Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa

Unlike some of the more laid-back properties lining the Zanzibar coast, the atmosphere here is a bit livelier, though it's by no means a party scene. The family-friendly property is on the rowdy side though, the product of an abundance of regular musical entertainment, kids, and pool activities. First impressions here are quite inspiring, though, as guests enter under a vaulted thatched ceiling to a space filled with heavy wooden chairs and dark stone tiling. Upon closer inspection, though, the look isn't especially fresh and decor throughout this hotel is slightly tired. The grounds are lovely, with long expanses of grass and windswept palm trees. At the far edge of the hotel there's a white-sand beach with thatched parasols and plenty of lounge chairs. Like almost all of the resorts in this part of Zanzibar, guests don't often leave the resort, and there's plenty to keep them busy on site.

Unlike the remote southeastern stretches of Zanzibar, where the tranquility is matched by proximity to a few outdoor attractions, this part of the island is dominated by all-inclusive resorts and package tours. There's not much in the way of traffic beyond farmers and cowherds, and the nearest town of Kiwengwa isn't the kind of place holiday-makers from Europe are likely to spend time. The hotel is located right on the beach, and there are other hotels nearby. Jozani Chwaka National Park, for those that love outdoor adventures, is a 50-minute drive south of the resort, as is the Zanzibar Butterfly Center. It's a 50-minute drive to the Zanzibar International Airport and Zanzibar City, where ferries depart for Dar es Salaam.

All rooms at the resort are built in a traditional African roundhouse style, meaning that walls and floor plans are curved. It's an interesting touch in what are otherwise slightly tired rooms, with sculptural wall details that must once have looked interesting but no longer carry the same impact. Rooms are large, starting at 49 square meters (527 square feet). A king or two twin beds in the center of the rooms are draped with mosquito netting. Decor is simple, but not spartan, with a mix of white walls, wood veneer and carved wood furniture, woven basket lamps, and local decorative elements like framed artwork or carved wooden bookends. Attractive floors are composed of cut stone and glazed concrete and each room has an outdoor terrace, some with sea views. All units come with minibars, small flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, split air-conditioning units, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms are curved and have wooden vanity areas with built-in sinks, bidets, hairdryers, and bright multicolored mosaic walk-in showers. Noise from entertainment around the pool can be a problem in some guest rooms. 

There are three restaurants on-site. Ocean Restaurant serves a free buffet breakfast with continental and local cooked options, along with themed buffets in the evening. Poolside Jahazi Restaurant offers a variety of a la carte items including pizza and Zanzabari dishes. Mawimbi Restaurant, next to the beach, specializes in local fusion cuisine, integrating local and international ingredients to create a varied dinner menu. 

The resort has a large lagoon-style pool surrounded by padded lounge chairs and parasols, with its own island connected to the pool deck by a small bridge. There's also a built-in kids' pool and a shaded swim-up bar. Daily activities range from Swahili lessons to beach volleyball, and there is entertainment in the evening which can be loud. The resort also offers water sports rentals, including stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, plus bicycles can also be rented for a small fee. Other on-site features include a Ping-Pong table, darts, and a pool table. Dive and snorkeling expeditions can be arranged through the on-site One Ocean Diving Center. Guests wishing to indulge in a pampering session can do so at the on-site spa, which offers treatments and massages and uses natural wellness and beauty products from renowned South African skincare line Africology (also sold on-site). The fitness center is small, but bright, with floor-to ceiling windows, free weights, and and a few cardio machines. Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby and is subject to fees elsewhere in the resort.