Zanzibar: Le Mersenne Beach Resort – an Authentic Accommodation Review

[reading_time]

Where to stay in Zanzibar Part 2: Le Mersenne Beach Resort – Autograph Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Le Mersenne Beach Resort is a 5 star accommodation in Zanzibar, forming part of the Autograph Collection by Marriot Bonvoy – And it’s evident at first glance. This fairly recent resort (founded in December 2022) boasts contemporary elegance with a sprinkle of African flare.

The resort is situated in the tranquil area of Michamvi on the South-East coast of Zanzibar. This stunning resort is the ultimate retreat for travellers seeking opulence in a quiet, less touristy part of the Island. Guests can enjoy top amenities with all-inclusive packages without leaving the resort’s paradise.

Le Mersenne was our second accommodation stop, perfectly fitting our blend of budget and boujee options – with this one definitely on the boujee-ier side. We made our way here after spending time in Stone Town, where we kicked off our Zanzibar trip. This resort is perfect to spend your entire Zanzibar vacation or to add to a greater itinerary, like we did. If you’re leaning towards the latter, you may want to read about our Stone Town accommodation and itinerary. As well as Part 3 of our Zanzibar accommodation series.

Now, let’s dive into our experience at the luxurious Le Mersenne Beach Resort.

Getting There from the Airport (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport)

When planning your stay at Le Mersenne Beach, it’s essential to consider your transportation options from Zanzibar Airport. This resort is on the other side of the island, so keep that in mind. The travel time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, this will depend on traffic and your selected mode of transport.

During our visit, we had the pleasure of experiencing a newly opened road in Zanzibar. Our driver was particularly excited about it, claiming it to be the smoothest road on the island, free of potholes. He even joked that it was so smooth you could sit back and sleep while driving. Of course, this was just a jest—our driver was excellent and fully alert throughout the journey.

Interestingly, we received an unexpected bonus during the ride: a 90-minute impromptu history lesson on the fruits of the island. It was fascinating to learn that Zanzibar has more banana varieties than we have fingers. These moments of discovery are why we love traveling. There is always so much to learn, and even the simplest experiences can transform your perspective and perception of life.

We feel incredibly blessed to have the privilege to encounter such enriching moments. But back to getting there from the airport!

Private Driver | Tour Company \ Hotel Transfer services:

We would highly recommend arranging private transportation through reputable tour companies or directly with Le Mersenne. This option provides comfort and convenience, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group. Prices vary and from our inquiries, they start from $40 upwards, depending on the company you choose. Hotel transfers appeared to be the most expensive.

Our trip from Stone Town to Le Mersenne, Michamvi cost us $40 with Tibu Tour from Zantrek Holidays. The vehicle was large, comfortable, air-conditioned and he provided us with bottled water for the commute. It was an efficient choice to cover the 60+km distance. The personalized service ensured that you began your vacation in the most relaxed manner possible.

Taxi:

Taxis are a flexible option available at Zanzibar Airport and outside most hotels. It is advisable to agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey to avoid any surprises. Out of curiosity we inquired the rates of the local taxis stationed outside our Stone Town accommodation. To our surprise they were more than what registered tour companies charged. Starting from $50 upwards. It goes without saying that there is always room for negotiating, but we found that most drivers we’re reluctant to go any lesser than $45.

Car Rental:

For those who enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace, renting a car might be the best option. Driving from the airport to Michamvi takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Again, this will depend on your pace – offering you the opportunity to take in the scenic routes of Zanzibar. Car rentals provide flexibility and the convenience of traveling on your schedule.

However, it’s crucial to consider additional costs such as fuel and rental fees. You should also ensure that you are comfortable with the local driving conditions. From our observations, Zanzibar’s roads can be challenging for those unfamiliar with them – sometimes it even seemed challenging for our local drivers. It’s good to note that Le Mersenne provides parking facilities, if you decide to make the drive. Whether or not this comes at an additional cost, is something you will need to check with the hotel.

Public Transportation:

Public transportation, like Daladalas (local buses), is the most economical way to travel. However, it may not be the most convenient or comfortable, especially after a long flight or with significant luggage. Daladalas can be crowded and might not take you directly to Le Mersenne. While this option is budget-friendly, it requires patience and a willingness to navigate the local transport system.

Accommodation

As one can expect with a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, the resort’s architecture seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional Zanzibari elements. The open plan flow creates an ambiance that is both luxurious and modern.

The aesthetically pleasing design, calming color palette, and inviting atmosphere make it a perfect choice for those seeking comfort and modern amenities. There are flares of Zanzibar are thoughtfully integrated into the decor, such as local cultural artwork and wooden elements, providing a blend of cultural elegance.

Although, if you’re looking for a more rustic island feel, you’re not going to find it here. In our view Le Mersenne fits right in with that large resort feeling – not that we mind – but sharing this incase you do.

From the moment you arrive, you are greeted with warm hospitality and exceptional service. The resort boasts a variety of accommodations, ranging from elegantly designed rooms to lavish overwater villas with private pools. Some rooms offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and others of their lush green garden.

The interiors are thoughtfully decorated, featuring plush furnishings, modern amenities, and workspaces. Not to mention the large private balconies or terraces where you can unwind and soak in the scenic beauty.

All-in-all, Le Mersenne truly screams luxury—and your wallet will be screaming too. A night in a standard room will cost you a small fortune, not to mention those jaw-dropping overwater bungalows. But hey, we say it’s totally worth it! We initially booked an Ujima Deluxe Garden room (you know – budget boujee style) but thanks to a rebellious plumbing issue, we got bumped up to a Zulu Deluxe Ocean Front room.

Both rooms were identical, except for the view. Bright, spacious, and open-plan, each room had a bed that felt like a cloud’s hug—soft, large, and incredibly comfy. The room also featured both a bath and a shower, but remember the open plan? The bath is right behind the bed, fully exposed. If ultimate privacy is your thing, this might not be your cup of tea. However, the shower is completely separate and private, and quite lovely. The toilet is also in its own separate space, which is always a bonus for those morning sessions. We’re all about keeping it real here!

We didn’t mind the open bath; we’ve stayed in several modern hotels with this design. Anton, in particular, loves a good bath, and nothing would stop him from enjoying one, especially in the serenity of those rooms. There was also a double vanity, and more toiletries than your basic kit. Sewing kit and shoeshine? Just incase!

The best part of our room, however, was the double workspace with ample outlets for chargers. Since Anton was in the midst of month-end processing during our trip, we found this super helpful. We hope to eventually share more content, details and tips around how we manage to travel while working (remotely).

Le Mersenne also features a spa and gym.

Why we chose Le Mersenne Beach Resort:

If you’ve been following our blog, you know we keep things real. We may sprinkle in lots of adjectives and adverbs, but our opinions remain unbiased. So, let’s be transparent. Sometimes, we choose an accommodation because we want to be at that specific place, but most times, it’s about the area we want to explore. We find suitable lodging once we’ve zeroed in on our destination.

Planning this trip, we knew it would be a mix of budget and luxury stays. Le Mersenne wasn’t initially on our radar, but the Instagram-famous Rock Restaurant in Michamvi, Zanzibar, certainly was. Instead of just a day trip to that side of the island, we decided to spend a few nights in Michamvi, primarily to visit the Rock Restaurant.

Le Mersenne came up during our research and quickly became our top choice among other options. And yes, while our main goal was to visit the Rock Restaurant (which turned out to be a bit of an anti-climax), we ended up discovering an exquisite hotel, and some unexpected gems: Kae Funk and Maalum Cave (more on that further down).

Cost Of Our Stay:

These rates reflect what we paid during our stay and are provided here to give you a general idea of the costs. For the most current pricing on your preferred room and dates, always visit the hotel’s official website.

What we paid for 2 People Sharing: R10,600 for a 2-night stay in a Ujima Deluxe Garden, including taxes and daily breakfast.

Time of year: February/March

Accommodation rates vary depending on room, season and number of guests. Always check the hotel’s official website!

Culinary Experiences

Dining at Le Mersenne:

Who chose to include breakfast only in our package, but Le Mersenne offers an all-inclusive package for those who prefer that option.

Breakfast: The breakfast buffet at Le Mersenne is nothing short of spectacular, offering an extensive array of options, including vegan and gluten-free dishes. Notably, the hotel restaurant is fully Halaal, meaning no pork dishes are available. While this means you won’t find bacon at breakfast, the variety and quality of other offerings more than make up for it. Each morning, you can indulge in freshly baked pastries, a selection of tropical seasonal fruits, savory hot dishes, and refreshing beverages.

Dinner: The resort offers guests two dining options; the formal dining restaurant, where breakfast is served, provided an elegant atmosphere with tasty cuisine. In contrast, the casual lounging area offered freshly grilled barbecue selections, perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable evening meal.

The prices for food and drinks were higher than those in Stone Town and other parts of Zanzibar, but the quality and ambiance made it worth the expense – and of course this is fitting for a 5-star resort.

A special touch we appreciated was the random delivery of fruit plates to guests around the pool at lunchtime. The availability of complementary infused water by the pool also added to the luxurious experience.

The views of the Indian Ocean from Le Mersenne Beach Resort are nothing short of breathtaking, providing an idyllic backdrop that enhances the sophisticated and elegant atmosphere of the dining experience. The crystal-clear waters, shimmering under the sun, stretch out to the horizon, creating a scene so picturesque it could easily serve as a screensaver.

This serene and stunning ocean vista, combined with the resort’s refined decor and ambient setting, makes for a truly unforgettable dinning experience.

Honestly, having breakfast overlooking that magical view, felt like one of the most rewarding moments of our lives. One of those moments where we say there in total awe of God’s grace and how He keeps working in our lives (story for another day!).

Nearby Recommendations:

For those looking to explore the culinary scene outside of Le Mersenne, Michamvi and its surroundings offer several dining options.

The Rock Restaurant: Located on a rock in the Indian Ocean, this unique dining venue is one of the most Instagram hyped attractions in Zanzibar. The hotel can arrange transportation to the Rock Restaurant since it’s a short 5 minute drive. We opted for the Tuk-Tuk experience which costed $10, excluding vat (a little steep for a little few minute drive, like it would’ve been a 20 minute walkon the beach, if you’re into that)

Despite meticulous planning and high expectations, our visit to The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi, Zanzibar, didn’t live up to the hype, leading us to opt for a more satisfying and budget-friendly meal at our hotel.

This experience taught us the importance of staying flexible and open-minded, even when extensive research doesn’t pan out as expected. Always prioritize your comfort and budget over hype, and don’t hesitate to adjust your plans when reality falls short of expectations. Please don’t misunderstand us, we’re not saying you shouldn’t go. After all we’re writing about it, we’re simply saying it wasn’t for us. Our log is focused on sharing our personal experiences and we always encourage our readers to base their itinerary on their personal preferences.

We spent 3 days in the Michamvi area, so our culinary exploration was limited to the restaurants mentioned herein. If you’re looking to discover more dining options beyond the hotel, a quick Google search will surely point you in the direction of your preference.

It’s important to note that Michamvi is quite far from most other parts of Zanzibar, so you’ll need to factor in transportation to and from dining areas outside of the hotel.

The journey from Michamvi to Zanzibar’s main attractions, such as Stone Town, can take over an hour by car. Northern beaches like Nungwi and Kendwa, known for their vibrant nightlife and pristine sands, are even further, requiring substantial travel time. Therefore, arranging reliable transport is essential to enjoy dining experiences beyond Michamvi. ​

Adventure | Activities | Attractions Nearby

When staying at Le Mersenne Beach Resort in Michamvi, Zanzibar, you’re perfectly positioned to explore some of the island’s most captivating attractions and activities.

Within a short drive from the resort, you can visit popular restaurants, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, stunning natural landscapes, and exhilarating adventures that make Zanzibar a truly unique destination. Whether you’re seeking a serene sunset experience, an underground aquatic adventure, or a journey into lush tropical forests, these nearby attractions offer something for every traveller.

• Kae Funk: Kae Funk is a must-visit destination, just a 16-minute drive from Le Mersenne Beach Resort. This vibrant beach bar offers an unforgettable sunset experience, with its laid-back atmosphere and stunning views over the Indian Ocean. Whether you’re lounging on a hammock, sipping on a local Kilimanjaro beer around the bonfire, or catching the magical sunset, Kae Funk provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and enjoyment. The bar often hosts live music and bonfire nights, creating a lively and welcoming environment where you can mingle with fellow travellers and locals alike. Kae Funk and Beach comes highly recommended by the locals as a sunset spot. And it was obvious why when we got there. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a kaleidoscope of colours, making for a picture-perfect moment that you’ll cherish long after your visit. We arranged transportation with the hotel, which costed us $35 (excluding vat).

• Maalum Cave & Paje Beach: A 20-minute drive from the resort takes you to the intriguing Maalum Cave and the picturesque Paje Beach. Maalum Cave, a natural wonder hidden beneath the surface, offers a unique opportunity to explore Zanzibar’s subterranean beauty. The cave features a serene freshwater pool, perfect for a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters. After your underground adventure, head to Paje Beach, a world-renowned spot for kitesurfing and other water sports. The beach’s powdery white sand and turquoise waters create an idyllic setting for sunbathing, swimming, or simply strolling along the shore. Paje Beach is also home to numerous beach bars and restaurants, where you can savor delicious seafood while enjoying the cool ocean breeze.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anton & Nadia Kolbe (@roamingwiththekolbes)

• Jozani Forest: Venturing 42 minutes from Le Mersenne Beach Resort, you’ll find the enchanting Jozani Forest, the largest remaining natural forest on Zanzibar. This lush, tropical haven is a sanctuary for the island’s unique wildlife, including the rare and endangered red colobus monkeys. We didn’t explore the Jozani Forest, however, our driver gave us a very descriptive idea of what a visit there would be like. So, we thought to include it on our list of things to do nearby.

Zanzibar offers a plethora of activities for every kind of traveler. If you’re intrigued by the rich history and vibrant culture of places like Stone Town and Napukenda, you’ll find an array of experiences waiting to be discovered. From bustling markets and historical sites to stunning beaches and local crafts, there’s something for everyone. Interested in exploring more about these fascinating destinations? Perhaps you’d enjoy reading this post to dive deeper into the charms of Stone Town and surrounds.

Sunsets And Serenity

Le Mersenne is a charming beachfront resort located on the southeast side of the beautiful island of Zanzibar. While the beach here may not be perfect for swimming due to rocky shores and challenging tides, it offers a unique and picturesque setting that will captivate your senses.

Even though swimming might be off the table, the breathtaking views of the pristine beach and turquoise waters are truly Instagram-worthy. Capture stunning photos and create lasting memories as you enjoy the serene ambiance and natural beauty of this idyllic location.

To make up for the lack of beach swimming, Le Mersenne boasts a stunning resort pool that more than compensates. The pool area is beautifully designed, offering crystal-clear waters and comfortable loungers perfect for relaxation. We spent hours lounging around the pool, enjoying the vibey atmosphere. The music was on trend and time around the pool felt like an activity on its own. Think of beach club, but with no one else there!

Additionally, they provide complimentary lunchtime fruit platters and infused water to guests at the pool, which is a great added touch. Enjoy a refreshing swim, sip on a cocktail from the poolside bar, and soak up the sun in a tranquil setting that ensures your stay is both relaxing and luxurious.

Recommended sunset spots:

Kae Funk at Kae Beach: As mentioned before, this unpretentious, laid-back establishment exudes a reggae beach club vibe. Despite its relaxed reggae atmosphere, it welcomes families with children, making it a versatile spot for all ages.

At Kae Funk, you can easily spend hours from the afternoon into the evening, enjoying the seamless transition from a sun-soaked day to a star-lit night. It is renowned as one of the best places to watch the sunset in Zanzibar, thanks to its westward-facing position on the peninsula, which offers unobstructed views of the horizon. The vibrant colors of the sunset, reflected on the tranquil waters, create a mesmerizing spectacle.

Two things to note is the 10 000 Tanzanian Shilling entry fee, and the fact that Kae Funk operates on a cash-only basis – so be sure to bring sufficient cash. The music selection is a delightful mix of reggae and contemporary tunes, enhancing the authentic and chilled atmosphere. The road to Kae Funk is quite rugged—a common theme for many roads in Zanzibar. Our driver humorously referred to the bumpy journey as a “long massage,” adding a touch of lightheartedness to the adventure.

While the vibes at Kae Funk may not be for everyone, it is certainly a hidden underrated gem, and in our view, is worth adding to your Zanzibar itinerary.

Final Recommendations

•  Book Your Transportation in Advance: Ensuring a smooth arrival by arranging your transfer ahead of time can save you time and stress.

•  Take Advantage of Resort Amenities: Upon arrival, we received a complimentary spa voucher for a 15 minute foot massage. Make full use of these added amenities.

•  Explore the Local Area: Venture outside the resort to experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Zanzibar. Visit local markets, historical sites, and nature reserves.

•  Stay Hydrated and protected: The tropical climate of Zanzibar means it’s essential to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Carry water and sunscreen wherever you go.

•  Engage with the Local Community: Interacting with the local community can enrich your travel experience. Learn about their customs and traditions, and support local businesses.

Le Mersenne Beach Resort is Ideal for those who seek relaxation and indulgence away from the touristy crowds. The resort offers a serene escape amidst lush landscapes and pristine painting like beaches – albeit, as mentioned, not exactly swimmable). With its blend of ultimate luxury and exceptional service, Le Mersenne ensures a comprehensive and worry-free vacation experience. If you’re looking for an unforgettable getaway, we recommend giving this stunning destination a try.

Until our next post, keep #roamingwiththekolbes!

With love and appreciation,

The Kolbes

Our review and tips are based on our personal experiences during our travels. You may have different experiences and alternative opinions based on your own travels. These are not meant to act as directives, instead they offer insights which may be helpful to someone planning their first trip.

While some of our posts may contain affiliate links, this post does not. Roamingwiththekolbes has no affiliation to the people or entities linked in this post and receives no commission from writing this article. These are our personal recommendations and the links to the official recommendations have been included for your convenience. It’s important to note that our blog posts always provide a genuine and authentic account of our personal experiences. Our travels remain unsponsored, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Your trust in our authenticity is our top priority.

Destination: Michamvi, Zanzibar

Accommodation: Le Mersenne Beach Resort, Autograph Collection by Marriot Bonvoy

Accommodation type: Resort