Continuing with my recent trip to Zanzibar, I then stayed at the luxurious Palms which was built 8 years ago as the five star sister hotel to Breezes. It doesn’t take kids under 16 years (though curiously each villa has a second bedroom with a single bed, and shower room so an older child could share with you.) I really liked The Palms and I think that it would appeal to a broad range of people. It is very small and exclusive with only six villas. These are very smart with a terrace, complete with two day beds and a small jacuzzi plunge pool. Inside there’s a sitting area (with TV and DVD player) and it’s open plan into the bedroom area. Behind the bedroom is a large dressing room and a sizeable bathroom (with separate toilet/bidet)

However what is particularly magical about The Palms is that each villa has its own private ‘banda’ right on raised beach area behind the main beach, with steps directly down to the main beach which is right there. Here are two loungers, coffee table and a double day bed which is screened on three sides for privacy and also protection from the winds. (I am actually writing this sitting on my banda day bed!) This is a really, great feature of The Palms – which Barazza Resort doesn’t have. I suspect that alot of people simply hang out at their banda for much of the day. I did!

The staff will bring sundowner cocktails and nibbles to your banda or morning coffee if they see that you have headed down there. Nice touch!

Click here for more on my Zanzibar trip report…