Reef and Beach Resort

After trouble with our airline this was the most perfect hotel to end up at. The room was absolutely stunning, we paid extra for a sea view suite and it was definitely worth it! Housekeeping every day to turn down the room and help with bugs. The location was nice, on the sea, but it became awkward for some excursions due to activities being mostly at the top of the island, transfers were not included so this rendered slightly more expensive. Although taxi drivers were especially friendly so the drives were comfortable. The food and drinks were amazing, great options accommodating for all. The staff were also so helpful, everyone very friendly, we spoke to multiple members who offered services such as the spa manager and a lady who organises a trip to the local school every wednesday. As a couple we also want to thank Abuu, who worked on the bar as he really lightened our stay and was friendly and enthusiastic. Overall this hotel was brilliant and we would love to stay again.

Upon arrival I noticed so many cats, mostly kittens, who are malnourished, thin and no feeding stations. Many of them, especially kittens are sick. The first night the lady at the restaurant forcefully kicked 2 kittens who were at the entrance. For 2 days they locked a mommy cat in room 385 and both mornings I let the cat out. That room is not suitable for guests and I am appalled that they lock cats away. I spoke to Reception and the guy said I could take food from the restaurant - which I did. Besides having to worry about the cats, we had a good holiday. The venue is Beautiful, Accommodation is spacious, clean and comfortable. We were on all inclusive package (Breakfast, Lunch and Supper) and the food was good with a lot of variety. We didn't do any activities as our goal was to relax and see the resident Red Columbus Monkey troop. The monkeys were the highlight of our stay and I even had the experience of an adult female jump into my arms and groom my hair. They were busy with renovations, so there were times of constant drilling, hammering and NOISE. We booked 6 nights and every day they were working. If I didn't have to worry about feeding the cats 3x daily and the continuous drilling and hammering, I would've rated 5 star. I would suggest that they put out some feeding stations away from restaurant and look after them. If you are a cat lover, this place is not for you.

The are good and average feelings about the resort. The staff are great, especially Grace in Guest Services and Mustapha in F&B! Our arrival & check in was terrible. The barman are average and I suppose that is because they have to make these terrible cocktails all day long, using brands I really did not recognise....they also at one point were using Coconut powder mixed with water to substitute Coconut milk in some of the cocktails....yeah I know, horrible! And you get a glass of wine served in a glass that you would use to taste wine!! The food was average at best with one or two nights being quite good in the speciality restaurants - I do supose though, to be fair, that they do over 300 guests at times, so things are not as refined as a smaller resort can be and possibly food supplies not as easily availble. We had a well postioned villa at the waters edge (they call it Honeymoon Suite, strange that it has a double bunk in the entrance room - haha! ) unfortunately its pretty old and needs an upgrade, we couldn't open the patio door in the bedroom and the safe was too small for a laptop - although they did fix the door for us. There were room renovations going at the time at the pool so the noise was not great but I guess really necessary to get this place up to standard Would I go back, probably not rush back, although I am known to be a bit fussy. Its not bad but its not great so a 3.5 score - staff 5/5

An atmospheric hotel with incredible tides allowing you to see the ocean's flora and fauna up close. Friendly Maasai selling souvenirs and delicious Zanzibari delicacies served by the hotel kitchen. I was a bit skeptical because I enjoy wide, long beaches but the incredible ocean tides were something I'll always remember. The entire complex has the character of a local village and it is beautifully landscaped. I stayed in a bungalow with the ocean view located right at the entrance to the jetty. It has a veranda and a small garden with its own table, chairs and deck chairs. I was there only for a week and it was definitely too short. I already miss it just writing these words.

Had a swim up room overlooking the ocean. Lovely ! FYI - block 800 numbers have shade in the morning and sun all afternoon. Block 200 numbers are opposite, sun in the morning and shade all afternoon. The sea is so warm, tides are dramatic and the sand is soft. Beach shoes advised for the sea. Room was a good size, mosquito nets on the bed, plenty of storage, the bathroom was huge. Safe included but no fridge. Staff are lovely, shout out to Rosie, Daniel and Mr Mojito at the Mango bar. Food is plentiful, always something fresh being cooked. Could do with some covers for breads and sweet treats as there were always flies all over them. The cold water dispensers didn’t stay cold for very long. Could only get cappuccino and espressos at Jetty bar and Mangrove bar and these were extras to pay for. Hotel is relaxed, the sea changes colour all the time. Go up to the Indian restaurant to watch the sunset. Plenty of sunbeds available in different places. The grounds were clean and pretty. Pool areas clean, the natural spring water pool needs some maintenance on the stones around the edges. We saw the red colubus monkeys every day. They were great entertainment. There are quite a few cats around the hotel, but they looked healthy and were friendly. Evening entertainment at 9pm, was varied and interesting. Masai men on beach could be a bit off putting as they approached everyone who attempted to go onto the beach and in the sea off the jetty. They were friendly and were trying to earn a little money. Overall a great holiday, we did a day safari to Tanzania, also visited Salaam Cave and Jozani National Park. Travelling around can take time as some roads are very bumpy. Temperatures were around 32 each day but you could add another 10 degrees for the humidity.