I stayed a week at Zanzibar’s Seasons Lodge which blends a cool, laid-back, funky vibe with plenty of comforts.
Michael Clarke is an Irishman who has lived most of his life in Africa (Uganda and Tanzania). He has constructed Seasons Lodge carefully and slowly over the last three decades. It’s a labor of love. Mike’s positive personality will win you over.
I stayed half the time in the room above the dining room. There’s a similar room above one of the bars. Because they’re high, they’re breezy and have a phenomenal view of the water. They’re also private. Unless you plan to walk naked on your balcony, nobody will see you. The hotel is always quiet so you don’t have to worry about bar or restaurant noise. They cost about $100 per night.
The second room is even nicer because it’s a standalone cottage on the edge of the sea. Although all rooms are spacious, the cottage is also airy.
Although Seasons Lodge is a relaxed and quiet resort, on Sundays they liven up the ambiance by having a DJ pool party from noon until 8:00 p.m. Dozens attend the free event which gives an opportunity to mingle with fellow guests as well as expats.
Tip: Try to be there on a Sunday so you can enjoy the Sunday Session.
Because the beach is narrow, they don’t have permanent lounge chairs. Instead, there is a pair of swings. In fact, during high tide, the beach almost disappears for a couple of hours.
However, the pool area has ample places to relax in.
Cuisine
The breakfast has a variety of options including plenty of tropical fruit, muesli, waffles, toast, omelet, beans and juice. Although you get these options every day, you only get those options. As a result, if you stay there for a week, you may get tired of the breakfast routine.
Fortunately, the lunch and dinner menus change every day. A three-course dinner costs $25 per person. It sometimes features lobster. It’s always delicious.
What’s fascinating is that the chef grew into the position over the years. He’s got an original style that most will find irresistible.
Downsides
- Wi-Fi reaches everywhere but is slow. Don’t come to Season’s Lodge to watch YouTube videos or to do anything beyond simple messaging. On the other hand, slow Wi-Fi is the norm on Zanzibar. It’s not the fault of the Seasons Lodge.
- The bathroom in the room above the dining room needs an upgrade. It’s feeling a bit tired.
- The pool is average (it’s not a sexy infinity pool).
- The beach vanishes for a couple of hours per day (whenever the high-tide comes in).
- Although the breakfast is delicious, it is repetitive.
Seasons Lodge has three sea kayaks (including a two-person kayak) that guests can use for free. Like all lodges, they can organize an excursion for you.
Tip: If you stay there, be sure to disconnect the safe key from the room key. The hotel gives you both on one keychain. Twice a day, the maid will ask for the room key to make up your room and put down the mosquito net. For four days, I didn’t think that whenever I gave her the key, I was also giving her a key to the safe where I had $2,000 in cash and other valuables. Fortunately, the maid did not take anything. Still, be prudent.
Conclusion
Seasons Lodge is the best value I found in Zanzibar:
- The cottage rooms are spacious, feature perfect views, and are affordable.
- The cuisine is reasonably priced and delicious.
- The service is excellent and honest.
- Its Sunday Sessions offer a unique experience.
- Original art decorates the large property.
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, the Seasons Lodge is the place to stay in Zanzibar.
