This is by far the largest resort in Zanzibar, not only because they have
the most rooms, but also the vast space over which it is situated.
Gemma is located on the North West coast of Zanzibar, near to Kendwa Rocks,
on a magnificent stretch of beach. The beauty of this side of the island is
that it is not as affected as the East by the tidal fluctuations. You are
able to swim during low and high tide. Even though they have a great beach,
they went and built the most massive swimming pool on the island with a
sunken bar on the northern end where you are able to enjoy cocktails.
We do like the resort, but feel it is a little too big and perhaps not very
authentic. Guests are transported by golf carts from the reception area to
their rooms. All over the resort they have pathways for the gold carts who
transfer guests between the top restaurant or reception and their rooms.
From your room, it is a good 80 metres down to the beach. All in all it is
almost half a kilometer from reception down to the beach (if not longer).
This just gives you an idea of how huge it is.
The hotel has been styled on a modern European style, ignoring the Zanzibar
style, in which most other resorts have been built. Large white plastic
tarpaulins greet you as you enter the main gate, something you might expect
to see in Milan. The restaurant area is beautifully decorated using glass
windows and water features, all very chic and modern.
One of the most stunning features of the resort is the large entertainment
area built on a pontile out in the ocean. The jetty just out some 100m into
the ocean and provides a stunning place to enjoy cocktails during the day,
sundowners at sunset or a late night drink. From the deck in the evening,
you can watch the fish swimming in the floodlit ocean.
The resort boasts an impressive 138 rooms,
including 17 Junior Suites, 23 Executive Villa guest
rooms and a presidential villa which consists of 5
bedrooms. All rooms are fitted with French doors which
open out on to a landscaped garden. The rooms
also have a small balcony where guests can sit and
enjoy the view of the ocean.
The rooms all feature kingsize beds or twin beds
for single persons. The rooms have all the modern
conveniences which include satellite television, air
conditioning, ceiling fans, mini bar, safe and
telephone. The hotel has blended the room in a
terracota and brown colour scheme. The bathroom
includes a great shower, bidet, hair dryer, bath robes
and hotel personalised toiletries.
The executive villas also include a personal
butler.
| Dining |
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Suprisingly, the hotel only has one restaurant
and 3 bars. The restaurant is situated on the
hilltop, so it takes a good effort to get there
if you are in one of the rooms closest to the
ocean. At least the walk down kills the calories
after enjoying your meal.
The cuisine is European, serving an English
and Continental breakfast, and buffet for lunch
and dinner. Snacks and pastries are served at
the swimming pool bar throughout the day. There
are plans of introducing an a la carte
restaurant on the pontille. We will update the
site once this has been intriduced.
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| Fast
Facts |
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Location: Gemma Del Est is
located on the North West coast of Zanzibar, about an
hour away from Stone Town.
General facilities:
• Fully inclusive resort
• Restaurant
• 3 Bars
• Full watersports centre
• Big game fishing facilities
• Full PADI certified dive school
• Swimming pool
• 24 Hour reception and concierge
• Small gift shop
• Laundry service
• Limited room service
• Conference facilities
Room facilities:
• Air-conditioner and fans
• Mosquito nets
• Satellite television
• Telephone facilities
• Safe
• Telephone facilities
• Mini bar
Activities:
• Diving
• Go snorkelling, water-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, dhow cruises and deep-sea fishing
• Visit the hotel masseuse for a relaxing massage
• The hotel offers excursions to the surrounding areas, including Stone Town, Spice plantations and Jozani Forest
Services:
• Transfers between Nungwi and Stone Town
• Laundry service
Closed: Open all year
