Baraza Zanzibar

Baraza Zanzibar is located on the award winning Bwejuu beach (recently voted by Conde Nast as one of the top 30 island beaches in the world). It is situated on a 400m stretch of white sand beach, with a coral reef that runs down the eastern shore of Zanzibar.

This luxurious resort evokes memories of Zanzibar that date back to the era of the Sultans. A fusion of Arabic, Swahili and Indian design, with magnificent arches, intricate hand-carved cement décor, beautiful antiques, handmade furniture and intricate brass lanterns, Baraza offers one of the highest standards of luxury on the Island of Zanzibar.

Accommodation
There are 14 one-bedroom villas and 15 two-bedroom villas, as well as one Presidential two-bedroom suite. All the accommodation villas are designed to characterize classic Swahili architecture, and feature dramatic arches, baraza benches and intricate hand-carved decorations. The spacious villas feature luxurious interiors, intricate fabrics, hand-carved furniture, large bathrooms with luxury fittings, as well as a spacious terrace and private plunge pool.

There are 4 different villa categories at Baraza, and one Presidential Villa.

Bahari One-Bedroom Villas (Ocean Front or Ocean View)
- 148 m2
Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and free-standing bath, walk- in dressing room, living room, TV, CD player, Sultan's Lounge Bed, mini bar area with tea/coffee making facilities, large terrace, 2 sun loungers, and a plunge pool.

Sultan's Two-Bedroom Villas (Sea Facing or Garden View)
- 193 m2
A Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and freestanding bath, walk in dressing room, a second bedroom with en-suite bathroom (with shower), living room, TV, CD Player, Sultan's Lounge Bed, mini bar area with tea/coffee making facilities, large terrace, with two sun loungers and plunge pool.

Presidential Two Bedroom Villa – Ocean Front
- 254 m2
Two master bedrooms, each with its own en suite bathroom and freestanding bath, walk in dressing room and terrace. A central living room with spectacular seafront view, a large plunge pool, an outdoor day bed lounging area, an outdoor dining area and terrace with sun loungers. The Presidential Suite also offers a small kitchenette and separate guest toilet. There is also a separate, self-contained accommodation for a maid or butler adjacent to the presidential suite.

Facilities

• Spa (with lap pool & Jacuzzi)
• Yoga
• Pool Bar
• Poolside Lunch Restaurant
• Sheesha Bar (open in the evenings)
• Main Dining Room
• Breakfast Restaurant
• Business Centre / Internet
• Swimming Pool
• Tennis Court
• Fitness Centre
• Watersports Centre
• PADI Scuba Diving Centre
• Library
• Meeting Room
• Boutique

Included

• Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Afternoon tea
• In-house alcoholic drinks
• Mineral water, soft drinks & juices
• Coffee & tea
• Selection of house wines, beers and cocktails
• Use of tennis court, fitness centre and swimming pools

“In Zanzibari culture, the Baraza (or bench) has for many centuries been a focal point of community life. Benches wrap around verandas of traditional Swahili homes or flank the heavy doors of Arab-style Town houses. The winding, narrow streets of Stone Town have Baraza benches built on either side instead of pavements, while in villages a palm leaf shelter, flanked by wooden seats, fulfills the same function.

Baraza evolved as a way to receive and entertain visitors. Coffee and delicacies would be served on the Baraza to anyone who visited. The Omani Sultans often held public meetings, also known as 'Baraza', to receive petitioners or offer visiting dignitaries a public audience.

Today, the Baraza are still a meeting point for the whole cross-section of Zanzibar society. Every urban Baraza is lined with people chatting, playing games of bao or cards, drinking sweet Arabic coffee - or simply idling away the heat of a long afternoon” Zanzibar Style by Javed Jafferji & Gemma Pitcher