RAISE A SPARKLING TOAST TO CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR AT ESSQUE ZALU ZANZIBAR

Soak up the festive atmosphere with exclusive Christmas-inspired celebrations on the shores of the Indian Ocean

This Christmas, luxury island resort Essque Zalu Zanzibar is filling the island with music and festive joy with an exciting programme of family activities, unforgettable experiences and delectable gourmet treats. Starting from 23 December and continuing through into 2018, this one-of-a-kind festivity is guaranteed to create precious moments for everyone.

Kicking off the programme, guests are invited to explore the resort's very own Christmas Market. Showcasing local artwork, handmade decorations, bespoke jewellery, local crafts and accessories, there is a unique gift waiting to be found for friends and family. Adding to the festive atmosphere will be the warm and wholesome chorus of Essque Zalu's very own angels, a local carol choir who last year performed on celestial swings under the resort's spectacular and iconic Makuti roof.

Despite an absence of chimneys, the much anticipated visit of Santa for the hotel's younger guests on Christmas Eve will not be forgotten, with kids waking-up to find a unique, personalised gift waiting on their doorstep. Throughout the day, a fun-packed programme of festive activities, from spice-infused cookery classes to craft making, ensures families have a Christmas filled with laughter and lasting memories.

As Christmas Eve draws to a close, food lovers will be spoilt for choice as the resort's chefs prepare a culinary programme. Choose between an intimate family meal or a traditional gastronomic feast with a spectacular Gala Dinner featuring speciality dishes by award-winning Executive Chef Ramkalawon Anuraag such as sweet-spiced duck breast with saffron mash; cured Red Snapper with Zanzibari spices and pineapple compote; the catch-of-the-day marinated in Gunpowder spices and roasted pumpkin; and poached mango in cardamom syrup with a refreshing lime sorbet.

On 31 December, guests can embark on a gourmet journey via numerous culinary stations in the resort's World Food Market.  With locally sourced, deliciously winter warming food showcasing the best of European dishes, Asian delicacies and local favourites, the Food Market will be the perfect place to soak up the festive atmosphere.

Bidding farewell to 2017 and welcoming in 2018, the island resort is transformed for a grand New Year's Eve party. Spectacular acrobatic performers, live cooking stations, and music from some of the island's finest musicians and DJs will make this a night to remember.

Essque Zalu Zanzibar (essquehotels.com/ T. +255 778 683 960) offers seven nights from £3,200 per person when booked through Turquoise Holidays (turquoiseholidays.co.uk). This includes accommodation in a Garden Suite on a half-board basis, return international flights and transfers and a 30% discount, saving over £1,200 per couple.

Based on travel between 23 December 2017 and 06 January 2018.

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ABOUT ESSQUE ZALU ZANZIBAR

Located on the north east coast of Zanzibar, in its own natural cove, and framed by lush green forest and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Essque Zalu Zanzibar offers a mix of villa and suite accommodation crafted from local materials.  All 40 suites are luxuriously styled spaces, and comprise a master bedroom, lounge and outside terrace or balcony, under a traditional pitched Makuti roof. 

The crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean offer superlative snorkelling and diving opportunities, the beaches are immaculate and the island itself is steeped in history, from the UNESCO heritage site of Stone Town and the footprints of Africa's greatest explorer, Dr Livingston, to the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, arguably Zanzibar's best known performer.  

Essque Zalu Zanzibar is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection. All guests of Essque Zalu Zanzibar are eligible to enroll in the iPrefer hotel rewards program, which extends points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, elite status, and special benefits such as complimentary Internet to members upon every stay at more than 600 participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts locations worldwide.

For more information or to discuss feature ideas and press trips please contact Sarah Harvey or Flora Gandolfo at bacallassociates.co.uk.

Tel: +44 (0) 8704 288 401