<\/p>\n
![\"Turkish](\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Turkish-Airlines-1.jpg\")
<\/a>Turkish Airlines<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Zanzibar<\/strong><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
On arrival in Zanzibar<\/a><\/strong> we were greeted by the VISA queue and warm, humid equatorial air. We embarked on the 15-minute drive to Park Hyatt in Stone Town<\/a><\/strong> where maps, information and a beautiful clove welcome gift were presented to each of us, as well as a lovely warm greeting \u201cWelcome home!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The stunning 5* hotel occupies a UNESCO heritage building on the beachfront and makes for a fantastic base from which to explore the area. Excellent rooms, service, and a wonderful range of amenities were available, right down to a range of local teas or sumptuous food. The traditional Urojo soup <\/em>(\u201cZanzibar mix\u201d) was a personal favourite.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ParkHyatt.jpg\")
<\/a>The room at Park Hyatt Zanzibar<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Moments such as waking up to a breathtaking ocean view from the balcony, enjoying meals by the beach, having a bubble bath while watching TV, or relaxing in the swimming pool by the ocean will forever be in my heart. I was particularly grateful to their amazing chef who would personally greet us and ask me \u2013 as a vegetarian – if there was any other vegetarian dish I would like them to prepare specially for me, which was never necessary thanks to the great and diverse menu.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It\u2019s so important to pick up on every detail in this industry \u2013 good and bad. From the conveniences available to the little personal service touches, every hotel puts a slightly different emphasis on service, decor, facilities, cuisine, integrating local attractions into the experience, or even a specialism such as scuba diving or Omani-styled hospitality for instance. Learning to recognise the balance a property strikes, and understanding the kind of client each would suit, is an incredibly important skill, and the main reason fam trips take place.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
If you are\u00a0in search of the finer things in life, elegance, luxury, attention to detail and top class service, then I can certainly say that you’ll find it in Park Hyatt Zanzibar<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"Park](\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/PHyatt.jpg\")
<\/a>Park Hyatt Zanzibar<\/p><\/div>\n
Stone Town<\/strong><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
We did the Stone Town<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0tour which revealed a plethora of interesting small shops selling tribal masks, statues, sculptures, and paintings, as well as traditional henna artists and the old island slave market. Quaint and steeped in history, a fusion of cultural influences permeate the style and architecture of the wandering streets. However, steering clear of the scooters that zip down alleys is a must as they seem to be everywhere!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"Stone](\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/StoneTown4.jpg\")
<\/a>Stone Town<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Selous<\/strong><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
The time for the safari adventure had come, so a simple one-hour flight taxied us and our respective 15kg-or-under bags from Zanzibar to Selous Game Reserve<\/a><\/strong>. Twice the size of world-famous Kruger National Park and three times that of the Serengeti, the reserve is a true wilderness in which the outside world seems a distant memory.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Azura Selous<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 our lodge \u2013 was absolutely gorgeous! We were blown away by the beauty of this place. My tent was not far from the river and a family of hippos. I had the chance to try the private swimming pool and amazing outside shower with river view which was a delightful and unique experience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"Azura](\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Azuraroom.jpg\")
<\/a>Azura Selous<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Azura claims the largest swimming pool in Selous, as well as offering fishing<\/strong>, walking safaris<\/strong>, boating<\/strong>, and dining under the stars<\/strong> at a different location each night. I will never forget the beautiful nights when we had drinks by the fire accompanied by lions\u2019 roars or the moment we were offered a star gazing tour and learned about the mysteries of the starry sky. \u00a0Every night I would go back to my tent and find a little gift on my bed, such as a lovely poem or aromatherapy oils to help relax after the daytime adventures. Topping it all off, impeccable service and a \u2013 frankly lovely \u2013 devoted staff made this oasis a true home for the whole of our stay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"Azura](\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/azuranight2.jpg\")
<\/a>Azura Selous<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
The safari experience was memorable!<\/strong> Game drives took on the \u201cexplorer\u201d driving style: off-road through thick bush, across dry river beds, and over hills which made me feel like a character of an Indiana Jones movie, a real adventurer in the middle of the jungle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"Game](\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Gamedrive.jpg\")
<\/a>Game Drive & Sundowners<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Breakfasts in the bush, wildlife sightings, encyclopaedic guiding, survival tips, and riverside sundowners complete with delicious food and Amarula punctuated these beautiful excursions. We had also the chance of experiencing a walking safari which was particularly special, with one ranger and one guide steering an impressed group through the dangers of the African bush. As the moment of packing and saying the final goodbyes approached, I was already sure that I need to do it again, and I will come back!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Selection](\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Game-drive.jpg\")
<\/a>Game drive<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Prison Island\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
A light aircraft transfer returned us to the comforts of Zanzibar and Park Hyatt (those mattresses are like clouds to sleep on!), and it wasn\u2019t long before we were plunged back into East African history on Prison Island. Despite its name and initial function a storage space for the Slave Trade, the island has for most of its human-inhabited history served as a quarantine facility for suspected cases of Yellow Fever. Now devoted to tourism and conservation, Prison Island boasts one of the most beautiful beaches I\u2019ve ever set eyes on, where visitors enjoy activities like sunset cruises or feeding the local population of Aldabra giant tortoises.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Prison](\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Prison-Island.jpg\")
<\/a>Prison Island<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Safari Blue<\/strong><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
Next, just a short boat ride away from Fumba village, was the Safari Blue Experience<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 a day of exploring Menai Bay\u2019s sandbanks, dolphin-spotting, fruit-tasting, and snorkelling, interrupted only by lunch on the beach. Our group was unlucky enough to have chosen one of the very few days a year of rain. Still, fun was had and it was clear that with full sun this golden & azure paradise would have been unbeatable. As my African adventure drew to a close, I was beginning to understand the magic that keeps Somak\u2019s guests coming back year on year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The stunning 5* hotel occupies a UNESCO heritage building on the beachfront and makes for a fantastic base from which to explore the area. Excellent rooms, service, and a wonderful range of amenities were available, right down to a range of local teas or sumptuous food. The traditional Urojo soup <\/em>(\u201cZanzibar mix\u201d) was a personal favourite.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The room at Park Hyatt Zanzibar<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Moments such as waking up to a breathtaking ocean view from the balcony, enjoying meals by the beach, having a bubble bath while watching TV, or relaxing in the swimming pool by the ocean will forever be in my heart. I was particularly grateful to their amazing chef who would personally greet us and ask me \u2013 as a vegetarian – if there was any other vegetarian dish I would like them to prepare specially for me, which was never necessary thanks to the great and diverse menu.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s so important to pick up on every detail in this industry \u2013 good and bad. From the conveniences available to the little personal service touches, every hotel puts a slightly different emphasis on service, decor, facilities, cuisine, integrating local attractions into the experience, or even a specialism such as scuba diving or Omani-styled hospitality for instance. Learning to recognise the balance a property strikes, and understanding the kind of client each would suit, is an incredibly important skill, and the main reason fam trips take place.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you are\u00a0in search of the finer things in life, elegance, luxury, attention to detail and top class service, then I can certainly say that you’ll find it in Park Hyatt Zanzibar<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Park Hyatt Zanzibar<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n We did the Stone Town<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0tour which revealed a plethora of interesting small shops selling tribal masks, statues, sculptures, and paintings, as well as traditional henna artists and the old island slave market. Quaint and steeped in history, a fusion of cultural influences permeate the style and architecture of the wandering streets. However, steering clear of the scooters that zip down alleys is a must as they seem to be everywhere!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stone Town<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The time for the safari adventure had come, so a simple one-hour flight taxied us and our respective 15kg-or-under bags from Zanzibar to Selous Game Reserve<\/a><\/strong>. Twice the size of world-famous Kruger National Park and three times that of the Serengeti, the reserve is a true wilderness in which the outside world seems a distant memory.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Azura Selous<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 our lodge \u2013 was absolutely gorgeous! We were blown away by the beauty of this place. My tent was not far from the river and a family of hippos. I had the chance to try the private swimming pool and amazing outside shower with river view which was a delightful and unique experience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Azura Selous<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Azura claims the largest swimming pool in Selous, as well as offering fishing<\/strong>, walking safaris<\/strong>, boating<\/strong>, and dining under the stars<\/strong> at a different location each night. I will never forget the beautiful nights when we had drinks by the fire accompanied by lions\u2019 roars or the moment we were offered a star gazing tour and learned about the mysteries of the starry sky. \u00a0Every night I would go back to my tent and find a little gift on my bed, such as a lovely poem or aromatherapy oils to help relax after the daytime adventures. Topping it all off, impeccable service and a \u2013 frankly lovely \u2013 devoted staff made this oasis a true home for the whole of our stay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Azura Selous<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n The safari experience was memorable!<\/strong> Game drives took on the \u201cexplorer\u201d driving style: off-road through thick bush, across dry river beds, and over hills which made me feel like a character of an Indiana Jones movie, a real adventurer in the middle of the jungle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Game Drive & Sundowners<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Breakfasts in the bush, wildlife sightings, encyclopaedic guiding, survival tips, and riverside sundowners complete with delicious food and Amarula punctuated these beautiful excursions. We had also the chance of experiencing a walking safari which was particularly special, with one ranger and one guide steering an impressed group through the dangers of the African bush. As the moment of packing and saying the final goodbyes approached, I was already sure that I need to do it again, and I will come back!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Game drive<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n A light aircraft transfer returned us to the comforts of Zanzibar and Park Hyatt (those mattresses are like clouds to sleep on!), and it wasn\u2019t long before we were plunged back into East African history on Prison Island. Despite its name and initial function a storage space for the Slave Trade, the island has for most of its human-inhabited history served as a quarantine facility for suspected cases of Yellow Fever. Now devoted to tourism and conservation, Prison Island boasts one of the most beautiful beaches I\u2019ve ever set eyes on, where visitors enjoy activities like sunset cruises or feeding the local population of Aldabra giant tortoises.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Prison Island<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Next, just a short boat ride away from Fumba village, was the Safari Blue Experience<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 a day of exploring Menai Bay\u2019s sandbanks, dolphin-spotting, fruit-tasting, and snorkelling, interrupted only by lunch on the beach. Our group was unlucky enough to have chosen one of the very few days a year of rain. Still, fun was had and it was clear that with full sun this golden & azure paradise would have been unbeatable. As my African adventure drew to a close, I was beginning to understand the magic that keeps Somak\u2019s guests coming back year on year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>Stone Town<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Selous<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>Prison Island\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Safari Blue<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Experiences](\"https:\/\/www.somak.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/SafariBlue.jpg\")
<\/a>