Zanzibar Island Travel Forum

Hello

Myself and 2 girlriends are going to Zanzibar for 2 weeks over christmas.
We are interested in knowing about if there are hip and stylish upmarket cafes/bars in Stonetown that are fun and have interesting interior design. I would also like to know beach recommendations and any noteworthy beach restaurants/bars. We are not into package holiday types of places, nor are we into backpacker, rough places - yet we'd like to enjoy places that are a bit upmarket, but at the same time rustic, authentic, open air, and beautiful. And, since we are 3 females, aged 40, we dont want to hang out anywere that caters only for the honeymoon crowd either! Thanks for any traveller comments from those of you who have been to Zanzibar.

What you are looking for and what Zanzibar can offer may not macth up. Zanzibar is a poor place and Stone Town is a small little enclave with a few restaurants. Hip and stylish are out. Monsoon restaurant (see my tip on it) has an 'authentic' interior, just no air conditioning. Mercurys is cool open air dining overlooking the harbour. Mercurys has some lively times sometimes. Most places are subdued.

The Honeymmoners go to the East Coast - your only option for a beach. There are 2 types of places:
1) Honeymoon/luxury resorts with websites in the North East
2) 'Budget' in Paje and Jambiani in the mid east coast. South east coast are bike paths and nothing more.

All of the east coast accomodations are right on the beach and open air. Very nice.

You will have a great time and discover all sorts of new (or old) things.

Have a great time and take malaria precautions.

All the best,

DAO