The Palms consists of six well appointed bungalows each with it's own banda on the edge of the beach. As such it is very exclusive and the ideal place to wind down after a safari. It is an hours drive from Zanzibar airport. The staff, particularly Esiriak and Robert, were particularly attentive. The food is fusion cuisine and in the four days of our stay was a gastronomic delight - portions suitable for older visitors which was much appreciated. There was local music on two of the four evenings. Sundowner cocktails were fascinating and more than delicious. There is a complex next door (The Breezes) where there is a shop and a facility to arrange outdoor activities. There is also the possibility to organise trips to other parts of the island such as Stonetown and a Spice Farm. This was a return visit and everything was as good as before if not better.

We spent six nights here in january. It all looks fantastic, with six large chalets semi-circled round the pool and bar which meant only the 6th room - cinnamon - had direct access to the beach. We were next in jasmine and were badly attcked by mosquitoes, outside and inside the room and even inside the mosquito net. Although the net looked fantatsic it took us two nights to wrok out that it did not touch the floor in a couple of places. The windows and doors were not mosquito proof and any lights soon attracted them despite the ac. Food was high quality, plentiful and well served but very littel choice. Only one starter and one sweet with choice of two or three main courses at lunch and dinner. The dinner main course had to be chosen several hours beforehand. Breakfast was also a la carte with fresh fruit starter, choice of two juices, mesuli or cornflakes, milk or plain yoghurt, bread and pastries, eggs bacon etc. No wine list - choice was red, rose or white. The square central pool had some loungers but no sunshades or shower. Plunge pool outside our room was always in the shade and hence always too cold to relax in. Nowhere to shower or wash sand off feet before entering room. Furniture looked antique but was all available to buy in the next door hotel shop. Lovely TV & Video but difficult to see from the bed; plus phone and free wifi. Plumbing looked great but none of the plugs worked properly and the bidet had nowhere for soap or towels. all in all it reminded me of a film set, everything superficial.

We stayed in The Palms for three nights. It is a wonderful, luxurious hotel with every amenity imaginable. This hotel was recommended to us by Simon Gluckman of Intrepid Expeditions.

We stayed at the Palms for the last weeek on our Honeymoon. We could not have been looked after better. Judging by some previous reviews they clearly have changed the manager as we were warmly greeted by managers Udd from Switzerland (hope correct sp.) and Siriak. They were both charming, friendly, helpful and efficient throughout.
The rest of the staff were equally lovely, and could not do enough. They were always super cheerful. We were also pleased to be able to meet the owners one evening, who now have several places to take care of, but took the time to organise a cocktail party while we were there.
We had a few evenings of entertainment provided, some of it great. Plus they also provided a few other surprise treats along the way too, which I will leave you to discover.
the beach was really stunning and we made full use of the watersports centre next door. The sea however is very tidal, so on our visit the tide was way out till about 430, so swimming in the sea was impossible. It did provide a good walk out to the reef though across the rock pools.
The villas were spotlessly clean and designed in a local style with carved wooden mirrors etc. I believe most of it was locally sourced as indeed are most of the staff. They were also extremely spacious, and comfortable.
And the Thai massage lady gives a fabulous massage incidentally!
We had two gripes while there. The mosquitos were really bad as we were post rainy season (not always so bad) and it was a constant battle. Some mozzy coils placed around the communal areas would have been helpful at this time. Though the management did provide us with one for our room, so as I say, were always happy to help, and probably if I had really complained would have been done in the common parts too.
The other gripe, was the food. On the plus side it was plentiful. Almost too much so with 5 courses at lunch too (though can always ask for less obviously). And also they really made a huge effort in terms of presentation, offering diverse and varied choices each day, and were clearly trying very hard. But sadly the actual cooking wasnt brilliant, and especially considering the prices and the global competition at this price point. I guess the worst error was overcooking, especially the fish. King prawns and lobster cooked till they were hard to get off the shells and sea bass till it had the texture of pork. We didnt actually complain as it was nearly every meal, so would have been a tiresome week if we did, and with 5 courses we really didnt starve. But it was the one weak flank in an otherwise perfect holiday, and why I didnt go for 5 stars. And occasionaly a course would shine through. As I say, its more when looking at the price point and the quality you would expect. Maybe if they made things a bit more simpler, and not try so hard, they would have more success here.
Overall this was a fabulous stay, and I dont think we have ever been treated so well, right through from the owners to the waiting staff.
And 2 of the couples we met there were on their 4-5th visit which speaks volumes. If they sort the kitchen out, this place would be a knock out.