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La Gemma Dell Est 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. It is also one of the most impressive buildings on the entire Zanzibar.
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.
Due to the expanse of the land, guests are transported by golf carts from the reception area to their rooms. All over the resort they have pathways for the golf carts who transfer guests between the top restaurant or reception and their rooms. From your room, it is a good 80 meters 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, incorporating a modern Zanzibar style. 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 Zanzibar La Gemma Dell Est 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 king-size 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 terracotta and brown color scheme. The bathroom includes a stunning shower, bidet, hair dryer, bath robes and hotel personalized toiletries.
Surprisingly, 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 introduced.
Location: Gemma Dell Est is located on the North West coast of Zanzibar, about an hour away from Stone Town.
Closed: Gemma Dell Est is closed from beginning April to 15 June
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African Encounters is a tour operator run by travelers like you. We know & love Africa and believe that the African continent is there for everyone to exerience. From the rural townships to the lap of five star exclusive luxuary, our partnerships in Africa are unrivaled. We guarentee you the best holiday deal. Booking your honeymoon, holiday, safari, dive or beach holiday. We will make your dream vacation happen.
We were met buy a guy called Bori from your ground handler and i can only say i wish i could get someone like him here in SA as he was fantastic & was very friendly & knowledgeable .
We also took one of their tours and was great – i would just suggest you guys maybe also advertise this with tariffs if possible , i thought it was reasonable as you cant get the same from a place here in SA.
The Airport was just very scary ...but once you at the resort you forget that you are in Africa.
We would probably revisit Zanzibar in future as it was worth it.
Written by Bronwyn 