Chuini Beach Lodge

There are plenty of beautiful hotels in Zanzibar, but Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge has something that is much harder to build into a hotel: a story. Set on the west coast of Zanzibar on the ruins of a former Sultan’s palace, the lodge combines the Indian Ocean, tropical gardens, historic ruins and a small, intimate feel that makes it feel completely different from a big resort. There are just 12 rooms and a private villa, so the whole place feels quiet and personal rather than like a hotel complex.

Come for the ocean. Stay for the history.

And that is probably the first thing that stands out about Chuini. It does not feel like somewhere that was designed to fit as many people as possible into a beautiful location. It feels like a place that was built around the location itself.

The old palace ruins are still part of the property, the ocean is right in front of you and the whole lodge has a relaxed, tropical feel that makes it very easy to slow down.

You can spend the morning exploring the coastline, head out onto the water for snorkeling or diving, or simply find a spot overlooking the Indian Ocean and stay there for a while. There is also a spa and swimming pools when you have had enough adventure for the day. And because the lodge is on the west coast, you get some pretty spectacular sunsets thrown into the deal.

The rooms fit the setting too. They are spread throughout the property rather than feeling like rooms in a conventional hotel, with natural materials, thatched roofs and plenty of space to take advantage of the surroundings. The private villa takes things a step further if you want your own space and a little more privacy.

But for me, the real appeal is that you can actually feel the history of the place.

There is something different about sitting by the water knowing that you are surrounded by the remains of a palace that has been part of Zanzibar's story for generations. You can explore the old ruins during the day and then be back at the ocean a few minutes later.

It also makes a great base for exploring more of Zanzibar. Stone Town is close enough to visit, while Chuini itself feels far enough removed that you can come back from a day out and feel like you have properly escaped.

This is what I think a great hotel should do. It should give you somewhere beautiful to sleep, but it should also give you a reason to remember being there. Chuini has the beach, the history, the food, the water and the setting, but it is the combination of all of those things that makes it special.

It is not the biggest resort on the island. It is not trying to be the flashiest. It does not need to be.

Chuini is Zanzibar with a little more character, a little more history and a lot of reasons to stay awhile.

@chuinizanzibar