“Ultimate relaxation, white sand all the way”

We had previously stayed at Breezes, Baraza's sister hotel down the beach, but decided to go up market as this was our 25th wedding anniversary trip, and we weren't disappointed. The hotel is on the east coast, approx an hour from the airport. This is no hardship as you will get a good view of life on the island as you drive out of Stone town and through the countryside. The arrival was good - nice cold drinks and a cheery welcome from the staff.Bags were whisked away, and we were shown to our beach front villa- including Moses our 'Villa Host' who was great. Any questions were answered by him, whenever we needed. The rooms were spacious, very clean and well looked after. Nice (rather blingy!) bathroom, good large bed, comfy sitting room area, with inside 'day bed', covered outdoor terrace with large comfy 'day bed' plus seating, and finally dinky plunge pool, with loungers. Bar service is provided to you in the plunge pool by the beach team! We had a nice view (villa 8) of the sea, through fuschia pink bougainvillea so pink it hurt your eyes across the white sandy beach against the turqouise of the sea. We arrived during school holidays, and there were quite a few families. We prefer a child-free environment, but the hotel did well at ensuring peace and quiet for couples as well as space for the families. Couples are in the beach front and sea view first two rows of villas, families in the bigger ones behind. The 'couples' villas have their own designated spot on the beach, with the children at the other end of the beach near the pool. Worked well for us. Food was excellent with great service from the team. There were a lot of trainees learning the ropes, but the standard of service was first class. Nice breakfast buffet with lots of choice. Buffet also for lunch, but again, a good choice, and plenty of 'small' options so you didn't feel that you were 'stuffed' all the time - it was easy to have a nice sandwich and bowl of salad, or something from the grill, or pasta/pizza freshly cooked. Dinner was taken in the main dining room (lovely terrace, a bit hot indoors) with a variety of a-la-carte nights, and buffet nights. Good choice of wines on the list. We spent the entire time at the resort - had done the touristy bits before but would recommend the trip to Stone Town, and the Jozani forest - and would recommend this highly for peace and quiet, and a great beach to lounge on and do absolutely nothing but read a book, sleep, recharge your batteries in beautiful surroundings. Do not expect to be able to swim in the sea all day. There is a fringing reef which means that the sea will go out a long way, and when it's in, it's hot and murky. GET OVER IT! you have a beautiful pool, your own private plunge pool and a fantastic view. Oh yes, there's also seaweed on the beach. Don't like that ? It's a crop, it's natural, get over it. If you are a diver, you can dive from Rising Sun at Breezes 30 seconds walk down the beach. You would want to ask for some extra clothes airer frames to hang wetsuits etc on to dry as there is nothing in the villas to do that, but we asked if they would and the answer was of course. Thank you to all the team who looked after us and made this such a special trip - especially the lovely dinner by the pool just for us! Guest nationality: English Reviewed January 15, 2011