An All-Inclusive Experience of Zanzibar at Ocean Paradise Resort and Spa

Located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar in Tanzania, Ocean Paradise Resort and Spa is our next stop. It faces the Indian Ocean and is a 45-minute drive from the Zanzibar Airport.

It is a big property, but it was not as good as the Essque Zulu Zanzibar. When we arrived, they gave us a copy of all the compliments we are receiving. We stayed in a Superior Bedroom with free breakfast and dinner.

They also offer an all-inclusive treatment, where you get free lunch, drinks, and water for $33 per person per day. It is a good deal! You can order as much as you want and whatever you want on the menu but the cocktails were limited to the cocktails of the day.

As such, the hotel was a tad crowded. Lots of people were around on tour packages. Most of them have the same package we have, which is half-board with free lunch and dinner.

Enjoying the Pleasures of Ocean Paradise Resort and Spa

On our first day, it was raining so we did not plan any big activity. We went to the beach, had a look around, and we met the marketing manager, Anthony. He was nice and friendly. He spoke about the tradition and culture of people in Zanzibar. He explained why people behaved in certain ways. It was a lot helpful!

The rain was back the next day. But we decided to have a beach day regardless. We lounged in the sun beds even if it was raining a bit. The best part? The rain deterred the crowd!

In general, Zanzibar experiences holiday weather with seasonal rains. Our visit just timed with the short showers! But usually, it is warm year-round with the summer peaking in December.

Zanzibar has two main islands, the Unguja and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is approximately 650sq mi in size surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches with amazing coral reefs and the famous Stone Town, which is the cultural heart of Zanzibar.

The Rooms

A Masai warrior greets you when you arrive at Ocean Paradise Resort and Spa. The resort overlooks the white sandy beach. The entire property is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and accommodation is presented in traditional African roundhouse chalet with a pitched makuti roof.

The rooms face the sea and feature large patio doors with a balcony. Amenities include air-conditioning, King or twin beds draped with mosquito netting, satellite TV, phone, mini-bar, and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet bidet, and hair dryer.

There were loads of villas, and beach huts and the rooms were over 100. However, the hotel is old, and some of the furniture in the rooms need replacing. Some refurbishing will do this place a lot of good. The bed is a bit uncomfortable, the pillow as well.

Safety issues exist, too. Once you get out of the resort fence like if you want to go for a walk by the beachfront, it is not ideal because there are loads of locals waiting for you outside and they will hassle you for everything and anything. It is not very good.

The Facilities

Spa – Give your mind and body much need bliss at the spa. There are four treatment rooms, two Jacuzzis, a salon, steam room, and sauna to enjoy.

Swimming pool – The Swimming Pool is large, and it has a delightful waterfall feature.

Conference facilities – Ocean Paradise Resort and Spa has the most extensive conference facilities in Zanzibar. It accommodates 180 people and is fully equipped with a high-quality audio-visual system. A boardroom is also available for smaller meetings.

Diving facilities – A professional PADI accredited dive company is on-site to help you with all your diving requirements.

Water sports activities – Plenty of adventure await! Try windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, dolphin tours, and boat trips.

Tour office – Explore Zanzibar with the help of the tour agency that offers a selection of excursions like a visit to the Stone Town, Spice Island, and Jozani Forest.

Fitness Center – Keep up with your health and fitness needs at the gym.

Sports Activities – Volleyball, billiards, and table tennis are all available at Ocean Paradise Resort and Spa.

The Food

There are three restaurants at Ocean Paradise Resort and Spa: Ocean Restaurant, Jahazi Restaurant, and Mawimbi Restaurant.

Offering great views, the Ocean Restaurant serves a lovely breakfast and dinner. We had a buffet breakfast, which is composed of traditional Tanzanian food like curries and bread, and we also had Continental breakfast with different sorts of pastries like the croissant, pan au chocolat, donuts, and spreads like jams, marmalades, and peanut butter. The omelets are excellent! It is a big restaurant for breakfast.

Dinner is also served here. It is another buffet, and it is interesting because themes vary from night to night. The first night it was Indian and then the next night was Italian, and we had pasta, roast, seafood, and fresh vegetables.

Meanwhile, Jahazi Restaurant is next to the pool. It offers wood-fired pizza and a variety of snacks. Finally, Mawimbi Restaurant serves Zanzibar Fusion cuisine. Local and traditional Zanzibar ingredients are mixed with Asian and Western influences for a unique gastronomic experience. It also has a romantic ambiance ideal for dinner dates!

Area Guide

Stone Town – There is plenty to amuse you in this historic town. Highlights include the House of Wonders, Palace Museum, Dr. Livingstone’s House, and Arab Fort. It is also an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the local culture. See the market, walk along the winding alleyways, and visit the cathedrals and mosques.

Diving – Be sure to explore underwater and get intimate with the coral reef structures of Zanzibar. Marine life is abundant with good visibility up to 60 m. The water is warm with an average year-round temperature of 27 degrees.

Jozani Forest – The rare Red Colobus Monkey lives here, and it is endemic to Zanzibar. In this natural forest reserve, the monkeys live freely, and they are incredibly photogenic.

Spice Island – Spice plantations are massive in Zanzibar. You could see cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, and many others. A tour truly dazzles the senses. Of course, there is no better place to load up on spices and spice oils to bring back with you!

Prison Island – Giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles call this island home. Snorkeling is great here, and you will find much pleasure in the beautiful coral reefs. There is a white sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, too!