It is along the south-east coast of the island of Zanzibar, bordering one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, that the Raguz family has planted its chain of intimate and discreet hotels, 'The Zanzibar Collection'. Facing the coral reef, the Baraza is one of those unspoilt retreats where the blue of the sky and sea are the only limits to our dreams.
Every island is a dreamland, full of tales of pirates and treasure. Zanzibar is no exception, its legends echoing along its spice-scented coastline. From the airport, it?s just an hour?s drive to Baraza and its immaculate beach, and you?ll discover an unspoilt address designed as a refuge open to the open sea.
It's hard not to fall under the timeless charm of a hotel where every guest is the centre of attention. As soon as we arrive, the attentive staff offer us a delicious hibiscus syrup. Before leading us to our spacious Swahili-inspired private villa, where we will be staying for two nights.
The estate comprises thirty villas, ranging in size from 150 m² to 250 m², little sultan?s palaces scattered between the seafront and the hotel?s lush gardens.
An eco-chic address
Blending Arabic, Swahili, Persian and Indian influences, the hotel's walls reflect the island's history. The hotel features lanterns and arcades, brass and carved wood, white veils and opulent fabrics, Islamic arabesques and geometric stained-glass windows, all in a balance and harmony that verges on perfection.
To get from one of the villas to one of the hotel?s shared areas or to the spa, you pass through a garden that is in itself an invitation to travel and to indulge your senses.
Inspired by the orient, the pool is lined with mosaics and surrounded by white arcades lined with palm trees, whose leaves will be used to weave bags and hats with the help of a Swahili craftsman.
Snorkelling and relaxation
The next day, the sun comes out very early to tickle our feet. We quickly put on a swimming costume before taking a dip in the ocean or in the pool. After a hearty breakfast, the more sporty join the water club, which offers all kinds of activities: windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Or the diving centre.
Zanzibar is reputed to have the most beautiful seabed in the Indian Ocean, so we opt for a morning of snorkelling. Magnificent multicoloured coral is home to leaf fish, jacks, turtles and flying scorpion fish. What splendour!
The day continues with a biologist who is working to re-establish the coast?s coral reefs. Every day, at low tide, she organises awareness-raising sessions where you can learn about the fragile fauna and ecosystem of the coastline and reefs.
Spa Frangipani
In the afternoon, we chose to be pampered at the Frangipani spa. In this magnificent setting, adorned with candles and spice-scented aromas, there is a treatment to suit everyone, whether it?s the " Killi foot treatment "which helps you get back on your feet after being heckled on the dusty roads of the African bush, or the " Sultan?s Bath "A unique treatment experience for two.
The experience will be followed by an excellent spiced mango tea and a relaxing break by the spa pool.
The sun sets early at this latitude. We take the opportunity to stroll along the white sandy beach fringed with coconut palms, admiring the sun glinting on the horizon. This island ritual is a must. A real treat!
Timeless Zanzibar
7am and already the light and blue skies are enveloping us. To get the day off to a good start, the hotel manager suggests a yoga and meditation session. We meet in a charming room decorated with carved woodwork. Sree, the yoga teacher and spa manager, helps everyone to find or rediscover the right posture, one that encourages self-awareness and letting go.
In the afternoon, we set off with a guide to visit Bwejuu, an authentic little fishing village, far removed from the disgraces of globalisation. Some of the children are frightened to have a visit from a mzungu, in other words a white man. We admire the houses built of coral stone and covered in palm fronds. The women dry seaweed in the sun. The rough life of the islanders is a lesson. We forget the hyper-connected world and end our walk with a visit to the village school. On the way back, we meet an octopus fisherman, one of the specialities on our dinner menu.
Green luxury
Le Baraza has 3 restaurants: the ?Livingstone Terrace? for breakfast, lunch and dinnerOcean Lounge Bar? close to the swimming pool, for lunch and dinner the ?Sultan? which offers traditional Swahili cuisine blending various Arab and Indian influences. The " all inclusive "This means that you can leave all financial considerations to one side during your stay, making the experience all the more refreshing.
The resort is developing ethical and responsible practices. In the interests of the environment, the hotel bans plastic, aims to be energy self-sufficient (solar power) and is working to replant coral. It contributes to the costs of the school and clinic in the small adjacent village of Bwejuu, and looks after the well-being of its employees. Finally, the hotel combines tradition, history and Zanzibar culture by offering travellers activities and facilities in harmony with the environment.
Whether on honeymoon or celebrating the end of a safari in Tanzania, with friends or family, the excellent Baraza lives up to its reputation. A bohemian delight to be savoured without delay.
Text: Capucine Ferry
Photos: Capucine Ferry and Jérémie Josten
