Neptune Pwani Beach Resort Spa Hotel in Zanzibar

What really makes the Neptune Pwani Beach Resort Spa special is the beach. I do not lie when I say this is the best beach I have ever, ever stayed at. First, the private beach area the hotel has is great because it has enough trees you can find your own shade if you need to. Second, the public beach is soft, soft sand, that leads into the most beautiful clear water, where you can walk out as far as the eye can see at low tide. Every once in a while a huge tour group takes up the sandbar at low tide but they don't stay for long.

The hotels two pools are also quite nice, and one has a swim-up bar.

And the staff is great. My friend accidently left his camera and by the time our driver had turned around and he made it back to the room the cleaners were there, and they had saved his camera to give back to him.

Tip: Be sure you make reservations at the Pizza/Italian restaurant when you check in. It is included but books up and the buffets are just okay.

Also when we were there the gift shop didn't sell sunscreen, so make sure you bring enough.

Food was of a good standard and offered varied options throughout our stay. The usual range of all inclusive drinks were available and bar staff were friendly. If it's your birthday while you are there you will be in for a treat...

Enterainment varied from traditional Kenyan tribesman, live band to DJ's etc. The entertainment was sometimes followed by the chance to purchase souvenirs,artwork etc from the performers.

We only attended the Spa once and would rate this as average, although in it's elevated position does offer an amazing view at sunset.

The pools were a good size and flowed nicely around the restaurant and bar area's.

If travelling to Stonetown we'd advise being prepared for the usual street sellers pestering you at every turn and you wouldn't miss anything if you didn't go to the Freddie Mercury bar.

We would recommend a trip to prison Island - a horrible history behind it as the name implies, but now the home of giant turtles, which roam around there - you have the opportunity to feed them and donations here will help the conservation effort.

The trip to the rainforest monkey reserve was also well worth it, you can get right up close to them. Although, we didn't get to see the mangrove swamps at their best due to when we visited.