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Location: Zanzibar Island

Category: Resort   (definitions)

Changuu Private Island Paradise (Prison Island) has been described as a Small Paradise on Earth, with its private white beach surrounded by pristine waters. The islet lies 3 ½ miles to the northwest of Zanzibar Town, in the west coast of Zanzibar, and it is oblong in shape about ½ mile and 250 yards broad at the broadest part. Changuu is reachable in a comfortable 20’ boat drive by a traditional Dhow (fishing boat); from the moment of arrival, through the superb jetty, this unique island’ resort in the heart of the Indian Ocean is a unique experience in life.

Changuu Private Island Paradise has 15 exclusive deluxe rooms in the north-west side of the island, distributed along the sea-line and roofed with traditional makuti, thus achieving cool atmosphere day and night. The ensuite bathroom is provided with a huge bath-tub and shower.

In the south-west side of the island, the former Quarantine Area built in 1931 has been converted into 12 elegant ensuite rooms with sea view; this area is provided with its own charming bar (with capacity for 30 covers), the lovely Fisherman’s Cove.

Changuu Private Island Paradise harmoniously combines the display and restoration of the intense history of the islet with its adaptation to modern necessities and facilities. The main building of the island, the so called Prison Ruins, was collapsed and it has been restored as it was in the time of its construction, 1893. Its authenticity has been preserved, by adapting it to new uses: the Prison Fort is nowadays the main cultural area of the island.

Leisure facilities in the Prison Fort include an exclusive boutique, a library, a Restaurant with capacity for 80 covers and a Bar. Candlelight dinners in the piazza facing the restored ruins are the most romantic experience in Changuu Private Island Paradise. The Prison Ruins have their own authentic Italian pizza oven, making it a unique experience to taste the delicious pizzas at the Mediterranean’ style piazza facing the ruins.

Generator providing electricity enables the guests to spoil themselves enjoying a delicious cappuccino and espresso coffees.

The Mathews’ Restaurant is an artfully restored building that was erected in the late 1890s, and it has been named after Sir General Lloyd Mathews, an important man in the recent history of Zanzibar. The restaurant, with capacity for 50 covers, features nowadays the finest International Cuisine. Its wide verandah, enjoying the invigorating sea breeze, overlooks the irresistible fresh water swimming-pool at which, for the first time in the history of this islet, fresh water is reaching by a pipeline from Zanzibar mainland. The swimming-pool is provided with service from the pool bar.

In this untouched natural Paradise, it is possible also to swim in a natural lagoon in the western side of the island, where Sea Turtles can often be seen.

The sportive possibilities of the island include a floodlight tennis court in the bush.
The local inhabitants of the island, the resident community of Aldabra Giant Tortoises that came to settle in Changuu in the 1920s, is one of the main attractions. The Tortoises can be visited in their sumptuous residency, the Tortoise Sanctuary, where the Save the Tortoise Foundation ensures the maximum benefit of this ancient reptiles and it displays and organizes entertaining activities.