Words really don't do this outstanding resort justice.

We stayed here for 4 nights at the end of our 5 week long trip around east Africa and I couldn't recommend a better way to do it.

There are only 6 villas in the Palms and we were fortunate to have the 'Cinnamon' villa which was at the end of the all the villas and furthest away from the restuarant.

The villa was beautiful. Furnished to the highest standard with living area, huge king size bed and big bathroom with his & her vanity. Private splash pool and day bed on the veranda area & then to top it off a private double cabana on the beach - we spent most of our days here...

The rate was fully inclusive of all meals and cocktails. Our meals were served in different locations every night - from the restaurant to the front of our villa to another completely private location in front of the day spa. As for the menu...well it was almost as if there was no menu as they tried to cater to all our requests - however in saying that, the meals that were on the menu were amazing - particularly the prawns!

We used the spa facilities at the sister resort next door as it catered more for couples. The Saltans massage was very special and in fact we were at the spa everyday.

If you are going to Zanzibar don't bother staying anywhere else!

We stayed at the palms and went to Zanzibar as we were intrigued by the history, mix of cultures and gorgeous weather and beaches.
The rooms at the Palms were lovely and the service was very good.We disliked the fact we were asked for our dinner order just after having lunch and the same after breakfast. You also had quite fixed times for eating which for us on a relaxing holiday was quite restraining. The Beach at the Palms was awesome, however on checkin we were told we couldn't really swim in it, due to jellyfish and also because we needed reef shoes. I think this should have been mentioned on the website.
The staff were fantastic, however we found we didn't get a taste of zanzibar from this place as it was a bit 'me too' with other resorts near the waterin the globe. However we loved the privacy, and space that was offered.

First the good news. I agree with the other reviews on the many positive aspects of this hotel, the amazing beach, the great villas, and the fantastic staff. However, the owners have to do something about the new manager (from Nairobi) who really detracts from the overall experience. We were coming from some fantastic lodges run by CC Africa so our expectations were very high, however given The Palms is at the same price point we would expect the same service levels. The following are some of the issues we had:

1) We booked a tour on our first full day (spice farm, stone town, and sunset dhow cruise). The mgr told us the tour would be $200 and the dhow cruise would be $60/person. I thought the cruise was rather expensive but agreed. The spice farm was excellent. The stone town tour was terrible with the guide trying to end the tour after 30mins. Then, when we got to the office for the dhow tour they did not have our reservation. When I asked if we could still book with them, they said we could and the cost would be $20 per person (rather than the $60 the mgr had told us). The dhow cruise was excellent. When I got back to The Palms I told the manager that the dhow office did not have our reservation and turned out to be $120 cheaper than we were expecting. The manager said he didn't know what was going on, he apologized and said he would find a way to make it up to us. We heard nothing more from the manager until we checked out at which point the tour cost was $400 rather than the $200 he originally told us. After some back and forth my wife said we would complain to the owner, at which point he agreed to reduce the price down to the original $200. I tried to find a way to contact the owners of the hotel directly (the Raguz family) but was unsuccessful so I hope they read tripadvisor.

The other issues were fairly minor but again at these price points one wouldn't expect them.

2) When we arrived, late in the afternoon, one of our beds had not been made up.
3) Our private cabana at the beach (which was otherwise really nice and special) had a used glass on the table and a cigarette butt in the ashtray from the previous guests.
4) At low tide you notice that the sea bed is covered in sea urchins and you have to wear shoes when you wade in to the water. We arrived at high tide and I went swimming with no shoes and was very lucky I did not step on a sea urchin. The mgr should give some kind of warning, especially as the breezes next door provides the shoes for free (which i only found out when i came home and read these reviews).

I gave this hotel 4 stars because aside from the above we did have a great time. I can't speak highly enough of the rest of the staff who were really nice, friendly and efficient. The beaches have the nicest sand i have ever experienced. The villas are huge and very nice with air conditioning (which at the time we were in Zanzibar is a must have). The food was great and the chef, upon request, even made a special local dish. This hotel could get 5 stars if the owners give the mgr some training or get a new manager or get some advice from CC Africa on how to really run a hotel at these price points.

The Palms Resort is beautiful. With only 6 private villas- it is very romantic and has an amazing beach with a sort of beach house that is your private beach sanctuary. The Palms has AIR-CONDITIONING - a must in Zanzibar. Without it you just melt. That was our reason for choosing The Palms Resort over Mnemba Island. Prices are the same for both but unless you are Bill Gates - the privacy does not compensate for the lact of A/C. Because The Palms is attached to Beezes Resort - you may use all of the facilities at Beezes yet escape the crowds at the Palms. Lots of sea urchins in the water along the beach so they provide aqua shoes for your use. Stone Town is very fast paced and this is very tranquil and peaceful. The price is a bit steep for the service provided. We enjoyed the staff - but the mangement left something to be desired. If I am spending $ 1000.00/ night then I expect to have my expectations met or exceeded - management needs to pay more attention to details. The rooms are beautiful and the food was very good. We used a tour company on island called Monarch Tours - they were GREAT. Be sure to ask for Mohamad - he is so knowledgable and helpful too. The Spice Tour as well as the city tour are well worth it. Stone Town is approx. 45 minutes from the Palms Resort.

During our stay in Stone Town we chose the Zerena Inn - Perfect hotel in Stone Town. The location is perfect - right across the street from the DHL shipping office so we could send home all of our treasures. Also the Serena Inn has AIR CONDITIONING - an absolute necessity in Zanzibar.

If I was visiting again, I would choose to stay only a few days at The Pams - or simply save a bundle and stay at Beezes.