We started our 2 week tour of Zanzibar in Stone Town and Fundu Lagoon was our second stop.
We set off from Stone Town after an early breakfast and were taken to the Zanzibar airport domestic terminal to catch our short flight to Pemba island. The plane was a 12 seater Cessna and a fantastic experience - proper flying! The views were incredible and after around half an hour we touched down in Chake Chake. We had to sign a Pemba visitor register and then were met by the Fundu Lagoon driver who drove us (just over an hour) to Mkoani port.
We then had to take a speed boat to the resort. This is the bit I was dreading - I hate boats. I explained this to the driver and he let me sit at the back with him (less bumpy) and said he would take it gently ("pole pole"). Everyone else sat astride a central seat, with luggage at the front of the boat. The ride took around 25 minutes (as we were going pole pole!)
On arrival the the Fundu jetty we were met by the manager and after registering at reception were shown to the restaurant for lunch (it was around 1pm). We had a 3 course lunch and wine (all inclusive) while our luggage was taken to our "room".
Our room was a fabulous thatched tent set on the edge of the beach with a balcony and steps down to loungers on our own section of beach. This is glamping in paradise!
There is no air conditioning but several fans and a lovely sea breeze meant it just wasn't necessary.
Each day there were 3 course lunches and dinners served in the restaurant, delicious breakfasts and cocktails in the Jetty bar while watching the sun set. One night there was a beach BBQ which was amazing.
We didn't wear any footwear the whole time we were there - there really is such a thing as barefoot luxury!
One day my partner did a snorkelling trip on nearby Misali island while I lounged by the pool. We also did a tour of the local village (right next door) to understand the local culture and see some spices being grown (modest clothing is a must).
Most of the staff are from local settlements and some stay in a staff compound behind the hotel. They all said it was a good place to work and the service was impeccable. All the staff here ensure that everyone has a wonderful time and makes the most of their stay. As (almost) everything is all inclusive it's a very relaxed environment. Hakuna matata :)
The best thing here (as far as we were concerned) was the wildlife. We saw giant millipedes, snakes, land crabs, hermit crabs, monkeys, flying foxes and bush babies.
Top tip - put some banana on the railing outside your tent. The bush babies will smell it and come by after dark to eat it - right in front of your tent! Be sure to stay up to see them munching away!
On our way back the speed boat driver remembered me and made sure we went "pole pole" back to port. We were very sad to leave.