Beach Club Fever  

THE FUMBA TIMES tested six popular newcomers and classics on the island

It was just a matter of time before a worldwide holiday trend would catch up with Zanzibar: the dazzling pupularity of beach clubs. Two stunning newcomers, Le Saint Tropez and Nanasi, have opened in Zanzibar recently. The very first beach club on the island, classy Upendo, started in 2008. The allure of beach clubs has become a global phenomenon. The trend traces its glamorous roots back to the 1950s in Saint-Tropez, where stars and socialites flocked to bask in the sun at pioneering spots like Club 55. Today, the world’s most famous beach clubs are Nikki Beach – a chain with 11 clubs from Miami to Dubai and Mallorca. Each beach club serves up its own flavour of indulgence, even in Zanzibar. But what sets a beach club apart from a traditional hotel? While hotels offer lodging, most beach clubs thrive mainly on day-long extravagance – think sun-drenched cabanas, gourmet dining, world-class DJs. It’s all about living in the moment. Your agenda is relaxation, revelry, and maybe a little champagne spray. Ready to walk the runway of bikinis and pulsating beats? The tide is in your favour.

Le Saint Tropez

Tik Tok heaven

Egalité, modernité, Saint Tropez. Zanzibar’ newest beach club is certainly the poshest. Extravagant features sparkle in the sun, from luxurious floating sunbeds to a charming French-cuisine restaurant with white tablecloths. The French-Moroccan lady owner has clearly not spared any costs to create a stand-out impression with her first venture in Zanzibar. Competing with the ultra-stylish ambience are the protagonists in the adults only location, constantly clicking selfies for Insta, Tiktok and the like. Does a beach club need a beach? Nope, a sumptuous pool landscape like at Saint Tropez easily makes up for a lack of beach.  After a glorious sunset, many shishas, yummie cocktails and smooth DJ sounds, try beef bourguignon and chocolat fondant – and feel très Saint Tropez.

Le Saint Tropez, Kidoti, 10am-10pm, $20 sunbed, $40 pool bed for 2; minimum consumption in restaurant, accommodation available; lesainttropezzanzibar.com/

Nanasi Beach Club

SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY

In Nungwi – how could it be otherwise – the best beach meets a great new beach club. If you thought there wouldn’t be room for any more enterprise on the already crowded shore of Zanzibar’s northern tip, think twice. The new Nanasi (Swahili for pineapple) perfectly fits onto the large beach plot opposite the fabulous Mama Mia pizza restaurant, a pineapple statue signalling the entrance for newcomers. Nanazi offers a party pool for up to 90 people, 17 rentable pool islands and hundred inflated air sunbeds – a lot of entertainment for lots of people. Highlights: late-night “Cheers” pub, Marten’s non-alcoholic beer (a rarity in Zanzibar), sushi. We tried the Russian-roulette maki, it’s excellent. On Sundays, entrance queues start forming at 10am. Who is the typical client of a beach club? “Holidaymakers in a hotel without a pool, Airbnb guests and day-time visitors from other areas of Zanzibar”, says manager Abbas.

Nanasi Beach Club, Nungwi, reopening on 16 June, daily 11am-10pm, no entrance fee but consumption minimum, sun lounges from $20, IG: nanasibeachclub

Kwetu Kwenu Chill

BOHEMIAN VIBES

Dj Kassim and band, Waiz fashion shows, open-air cinema, karaoke nights, panel discussions, VIP birthday parties, dramatic sunsets – Kwetu Kwenu Chill (Swahili for ‘yours is mine’) has seen it all since its inception three years ago. When a man-made beach of finest white sand was added recently, the restaurant in Fumba Town became a proper beach club. Much loved right from the start when it was merely a wooden deck above the ocean in front of a shipping container, KKChill is an important part of the green community near the capital. People from 60 nations live in Fumba Town. Residents as well as visitors from all over the isle flock to the club. Whether for a date or a family outing, for some pool billiard or to listen to in-house DJ Coconut – KKChill caters to all demands. Created by the green minds of Fumba Town, Franko and Bernadette Green, you will never find a single piece of plastic here  – but always a super-relaxed bohemian vibe.

Kwetu Kwenu Chill, Fumba Town, open daily except Mondays, 5pm till late. free entrance. IG: Kwetu Kwenu Chill

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B4

WILD, WILDER, B4

The home of electro in Zanzibar has German roots. Undisputedly the hottest beach club around, B4 has had a reputation for legendary parties since 2017. In a comparatively simple set-up with a sand dance floor bordering the beach, a nature pool and 14 eco-friendly bungalows in the backyard, the iconic pioneer is located right on the beach of surf hotspot Paje. Founded by Alex Goehse and Tina Wurmus from Leipzig, B4 has become synonymous with partying for many good reasons: it features the best KV2 sound system and top-notch guest DJs from Berlin like Luciano and Ricardo Villalobos; it has a cooperation with Caprices Festival in Switzerland and – last but not least –mouth-watering Zanzibar bites from rustic burgers to fine lobster. “Electro nowhere feels better than with us”, says Alex Goehse. What’s coming up this season? Alpha wave art experiences and B4 holistic treatments, the club owner recommends. Right, who wouldn’t need a good detox after so much partying?

B4, Paje, free entrance except for special events, +255 778 672 715, b4beach.club

Upendo Beach Club

CLASSIC BEAUTY

Zanzibar’s iconic first beach club is a timeless beauty. Founded in 2008 by island entrepreneur Trish Dhanak, Upendo (Swahili for love) features the oustanding Boho Social restaurant, a breezy bar, DJs & live music, a palm-fringed pool. Urban sister Upendo House in Stone Town opened in 2020. Guests love Indian curries, eggs benedict, Zanzibar’s best cocktails and the guarantee: the chilled Upendo feeling never lets you down!

Upendo Beach, Michamvi, open every day, Sunday soulful brunches 11-5pm, free entry, upendozanzibar.com

Upendo Beach, Michamvi, opposite The Rock, open every day, Sunday soulful brunches 11-5 pm, free entry, +255 777 770 667, upendozanzibar.com

Seasons Lodge

CASUAL SUNDAYS

With many beach clubs trying to outdo each other in stylishness, it’s refreshing to hit on a more unpretentious species. Welcome to Seasons Lodge in Pongwe!  Michael Clarke opens the poolside of his family lodge in Pongwe to the public every THIRD Sunday of the month. Discover good vibes, top sounds, relaxed company and a farmers market with local craft. Bring some extra time to explore the fantastic beaches around.

Seasons Lodge, Pongwe, beach club every third Sunday of the month, midday-8 pm, seasonszanzibar.com