Zanzibar Tulia Hotel

Tulia Zanzibar – A Little Piece of Paradise

After travelling extensively around the world and staying in some truly exceptional hotels, I can be very difficult to impress.

So, when I arrived at Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort, I was genuinely excited to see whether it would live up to its reputation.

I can honestly say that it exceeded my expectations.

Tulia is completely different from the large, sprawling resorts you find in many destinations. It is small, intimate and incredibly personal, with just 16 rooms and a maximum of around 40 guests at any one time.

And I think that is one of its biggest attractions.

You never feel like you are one of hundreds of guests. Instead, there is a wonderful feeling of being somewhere private and exclusive, where the team genuinely gets to know you.

First impressions

From the moment you arrive, there is a sense of calm.

Tulia is set right on the beach, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and feels beautifully removed from the outside world.

This isn’t somewhere you come to if you want a huge resort with endless facilities and crowds.

You come here to switch off, slow down and enjoy being looked after.

The setting is absolutely beautiful, and there is something rather special about waking up knowing that your day can consist of nothing more complicated than breakfast, a swim, a walk along the beach, lunch, a cocktail and watching the Zanzibar sunset.

The rooms

With only 16 rooms, Tulia has a very boutique feel.

The accommodation is beautifully designed to blend into the tropical surroundings while still providing the comfort and facilities you would expect from a luxury property.

One of the things I particularly like about smaller hotels is that the experience feels much more personal. There isn’t the feeling of having to navigate a huge resort or walk long distances just to get somewhere.

Everything here feels intimate and relaxed.

There are several room types to choose from, including a Garden Villa, a Garden Villa with a partial sea view, a Sea View Villa with fabulous ocean views, and a Private Villa with its own pool.

Whether you prefer to be surrounded by tropical greenery or wake up to beautiful ocean views, there is an option to suit your preferences.

The food and drinks

Now, anyone who knows me knows that food is extremely important when I travel!

And I have been very impressed with the food at Tulia.

The quality has been outstanding, and the service has been equally impressive.

There is also a lovely attention to detail, which is exactly what I look for when assessing a hotel for my clients.

For a small hotel, Tulia certainly doesn‘t fall short when it comes to facilities. There are two restaurant areas to choose from, and, as a supplement, you can enjoy the Le Petit Chef dining experience in the Wine Cellar. This is a very different kind of dining experience and something special to consider if you are looking for a memorable evening.

Before your meal, you are given a tour of the farm, where you can see the lovely fresh produce used in the hotel‘s daily cooking. I love the idea of knowing more about where your food comes from and seeing the ingredients that help make the dining experience so special.

And then there are the drinks…

Whether you want something refreshing by the pool, a cocktail in the afternoon or something chilled while watching the sun go down, the whole experience feels very special.

The facilities and little extras

Despite its intimate size, Tulia has plenty to offer beyond its beautiful setting and exceptional food.

There are two lovely swimming pools, including one with a swim-up bar, and even a couple of waterslides. These are cleverly tucked away among the shrubbery, allowing them to blend into the tropical surroundings.

There is also a fabulous Spa, where we enjoyed an amazing one-hour massage. Honestly, I could have had one every day!

For those who like to keep fit while away, there is a gym, along with a small shop selling souvenirs..Evenings are just as special, with nightly entertainment featuring local performers. On one evening, guests are invited to enjoy a barbecue beneath the stars, creating a wonderful atmosphere and a lovely opportunity to make the most of the tropical setting.

The service

For me, this is where Tulia really stands out.

Luxury isn’t necessarily about having the biggest room, the biggest pool or the longest list of facilities.

For me, true luxury is how you are made to feel.

The team at Tulia are warm, attentive and genuinely interested in their guests.

Nothing feels like too much trouble, but equally, you don’t feel that you are constantly being waited on.

It is that lovely balance between being looked after and being left to enjoy your holiday.

With approximately 140 members of staff, around 100 of whom look after the gardens and farm, it is clear that a great deal of care and attention goes into maintaining the beautiful surroundings and the experience guests enjoy.

With so few guests and such a dedicated team, it is easy to understand why the service feels so personal.

Who would I recommend Tulia to?

This is definitely a property I would consider for the more discerning traveller.

It would be particularly suited to couples looking for somewhere romantic, peaceful and intimate.

It would also work beautifully for a special occasion — a milestone birthday, anniversary, honeymoon or simply a luxury escape where the hotel itself is an important part of the holiday.

If you love huge resorts with lots of entertainment, children's clubs and dozens of restaurants, this probably isn’t the style of property you are looking for.

But if you appreciate peace, privacy, exceptional service, beautiful surroundings, fabulous food and a genuinely personal experience, Tulia deserves to be on your radar.

My verdict…

I have travelled extensively, and I am very, very fussy when it comes to hotels.

So, when I say I am VERY impressed with Tulia, I mean it.

The combination of its intimate size, beautiful setting, outstanding food and drinks, and exceptional service makes this a very special place.

With a maximum of around 40 guests, it is easy to understand why it feels so much more personal than many of the larger Zanzibar resorts.

Tulia has reminded me that luxury isn't always about size or extravagant facilities. Sometimes, it is about the little details, the people who look after you and the feeling that you are somewhere truly special.

And that is exactly what makes Tulia stand out for me.

If Tulia sounds like somewhere you would love to experience, get in touch. With over 30 years of experience in travel, I can advise whether it would be the right fit for you and tailor the rest of your Zanzibar holiday around it.