Unusual Destinations Blog

Zanzibar - La Gemma Dell'Est Resort *****

Please note that the La Gemma Dell’Est swimming pool will be closed from 16 – 30 May for necessary maintenance work.

Sited on the north-western shores at Nungwi and two hours drive from the airport, this luxurious resort is set in exotic and colourful tropical gardens and waterfalls. Modern and comfortable deluxe accommodation are designed for the most discerning traveller. Their 138 rooms are as follows. All rooms are sea-facing and have lovely verandas.

Deluxe rooms (93) – three storey terrace buildings and built in rows. Facilities: King-size or twin beds, luggage rack, mosquito net, ceiling fan, individually controlled air-conditioning, IDD telephone, remote controlled TV with Satellite channels, in-room safe box, mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities, marble bathroom with walk-in shower, hand basin, WC, bidet, hair-dryer, face mirror, fine toiletries, large garden veranda opening onto grass with sea and sunset views.

Villa Club rooms (28) – these are individual villas (3 or 4 rooms per villa and one Presidential villa with 5 rooms and private pool) behind the deluxe rooms with partial sea view. Facilities: King-size or twin beds, luggage rack, mosquito net, ceiling fan, individually controlled air-conditioning, IDD telephone, remote controlled TV with Satellite channels, in-room safe box, mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities, marble bathroom with walk-in shower, hand basin, WC, bidet, hair-dryer, face mirror, fine toiletries, large garden terrace (grassed), sea and sunset view and a common lounge with living & dinning room. Aside from being very private and particular suitable for families or small groups the Villa Club rooms offer additional services like breakfast in the villa, cocktails in the evening and private dinner on request. Butler service is available from 8 am to 8 pm.

Suites (17) – three storey terrace buildings and constructed in a row alongside the deluxe rooms. Facilities: Lounge with kitchenette (hidden) and separate bedroom, king-size or twin bed, luggage rack, mosquito net, ceiling fan, individually controlled air-conditioning, IDD telephone, remote controlled TV with Satellite channels, in-room safe box, mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities, marble bathroom with walk-in shower, hand basin, WC, bidet, hair-dryer, face mirror, fine toiletries, large garden terrace (grassed) and sea and sunset view. Butler service on request at an extra charge is available.

Connecting rooms – Deluxe rooms (12) – Four rooms (two connecting pairs) on each floor; Villa Club rooms – the 3 room Villa has 2 rooms situated off a hallway which has a communal door which may be locked for privacy from the lounge area; the 4 room Villa, each have 2 sets of rooms situated on opposite sides of the lounge; these 2 rooms which share a communal hall & door may be locked for privacy from the lounge area.

Restaurants & Bars
The “Pavilion” restaurant features indoor (air-conditioned) and outdoor dining at its best. Lavish buffet served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special theme nights are organised on a weekly basis. Light and tasty Mediterranean cuisine together with favourite dishes are on the menu.
The “Beach Bar” offers cool drinks and snacks throughout the day, afternoon tea and a variety of cocktails in the evening.
The “Coral Cove”, al fresco pizzeria on the beach serves fresh pizza, salads, aperitif, and selected wine and refreshing drinks. Open for dinner only.
The “Lobby Lounge & Bar” is located near to reception and offers refreshing drinks in a calm and peaceful environment during the day and early evening.
The “The Sunset Lounge & Bar” offers a large selection of local and international cocktails and drinks with live entertainment.
There is also the “Sea Breeze” a la carte restaurant offering fresh seafood and “Café Moresco” offering oriental coffee and tea, water pipe, oriental snacks and pastries. Please note that these two establishments are not included in the all inclusive price.

Special features: boutique and drug store, extensive and immaculate garden and landscaped areas, large wharf built on the waters of the Indian ocean, sea and sunset view from all rooms and areas of the resort, handicap facilities available and easy access to ground floor rooms, multilingual management team and hairdresser.
Leisure and sport facilities: Water sport centre with hobie cat, tennis court, windsurfing, laser dinghy and canoes. Dive Centre (PADI), daily recreation & fitness activities, large swimming pool with children area and Jacuzzi, outdoor gym and reading lounge.

All services include: breakfast, lunch and dinner at the main restaurant, snacks and afternoon tea at the Beach bar, soft drinks, house wine, local beer, juices, water, tea, coffee served in the main restaurant, long drinks and cocktails served at the beach bar, soft drinks, beer and water in the room fridge, daily recreational program, beach volley, evening entertainment, sun umbrellas, deck chairs and sun beds, beach towels.

Two conference rooms, a smaller one catering for 20 guests and a larger one catering for 150 guests.

Please note

• Visa and Master card are accepted but a surcharge of 5% will be levied.

Sample itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Fly from Johannesburg to Zanzibar with Air Tanzania. Transfer to the Gemma Dell’Est Resort where you will be staying for 7 nights on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight to Johannesburg.

Prices include
International flights (departure from Johannesburg), hotel accommodation and meals as indicated, soft drinks and beer are included from 10h00 to 18h00 and all drinks (excluding champagne, premium brand spirits and bottled wine) from 18h00 to 24h00; all airport-hotel transfers.

Not included

Meals not indicated, tips, personal expenses, fuel, travel insurance, any visa fees, internet access, and airport taxes.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2009)

±Euro1650 (fully inclusive) deluxe room

Honeymoon package: valid 1 Jan – 31 Jul 2009

• Welcome bed of flowers
• Welcome gift for the Bride & Groom
• Sparkling Wine & Canapés
• Fresh Pineapple Fruit Boat
• Love Birds Couples Cake
• A romantic 3-course Seafood dinner for 2 at the Sea Breeze a la carte restaurant or Beach Grill Restaurant
• Commemorative Honeymoon Certificate made especially for the Honeymooners

Honeymoon package 2009.

• Price per person USD125
• This includes: welcome bed of flowers, welcome gift for the Bride and the Groom, sparkling wine & canapés, fresh pineapple fruit boat and a love birds couples cake.

Superior Honeymoon package 2009

• Price per person USD245
• This includes: welcome bed of flowers, welcome gift for the Bride and the Groom, sparkling wine & canapés, fresh pineapple fruit boat and a love birds couples cake, a romantic 3-course seafood dinner for 2 at the Sea Breeze a la carte restaurant and a commemorative Honeymoon Certificate made especially for the Honeymooners.

Deluxe Honeymoon package 2009

• Price per person USD335
• This includes: welcome bed of flowers, welcome gift for the Bride and the Groom, sparkling wine & canapés, fresh pineapple fruit boat and a love birds couples cake, a romantic 3-course seafood dinner for 2 at the Sea Breeze a la carte restaurant, an Island Harmony Massage at the MVUA African Rain Spa and a Commemorative Honeymoon Certificate made especially for the Honeymooners.

more details