Highlights
- Kids Club
- Views of Indian Ocean
- Jetty dining experience
- Gorgeous accommodation
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireNestled in a natural cove on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, Essque Zalu provides an all-round beach experience. Complete with a famous wharf that stretches out into the Indian Ocean, this is a great place for couples, friends, and families that like to have fun and wind-down in and around the waters.
Accommodation consists of 40 suites and eight spacious villas facing the Indian Ocean. These are comprised of 17 one-bedroom garden suites, 13 one-bedroom superior garden view suites, five one-bedroom ocean-view suites, and five one-bedroom seafront suites, all suitable for three adults and one child; and three garden-view villas with a pool, suitable for six adults and three children, three ocean-view villas with pools, and two seafront villas, with private plunge pool and terrace, both suitable for eight adults and four children. All the villas have private pools and spas, and there is a communal infinity pool.
Guests can choose to dine either in-room, which is a 24/7 service that allows guests to eat in the comfort and privacy of their own suite, or ‘Destination Dining’, which involves a culinary experience on the jetty, over the ocean, accompanied by live music. Cocktails are also commonplace beverages along the jetty. If guests want to be closer to the water, they can head over to the pool bar to enjoy a cold beer and a dip in the heat.
As with most Zanzibar resorts, Essque Zalu offers guests a range of activities centred on the island’s cultural history. Spice plantation tours, excursions to the nearby Stone Town, and walks along the beach are suitable for all ages. With an added world-class spa service, guests are sure to relax in whatever they do. Uniquely, guests can also explore the two marine turtle sanctuaries beside the hotel or take a scuba diving journey beneath the depths of the fish-filled Indian Ocean waters.
Whilst their parents stroll through the local towns, the children can join the Tinga Club, which provides complimentary innovative and creative fun activities for those between the ages of 4 and 12 years. The club holds three special events every day throughout the day, so there is never a moment when the kids are not having a great time. This makes Essque Zalu a fantastic place for families with young children to get away from busy lifestyles, and for children a chance to explore a new world away from their parents. Families with children of all ages are welcome, and there are babysitting services available.
We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!
The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.
I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.
The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.
All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).
From my seven-year-old son:
I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.
In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.
Henry O
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 June 2025
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024