Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 73)

Claire Ridley discovers Zanzibar and the Serengeti National Park for a beach and safari honeymoon of a lifetime L ocated 40 kilometres off the coast of Tanzania, the Spice Island, as it’s known, has a thriving spice trade from the locally-grown produce including cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. The five-star Meliá Zanzibar, an all-inclusive luxury beach resort built on a 40-acre estate, sits forty-five minutes from the airport by private transfer on the north east coast. The resort offers 137 rooms and suites including Ocean View Bungalows that are the hotel’s best offering for honeymooners. They feature a private balcony with sea views and a tropical semi-outdoor shower under the typical Makuti roof. There’s also five restaurants and bars and The Spa, a tranquil beachfront spot. WINING AND DINING A walk down the jetty ends at The Jetty Lounge, a honeymooner’s paradise. It’s open for lunch (the fresh lobster is a must-try), dinner (serving international tapas) and cocktails at sunset. Back on the beach, Aqua restaurant offers an al fresco dinner option where reservations are required. A candlelit supper with uninterrupted sea views isn’t to be missed and neither is the coconut crab soup. For something more relaxed, The Spice Market boasts open cooking stations serving a mix of international dishes with the Swahili Buffet being a highlight. These themed nights are very entertaining with live African music and dancing on the adjoining sheltered terrace. Those wanting to feel the sand between their toes can jump in a golf buggy to the Gabi Beach Club, a short distance from the main hotel, to feast on the grilled seafood. There’s also the Pool Bar & Restaurant for sandwiches and snacks, while The Library Bar is perfect for a relaxing drink (the light Kilimanjaro beer is highly recommended.) ROMANTIC MUST-DOS ❤ Relaxing on the idyllic 300-metre stretch of powder white sand and swimming in the crystal clear water is top priority, with Gabi Beach home to Balinese beds, a beach volley ball court, kayaks and kite surfing lessons, available at an extra charge. ❤ There’s tennis and table tennis available, PADI diving, snorkeling (the resort is ringed by a natural coral reef), and an air-conditioned fitness centre. ❤ Enjoy a refreshing dip in the infinity pool with sun beds in the water – ideal for that poolside selfie! ❤ Those in need of some post-vow pampering should head to The Spa and enjoy a personalised treatment using a choice of the island blended massage oils made using natural spices. Pure Bliss (a combination of a body polish, wrap, massage and facial) and The Spa Signature Massage are not to be missed. EXPLORING ZANZIBAR ❤ Visit the capital city of Stone Town with Fisherman Tours and wander through the spice market – be prepared for some hustle and bustle! (fishermantours.com ) ❤ Book a boat trip with The Safari Blue on board a traditional Dhow. Snorkel with a guide and swim ashore a powdery sandbank before feasting on a Swahili seafood barbecue. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins at play (safariblue.net ). ZANZIBAR BOOK IT Prices at Meliá Zanzibar start from £350 per night for a double Melia Garden Room in low season, melia.com @melia.zanzibar 122