Emerson & Green, Stone Town, Zanzibar, View, Restaurant

In the heart of Stone Town on the exotic and magical island of Zanzibar, is the Emerson & Green Hotel with its extraordinary Tower Top restaurant – just ten splendid rooms in the second tallest building in Stone Town and an atmosphere of the Arabian Nights and mystical romance.

Originally the residence of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire, The Emerson & Green Hotel is one of those fabled places that one never forgets. Folklore and local memory tell that the Hurumzi House was built and lived in by a man named Tharia Thopan, often called the Bismarck of the Swahili Empire. Due to his close ties to the Sultan, Thopan was permitted to build his house high - a great honour - second only to the Sultan’s own ceremonial palace ‘The House of Wonders’ which is close by. Further stories tell that in the 1880’s this building was where the British authorities paid Arab slave owners to free their slaves. It is said that the name Hurumzi comes from “Huru - MUUZE”, meaning “set them free”.

With their furnishings of original Zanzibari antiques each of Emerson & Green's fifteen rooms and suites is different and has its own name such as the Sultan’s Suite or the Lavender Room and guests receive fresh flowers, bottled water, and fresh jasmine flowers on their pillows at bedtime. Open-air stone baths, African hardwood latticework, marble floors, Zanzibari beds and exquisite painted glass are just some of the features of these romantic and exotic rooms.

An integral part of the skyline of Zanzibar, along with mosque minarets, Hindu temple towers, and church spires, is the Tower Top Restaurant of the Emerson & Green Hotel. It is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary supper venues in the world. Located on the roof of the building, guests feel as if they’re on top of the world as they sip exotic drinks and watch the sun disappear into the Indian Ocean. The Muslim call to prayer accentuates this eastern setting - Arab-style pillows, small, low tables and Hindu Temple chimes drifting in on the gentle sea breeze - reminding guests that they are far from home and the trappings of western life. Delicious dinners of fresh seafood and spiced pilau rice - one of the island’s most common and delicious dishes cooked with coconut, nuts, and spices - enjoyed under the stars and for ‘Possibly the best lunch in Zanzibar’ (Conde Nast Traveller), Kidude is just next door and serves fabulous authentic cuisine in an evocative, dimly lit traditional setting.

Staying and dining at Emerson & Green is truly memorable - stimulating, magical and romantic. There is plenty to explore within Stone Town and beyond are the magnificent sandy beaches of Zanzibar with some of the finest coral and diving in the world. Zanzibar is also renowned for its spices and a guided ‘spice tour’ is fascinating, as is a visit to the Jozani Rainforest, where one can see Red Colobus monkeys. The magic of this place quickly weaves its spell through all the senses with the result that you won’t ever want to leave Emerson & Green - or Zanzibar!