Ruled by the Omanis, Arabs, Europeans, and Africans, Zanzibar is an island steeped in exotic history and there is no better place to soak it up than at the Zanzibar Serena Inn.
Located in the heart of Stone Town, this stunning property is set in two historic seafront buildings that have been integrated and restored into a unique single property echoing the grandeur of days past. One was an 18th-century house, the other the offices of telecommunication in later colonial times. Stone Town is a legendary place full of old palaces with intricately carved doors and colorful spice and fruit markets. Often, it still smells of the cloves that gave it riches in times past. Zanzibar’s Stone Town was issued World Heritage Site status by UNESCO’s Bureau of the World Heritage Committee. This was announced during the 24th session of The World Heritage Committee held on 23rd-24th November 2000 in Cairns, Australia.
The hotel is elegant itself as well as romantic and it offers the best in island hospitality. All the bedrooms overlook the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the lazy dhows that plow beneath the restaurant’s windows. The interiors echo Zanzibar’s rich Arab influence – intricately carved doors and furniture coupled with colorful mosaic flooring. The local specialties are freshly caught seafood with spices. A team of chefs prepares sumptuous meals daily that guests enjoy in the seafront restaurant. The hotel has 51 bedrooms and a lovely private swimming pool overlooking the ocean. Activities include excursions to Stone Town with its winding streets, beautiful houses, and museums, to Jozani Forest, home to the Red Colobus monkey, extensive watersports, round-the-island trips, scuba diving, and snorkeling, day-boat trips to nearby beaches and islands, and native Arab-influenced entertainment in the evenings.
The most spectacular of excursions is to the Serena-owned Mangapwani where guests can experience a succession of dazzlingly white hidden and secluded beaches, spice gardens, private watersports, and the most sumptuous dining in simple elegance.