Several acres of manicured gardens and more than a thousand palm trees welcome guests to the Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa. It's a nice first impression, and one that's largely maintained at this relatively simple -- but feature-filled -- beachfront resort. After walking through lush greenery, guests reach a large, breezy rotunda with exposed wood beams and creamy white walls. This is the open-air lobby and where the hotel’s front desk is found, behind which colorful framed pottery forms a humble line. It’s a rare decorative touch for this beachfront property, which otherwise remains refreshingly understated when it comes to decor. Natural materials and sunlight combined with traditional East African architecture create an effect that's laid-back and perfectly beach appropriate. The romantic charm of the place plus its location on a stunning, white-sand beach makes it naturally appealing to couples, but young families appreciate the kids' club and children’s pool too. Most of the hotel guests come from Europe and the U.S., with a fair number visiting from other African countries as well. 

The hotel is on Kiwengwa Beach, on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar Island in Tanzania. The skinny beach where it resides looks idyllic. Massive palm trees dot the clean, white sand, which faces bright shining water that runs along the endless coast. Yet the tide schedule on the eastern side of Zanzibar might slow down anyone’s plans for a dip, because of the sometimes drastically low water levels. Windsurfing and kayaking are nevertheless popular here, and there are plenty of schools and rental shops under a five-minute walk from the hotel. 

Bluebay Resort is close to Mapenzi Beach -- about seven minutes south in a car. The low-key fishing village of Pwani Mchangani -- where there are some unpretentious dining options --  is just over ten minutes away by car. The beaches with best sea conditions are in the north and take around an hour to reach in a car -- that includes Kendwa and Nungwi Beaches. Otherwise the port for boats to Mnemba Island is roughly a 35-minute drive in the other direction. Zanzibar International Airport takes about an hour reach by car.

Like the hotel itself, rooms here are simple and pleasant. The white walls and shining wood beams form part of a deliberately understand design scheme -- one that makes the rooms feel light and airy. Sun floods in easily from the windows and large balconies, most of which look out toward the manicured gardens (sea views are limited to upgraded suites). Little red flowers adorn the white mosquito nets that float above the four-poster beds, creating a romantic vibe while still guarding against pesky mosquitoes at night. They seem hardly necessary, though, thanks to daily sprays by housekeeping staff. Some rooms are also equipped with handsome wooden desks and furnished sitting areas, all of which use natural materials and neutral tones. All 112 rooms feature up-to-date amenities like coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. While the bathrooms here are bright and spacious, there’s a mild drainage smell that lingers a bit after a shower, though that’s common for a lot of the hotels on the island. Soft slippers and outdoor showers (in upgraded suites) are a nice touch.  

The full-service Oasis Spa features a sauna, sea-facing massage rooms, and a spa tub, along with other beauty treatments. It’s only one of various places to relax in the resort, which also has a lovely pool and plenty of sunbeds. Little ones have their own kiddie pool, as well as a children’s club and babysitters (at an extra fee). The hotel also has tennis courts, a PADI-certified dive shop, a simple fitness room with weights and cardio equipment, and a boutique selling beach gear. Ping-pong, billiards, beach volleyball, and non-motorized water sports are available as well.

Unfortunately for avid swimmers or snorkelers, the hotel is on the east coast, meaning that while the beach is stunning, the tide schedule periodically takes the water out as far as 200 meters offshore. Locals use this as an opportunity to collect seaweed and go fishing, and hotel guests are at least welcome to tag along. Security guards are also a constant presence here, providing a much-needed service in a place where hawkers will pester beach-goers to the point of becoming a nuisance (though a firm ‘no thanks’ goes pretty far). 

While an all-inclusive option at a place with three restaurants, a nightclub, and a poolside bar might look ideal at first glance, the reality is a bit less appealing. Guests on the all-inclusive plan are limited to Makuti restaurant, meaning that they can only eat at certain times of the day. Sure, plain coffee is free, but anyone wanting to indulge in a fancier espresso drink will have to shell out cold hard cash. The minibars and bottled water aren't free for all-inclusive guests either. The a la carte plan may be a better deal, since most guests will have to pay for at least something extra anyway. In any case, breakfast is included with room rates and features a nice variety of dishes, while dinner includes themed nights.

There’s free Wi-Fi in the rooms and common areas, as well as a conference center and 24-hour business center. Self-parking is also free here, and the resort provides 24-hour airport shuttles at an extra charge.