful starfish.
A Special Moment with the Maasai Children
One morning we were sunbathing on The Jetty and some little girls from the Masai tribe called me onto the beach , as I walked up to them they were waving and came to hold my hand , they started to dance and sing circling around me. Being a mom myself it really made me happy to meet such lovely children.
The Exceptional Hospitality of the Staff
The staff make this hotel so enjoyable , they are warm friendly, nothing is too much trouble for them, they are like one big happy family, we had excellent service throughout.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit Destination
I was sold on this hotel from its peaceful African Ambiance, to The red Columbus monkey’s, The jetty bar with is amazing views, and stunning beaches with its multicoloured starfish , and of course the lovely staff.
If your a person that loves exploring outside of your hotel there is very little as a tourist. There is Jambiani village which you can travel by taxi which takes around 10 minutes. It’s a typical African village basic with a few shops, and very little in the way amenities but very friendly people. Also be aware of the typical African infrastructure meaning there are regular power cuts so generators might end up kicking in for 10 minutes at a time or so.
Give this little hidden treasure in the Indian Ocean a try ! It will not disappoint!
