Zanzibar is famous for having the best beaches in the world and Echo Beach in particular has a very special charm. Views from the palm-fringed sands reveal the hand-sewn sails of traditional wooden fishing dhows, and ocean explorers can discover the glorious depths of the thriving coral reefs all around.

The new Echo Beach Hotel resort offers visitors a slice of paradise on the dreamy tropical island of Zanzibar. The very name Zanzibar evokes a sense of mystique and adventure.

The sun shimmers on luminescent clear waters in a range of striking turquoise blues and the sand is white clean, bright and delicately fine.

Sue and Andrew Page, the owners of Echo Beach, hail from England and have been successfully running Chambre d'hote in the Loire Valley for 14 years, gaining rave reviews in Alistair Sawday's Hotel Inns and Other Places, Charming Small Hotels, and the AA Guide to France, to mention a few. Andrew is a French trained Chef and has cooked for British Prime Ministers and celebrities, while Sue concentrates on interior design.

Echo Beach Accommodation

There are now nine individual villas at Echo Beach combining unpretentious African architecture with state of the art technology, interior design, fixtures and fittings.

The individually designed Bandas at Echo Beach are constructed from local stone, capped with Makuti roofs and painted in the Little Green Paint Company's iridescent white to reflect the sun. Each dwelling boasts exquisitely hand carved balconies and verandas where guests can enjoy a drink in the shade. The Bandas are completely private and not overlooked, allowing visitors to relish the unspoilt surroundings and uninterrupted views of the beautiful Indian Ocean.

All the bedrooms are individually designed and decorated with fine silks and a combination of locally commissioned pieces of furniture, hand picked antiques and pictures. They offer 21st century luxury whilst capturing the essence of Zanzibarian interior design, which takes on many influences from around the world.

The last word in luxury, the villas all have stunning bathrooms with Italian tiles and Samuel Heath showers and taps for the ultimate wet room experience. Impeccable design and technology are combined with quirky individual touches, such as bespoke towel rail ladders made from local coconut wood.

Each Echo Beach villa boasts a spacious veranda measuring in excess of 20 square metres. Stylishly furnished with day beds so guests can languish away the hours, taking in the stupendous views. There are also dining tables and chairs for romantic alfresco dining.

Echo Beach Facilities & Activities

Imagine basking in the sun by the ultimate affinity swimming pool overlooking clear white sands and crystal blue sea. Why not lounge in the Jacuzzi before enjoying a dip to cool off?

With a refreshing breeze blowing in from the sea, guests can unwind and relax with a decadent cocktail in the stylish Echo Beach bar area, where designer fabrics are teamed with Zanzibar carved furnishings.

Echo beach has its own Private Beach and activities include Diving & Snorkeling.

Dining in the Echo Beach beachside restaurant, decorated with Vanessa Arbothnott fabric, in the white and turquoise of the seashore is a highly pleasurable experience, with discreet and efficient service.

Echo Beach Cuisine

Supervised by Andrew, with his French training, the kitchen makes the most of local fresh ingredients to offer an eclectic menu.

For those who want to get the true taste of Zanzibar there is a wealth of local dishes on the menu, not to mention some carefully selected International favourites.

The ultimate in fresh fare, produce is purchased daily, including lobster, crab, mussels and squid straight from local fisherman who come to the beach.

Sample Echo Beach Menu

Entree

- Smoked sail fish rosti served with horseradish sauce
- Zanzibar fish cakes with a chilli tomato coulis
- Gazpachio - our version of this classic soup
- Lightly curried fresh prawns with a basmati pilau
- Vegetable terrine - layers of fresh vegetables served with salad and toast
- Salad Nicoise - this classic French dish with fresh local tuna
- Vegetable pakora served with curry mayonnaise
- Tomato and basil tartlets

Main Course

- Boullabaise - a classic French fish stew served with crushed potatoes and croutons
- Lobster Thermidor in a white wine and gratin sauce served with fresh vegetables
- Whole chargrilled lobster served salad and crushed potatoes
- King fish tagine - pan fried fillet in a spicy Moroccan sauce served with vegetables and pilau rice
- Fresh local tuna marinated in lime and garlic served with fresh chargrilled vegetables
- Seafood paella - delicious chicken and fresh seafood served cooked with saffron rice
- Fillet steak cooked to order served with blue cheese, garlic butter or peppercorn sauce served with a choice of potatoes and vegetables
- Swahili lamb curry - traditional Zanibarian dish with aromatic spices served with basmati rice
- Zanzibar minced patties, coated in flour, deep fried and served with a spicy sauce and basmati rice
- Octopus, pea and red wine stew with a choice of fresh seasonal vegetables
- Stir fried salt and pepper squid with allumette potatoes and wilted spinach
- Kingfish masala served with fragrant rice and fresh salad
- Swahili rice and beans cooked slowly in coconut butter served with a fluffy pilau

Dessert

- Creme Brulee
- Chocolate fondant raspberry coulis
- Date slice shortcake dates and crunchy top
- Passion fruit ice cream and brandy snaps
- Pineapple sorbet with coconut tuille
- Nougat ice cream with fresh fruit and raspberry coulis