Zanzibar
For those who want to experience the charm of a classic African setting with a touch of ancient Arabian mystique, the place is Beyt al Salaam (formerly Beyt al Chai). This is an exquisite 5 room boutique hotel within a traditional Zanzibar house, built on 3 floors on what was once a tea house.
Sitting only a few paces from the sea, the house is cool and breezy. On a typical day, guests relax in our beautifully appointed lounge and rooms overlooking a square filled with hibiscus and ancient tamarind trees - simultaneously feeling the pull of the mysterious Indian Ocean that lies just beyond the trees and soaking up the ambiance of this World Heritage Site only steps a way from the shops, restaurants and attractions of contemporary Zanzibar.
To dining at the Beyt al Chai is to experience Zanzibar. The restaurant, simply called the Beyt al Chai Restaurant, is considered to be one of the finest dining establishment within Zanzibar's Stone Town. The restaurant is unobtrusively located on the ground floor, away from the rooms.
The cuisine is a fusion of Zanzibar and Europe, and a wide selection of fine wines complements as well as completes the dining experience.
Everything about Beyt al Chai rooms is as authentic old Zanzibari as the great house itself. Each of the 5 en-suite bedrooms and suites are designed with richly coloured organza and silk curtains billowing in the breeze around antique furniture dating back to the days of the Sultan.
Every room is fully air-conditioned, but just so you can open the window and enjoy the breeze in the ancient manner, or simply listen to the late night call of the Muezzin as it has been heard for generations, there is also a ceiling fan.
