Diamonds La Gemma dell' Est

Diamonds La Gemma dell' Est is a naturally gorgeous resort set on its own wide stretch of sunny white-sand beach. Low clay-colored buildings are surrounded by neatly kept rock gardens and leafy tropical trees throughout the vast property. Staircases lead to different parts of the resort, but staffers on golf carts zip around to transport guests who need a lift. The grounds are grassy and well-manicured, with plenty of wide open spaces and a few old baobab trees -- one is 400 years old and offers nice shade. The large, open-air lobby has a low-key atmosphere and decor: wooden ceilings, red-tile floors, and dark-wood furniture complemented by tropical plants, traditional Arab-African items, wooden handicraft sculptures, and African paintings. Most guests here are European vacationers (couples and families) looking for an upscale all-inclusive getaway, though conference facilities make the resort a possibility for business conventions, too. 

Diamonds La Gemma dell' Est is located in the Nungwi neighborhood on the northernmost tip of Unguja island, overlooking the Indian Ocean. This is the largest and most populous island of Zanzibar, an archipelago located about 50 kilometers off the coast of East Africa. Flights to the Zanzibar airport from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania take about 30 minutes. The location feels fairly isolated, as there's nothing within walking distance save for a few local residences and some other hotels within a few minutes' walk. Nungwi town, one of the larger settlements on the island and the closest hub for dining and shopping, is a seven-minute drive away. The island's capital, Zanzibar City, known for its historic Stone Town district (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is just over an hour's drive. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes away by car. 

Diamonds offers 138 rooms and suites, all with private terraces with views of the Indian Ocean. Decor is consistent throughout rooms, with red-tile floors, dark-wood furniture accented with faux-animal-print throw cushions, and the occasional piece of African wall art to add some color to the predominantly earth-toned spaces. There are ceiling fans as well as air-conditioning to keep things cool, and each room has a daily-replenished minibar and coffee/tea facilities. Safes and flat-screen TVs are also provided, but the free Wi-Fi is spotty.

There are 23 Villa Club Rooms, which offer private rooms and shared living rooms intended to encourage guest mingling. The 93 Deluxe Rooms lack the living rooms but have direct garden access. There are also 17 Suites that have separate living rooms and kitchens with two-burner stovetops. The Presidential Suite has five bedrooms, an office, a private pool, and butler service. 

Bathrooms across the board are on the plain side, outfitted in peach-hued tile floors and walls, with showers or shower/tub combos, and extras such as makeup mirrors, bathrobes, bidets, and toiletries.  

One of the highlights of Diamonds is the Mvua African Rain Spa, which features gorgeous open-air pavilions for massages as well as more private spaces. Facilities include both a Turkish and hydrotherapy bath, while treatments range from scrubs to facials. The hotel's huge lagoon-style saltwater pool is another big draw, with palapa-shaded lounge chairs, a shallow children's section, and even a small fountain feature, plus the swim-up bar at one end. There's also a gorgeous white-sand beach just beyond the pool, though the water is separated from the hotel (and from the only lounging area) with a large shelf that runs the length of the resort.

Sports facilities are extensive, and water sports include wakeboarding, windsurfing, and water skiing. There's also an on-site PADI dive center, Scuba Do. Other on-site activities include stretching, water aerobics, and even Swahili and African Line Dance lessons; some come with fees. There are also an outdoor tennis court and a game pavilion with table tennis, foosball, and billiards.

The 24-hour front desk offers concierge services, currency exchange, and luggage storage, and there's a clinic on-site as well as babysitting and laundry services. A large boutique sells local handicrafts, jewelry, toys, and women's clothing. The resort also features a business center, Baobab Congress, with meeting rooms, a ballroom, and plenty of audio-visual features. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

The resort is all-inclusive, with four restaurants and five bars. All buffet-style meals are served in the Pavillon Restaurant, which offers a mix of al fresco and indoor seating; most of the items in the spreads are Mediterranean or local dishes. There's also a pizzeria, Coral Cove, but it's only open for two hours each night. The a la carte Sea Breeze restaurant offers meat and fish dishes in a romantic setting at dinner, while the Beach Grill sits directly on the sand and features a seafood-dominated menu. Both of those restaurants are only open for two-and-a-half hours a day, however. Bars include an all-day Beach Bar, offering snacks and light meals along with cocktails. Sunset Lounge and Bar on the pier is only open in the evenings, and regularly hosts live music performances. The Lobby Lounge has beer, coffee, and soft drinks while Cafe Moresco specializes in hookah, tea, coffee, and dessert. Rock Bar is another spot for drinks and regular live music performances around dinnertime.