The new TUI hotel brand opening in up-and-coming winter sun hotspot that’s 30C year-round
A NEW TUI hotel brand is launching this summer – and it’ll open at a winter sun hotspot set to be popular with Brits.
TUI has already expanded holidays across Africa, offering affordable all-inclusive in Senegal and Kenya.
And it’s latest is Zanzibar, launching the new Mora hotel resort.
Called The Mora Zanzibar, it translates from the Latin word “pause” as the resort will offer a more laid-back experience.
The resort will have 250 rooms, overlooking Muyuni Beach, as well as a huge outdoor swimming pool and infinity pool.
Inside will be four restaurants to choose from – Jijan, offering Thai, CH=hinese and Japanese dishes, the Beach Club Grill and the buffet restaurant, as well as the Jua Grill.
Guests can also head to the sunset bar for drinks and snacks as well as the onsite ice cream shop.
A kids club and activities such as football, tennis, and snorkelling can also be found at the resort, along with a gym and the Emerald Spa.
The hotel website says: “Embrace spontaneity, wherever you please. Dine on your own schedule, whenever you fancy.
“It’s time to holiday your own way, surrounded by laid-back luxury and topped off with exceptional service, at every moment.
“Whether that means an early morning yoga session as the sun rises, a 2pm breakfast in your room, or a relaxing spa session once the kids have gone to bed, you set the schedule and decide what each day brings.”
The resort is set to launch on TUInext month, with all-inclusive seven-night stays from £1,595 including return flights from the UK.
Brits will fly with British Airways to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar with a stopover at Hamad Airport in Doha.
New hotels will also open across Cape Verde, Senegal and Kenya.
The Sun’s Travel Editor Caroline McGuire visited Cape Verde with TUI – here’s her verdict.
And Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited TUI hotels in both Senegal and Kenya – here’s what you can expect.
While Zanzibar may not be as cheap as other African holiday destinations, travel experts have said it is a much more affordable option to the Maldives.
Honeymoon specialist James Chapman previously said: [Zanzibar] really does rival the Maldives for its beaches and ocean”.
And temperatures can hit as high as 34C, although remains around 30C all year round even in the winter months.
Also known as Spice Island, Zanzibar cuisine is a mix of both Indian and African foods.
A famous local dish is the Zanzibar pizza, with spices, tomatoes and meat on a savoury dough, as well as a spice cake made with cinnamon and chocolate.
Expect to pay as little as £1 for local beers too.
Want to experience the nightlife? Head to Kendwa Beach for the monthly Full Moon Party, othewise Matemwe is the longest beach and one of the most popular.
Most resorts will take US dollars as well as speak English, although you can also try KiSwahili.
What is Zanzibar like?
The Sun's Stewart Jackson visited Zanzibar last year, and gave his verdict.
“The warmth with which I was greeted was genuine and universal — from the barman trying out his own cocktail creations as I chilled out before dinner, to the gardener snipping away at the perfectly manicured foliage framing the spotlessly clean hotel grounds.
I stayed at the Emerald Resort, which offers the perfect environment for a relaxing stay – exactly what you’re looking for in a five-star tropical resort with breathtaking views over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
“It is worth exploring the island itself, including a tour of Stone Town, the oldest part of Zanzibar’s capital.
There are spice markets, historic landmarks and — perhaps the island’s biggest claim to fame among British visitors — the birthplace of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.
“From Stone Town it is a short boat trip across to Prison Island, where you can feed the giant tortoises in the sanctuary, including one that is 197 years old.”
Smaller shops will only accept Tanzanian shillings, with £10 being around TSh29,102.
You will need to have at least six months left on your passport as well as pay £40 for a tourist visa.