Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa is Perched on the sparsely populated northern coast & its remoteness is part of its appeal. It’s a one-hour drive (29 miles) from the airport, and from the shops, sights and restaurants of Stone Town. Going outside the resort requires a lengthy car ride, but the upside is a peaceful palm tree-lined white sand beach.
Style and Character
Indian and African styles mesh here, although the vibe is more beach resort-y than exotic. Moorish arched doorways take your eyes through the lobby, past sofas, large ceramic vases, flowering plants and palm trees. A sandy balcony lined with beach chairs hovers above the ocean shore, providing clear views and a barrier from passersby hawking products or tours.
Service and Facilities
My daughter was ill when we arrived, so staff invited me to fill up plates from the buffet, which they promptly delivered to our room with silverware and drinks, refusing to accept a tip, and the next day, everyone asked if she was feeling better. Another night, staff created a custom birthday cake for my mother (and sang her happy birthday).
Besides the thoughtful and wonderful service, travellers will most appreciate the large, clean, security-patrolled 500m beach. It’s worthwhile to get up before dawn to watch the spectacular, tranquil sunrise over the Indian Ocean. The resort’s spa offers well-priced, quality treatments such as the exfoliating scrub-massage combo. Scuba diving or history tours are among the day trips available, and the resort’s large boutique ensures you don’t need to travel to Stone Town for a decent souvenir selection.
Bar
Beach
Fitness centre
Golf course
Kids’ club
Laundry
Parking
Pool
Restaurant
Room service
Spa
Wi-Fi
Rooms
Mosquito netting hangs from the four-poster beds in the spacious Superior rooms, which have a mirrored dressing area for extra getting-ready space. While décor is unremarkable, the ocean-facing patio is indeed superior, with comfy sofa that makes an excellent, semi-private resting spot. Cable television and easy-to-control air conditioning add to the creature comforts. Larger rooms such as the Sultan suites are closer to the water and have living rooms. Tiled bathrooms have large showers with decent water pressure, and come with complimentary bottled water and basic toiletries.
Food and Drink
The all-inclusive buffet serves a mix of African, Indian and American foods, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Spicy bean dishes, freshly made omelettes, and seasoned chicken with rice are standard menu items, although the open-air setting poses a challenge for keeping food cold. Live bands add ambiance to evening dining, and luxurious private dining on the beach is available. During the day, a café serves dishes such as cheese sandwiches and ice cream by the scoop. Breakfast is a huge buffet with traditional meats, cheese and fruits as well as a few unique Indian and vegetarian dishes, plus freshly made omelettes and fruit smoothies.
While there are ramps to the ground-floor rooms, the resort is spread out and built on inclines, so would be difficult to navigate for someone who struggles with agility.
Family-Friendly?
While Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa is mostly an adult crowd here, the large pool, expansive beach and adequate kids’ club will entertain small children.
