Experience the Traditions of the Maasai at Essque Zalu Zanzibar, Tanzania

We all know that a new year brings ambitions for the year ahead with most of us choosing to travel more or to look after ourselves better. I've been looking to combine the two for 2018 by choosing health and wellness holidays and top of my travel bucket list is to visit Tanzania. Whilst researching these types of holidays in Tanzania, I've found an incredible place called ESSQUE ZALU ZANZIBAR which I would like to share with you. Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of mainland Tanzania of East Africa, renowned for white sandy beaches with traditional food and culture. Tanzania is blessed with tradition, history, beaches, nature and safari which makes it the perfect holiday destination for 2018.

The Maasai of East Africa have a long tradition of healing rooted in the powerful natural surroundings of the land. Resonating with local techniques and inspired by nature’s energy, the unique Zanzibar Spa at Essque Zalu Zanzibar has partnered with the award-winning AFRICOLOGY brand to create a series of locally inspired spa rituals designed to take guests on a unique, multi sensory wellness journey.

This experience is created to transport their guests to another place, offering a complete break from reality, treatments are carried out in a specially designed Maasai ‘Village’ by Zanzibarian and Tanzanian therapists with an in-depth knowledge of the culture. Guests are cocooned in traditional tents, with variants of the instantly recognisable red and black woven fabrics synonymous with the tribe and intricate wood carvings creating beautiful Maasai-inspired interiors. By the soft glow of suspended lanterns and the heady scent of locally sourced essential oils, the two hour ritual takes place during or after sunset and is intended to take guests on a journey of renewal steeped in the sights, sounds and sensations of Maasai customs.

On further research, the Essque Zalu Zanzibar is more than just a unique traditional spa experience. The accommodation comprises on 40 suites with views of the Indian Ocean amongst lush tropical gardens. There are a variety of different bars and restaurants on site including 'The Jetty' which is perfect for kicking back and enjoying cocktails in the sun or during a romantic sunset.

The ESSQUEPADES are the resorts signature experiences including Swahili Cooking. The experience is carried out in a rustic thatched roof kitchen with state-of-the-art cooking facilities. The studio has been dedicated to native Tanzanian Sous-chef Rose Mosha, who has been developing the cooking classes over her six years with the resort. Then cooking course shows you how to prepare mouthwatering traditional dishes and sample the best that the ‘Spice Island’ has to offer.

If exploring out of the hotel is your thing, the resort will help you make the most of the surrounding area, so if snorkelling, bike tours, beach life or trekking the island is you thing then there will be something for everyone. 

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