Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa Zanzibar

“Relaxing Resort”

We visited ocean paradise following a safari. We booked via trailfinders in the uk and they recommended this hotel. The hotel has less than 100 rooms so is perfect for that quiet break. The hotel exceeded my expectations, having focused on the safari more than the beach/relaxing part of the holiday… more

We visited ocean paradise following a safari. We booked via trailfinders in the uk and they recommended this hotel. The hotel has less than 100 rooms so is perfect for that quiet break. The hotel exceeded my expectations, having focused on the safari more than the beach/relaxing part of the holiday. We did the all inclusive package and found it good value, it included the mini bar in the room, beach drinks service, sparkling white and rose wine, daily cocktails, milkshakes and juices. The food at this hotel was really really good. We booked a romantic meal on the beach via guest relations (extra cost, but very reasonable), we had the lobster ( don’t ask reception as they told us it was only for special occasions). Each night had a theme for food, which is not unusual but what was different is 70% of the food changed every night there are different fresh cooking stations cooking fresh food to order and then a few buffet style warmers, with 30% being your staple and fresh pasta station which was the same. Breakfast was brilliant, loads of fresh fruit being cut in front of guests, freshly made fruit juices as well as the more traditional options. You can clearly see Scott the f&b manager has high standards and works hard to set an example for his team. You can tell his influence as it’s spot on for the uk and European guests, always checking we were happy and anything he could help with. We liked this hotel for its authentic vibe, thatch roofs and round traditional buildings. The beach loungers are sectioned off so you don’t get hassle from beach sellers. I had a massage and body scrub at angelley next door to the hotel (on the right) which was much cheaper than hotel. My husband went to one of the shops on the beach and had a massage for $20 for 1 hour and it was very good. We also purchased a carved name plaque as a gift and went direct to the carver’s workshop (rather than the massi beach sellers), if you turn right on the beach there is an alleyway of shops and the carver is first shop. It cut out the middleman and we had the plaque within 24 hours. My husband went kite surfing, and used Zanzikite which is a short walk up the beach. They had quality wide range of kit and really helpful, he only kite surfed a few days due to no wind. The sea temp was a crazy 35 one day, and 28-32 the rest of the time. It’s very tidal here so can only swim when tide is in, also recommend sea shoes as makes the walk down the beach more comfy. When we checked out of the hotel, they extended our all inclusive until 6pm which was a nice gesture and they have two showers in the beach wash rooms that can be used before you leave they recommend using fresh beach towels to dry off after the shower. We don’t usually return to places, but this was exceptionally good that we are seriously considering when we can go back.

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“Paradise Found”

Just returned after a fantastic 9 night stay. Couldn’t really fault the place. Stunning location on a beautiful beach where the sea was a constant 26 degrees. Great walk out to the reef at low tide (if you can fend off the beach boys!). The accommodation was luxurious and , like the whole place, sp… more

Just returned after a fantastic 9 night stay. Couldn’t really fault the place. Stunning location on a beautiful beach where the sea was a constant 26 degrees. Great walk out to the reef at low tide (if you can fend off the beach boys!). The accommodation was luxurious and , like the whole place, spotlessly clean. Kudos to the staff. Huge bed and mosquito nets, with a great outdoor seating area for four outdoors. Bathroom in a semi circle around the bedroom was a great design. Pool was massive with a range of depths and again, so clean. Three restaurants and the morning breakfast and evening (themed) meals had a great selection with freshly cooked choices which were always hot. Snack lunch menu by the pool had a great choice for us on half board. Outside dining with a band at night was highly welcomed. Only about 200 guests but place was huge so you always had a sun bed either at the pool or on the private beach area. Drinks service or swim up bar was good. Could be quiet at night after dinner. The top bar was a great design with comfy seating on a stepped terrace but barely used by patrons. Some music instead of the films could be an idea. If you fancy a party head to Shambaland (10 min walk), an open air nightclub. Good fun, full of tourists and not too expensive! Cash to enter but take cards once in. The hotel arranged a day trip to spice farm, Prison Island and Stone Town at a good price and a snorkelling trip. Thanks to Freida for this. Highly recommended this place if you want some sun, sand, sea and relaxation in a great location. Staff were so friendly and Scott who ran food/beverages was a great help, offering advice and recommendations of places to go. We felt thoroughly looked after.

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“Bucket list wonder”

Scot & ALL staff were amazing. Incredible medics who helped my friend after altercation with propellor blade (all free). Beautiful place to relax after week of early start safaris. Met some incredibly interesting people who had “really” travelled in the lovely couchy bar area. Great selection of fo… more

Scot & ALL staff were amazing. Incredible medics who helped my friend after altercation with propellor blade (all free). Beautiful place to relax after week of early start safaris. Met some incredibly interesting people who had “really” travelled in the lovely couchy bar area. Great selection of food unless you’re really fussy. In fact was a bit overwhelming but in a good way. Golf cart to move you around if required (they don’t advertise it as can be abused by lazy people but for me with mobility issues was a godsend!) Thoroughly recommend BUT do not book the boat trip if you have mobility issues as you will not be able to climb onboard! It is hilly but as I say, if they can see you have issues they will provide cart so you can do the queenly wave as you drive past new friends 🤣 I have seriously never met people so attentive to ensuring your holiday experience is the best. Just go! 😁

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“Amazing honeymoon”

We had the most amazing stay at Ocean Paradise on the second half of our honeymoon to Tanzania. After 1 week on safari we were looking forward to chilling out and it did not disappoint ! From the minute we checked in and were greeted with a cooling smoothie, the hotel and its amazing staff went a… more

We had the most amazing stay at Ocean Paradise on the second half of our honeymoon to Tanzania. After 1 week on safari we were looking forward to chilling out and it did not disappoint ! From the minute we checked in and were greeted with a cooling smoothie, the hotel and its amazing staff went above and beyond to make sure we had the best stay. Our room was spacious and had been decorated to celebrate the honeymoon, and we were blown away by the beach views everyday. As someone with coeliacs disease, Scott the Food and Beverages manager was incredible and made sure I was able to check with the chef about the food each day. It was already helpfully labelled with allergens which you don’t often see in hotels! He and his team were incredibly welcoming and would check in each day to make sure we were well looked after and we enjoyed trying the daily cocktails! The food was outstanding and genuinely some of the best all-inclusive food we have ever had. It was incredibly fresh and different each day so you were never bored of the choice. As it was our honeymoon the hotel arranged some beautiful treats for us including a meal on the beach which was absolutely stunning and really special. Our tour company advised us to bring a copy of our marriage certificate which we did and seemed to be required just FYI. We also treated ourselves to some spa sessions which were amazing. All in all a holiday of a lifetime, thanks to all the staff!

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