The intimate island resort fans romantic flames with Solo Per Due:

a private dinner and film screening for two under the stars

Known for its thoughtfully curated immersive experiences, luxury boutique resort Essque Zalu Zanzibar's exclusive Solo per Due, or 'Just for Two' package invites couples to share an exclusive sensual evening under the stars this Valentine's Day. 

Hidden amongst the vibrant tropical gardens of the island resort, bathed in the warm glow of sunset and the heady aroma of exotic spices and fresh fruits delighting the senses, couples can enjoy a private candlelit evening with a three-course gourmet dinner accompanied by carefully selected wine parings. The exclusive Valentine's menu can be customised by Chef Rose Mosha to include couples' favourite dishes, which are infused with aphrodisiac spices from the 'Spice Island'. Dishes might feature local red snapper ceviche with grapefruit and pickled fennel; minced lamb skewers cooked with cloves and feta cheese; chicken tikka with a pomegranate salad and tamarind chutney. Indulgent sweet endings include specially crafted spice-infused truffles and fresh pineapple dipped in chillichocolate. 

To conclude a memorable evening under the celestial canopy, couples retire to their king-sized daybed, lit only by moonlight, for the ultimate cinematic experience. With more than 100 film titles to chose from, lovers can set the mood with movies from modern classics Dirty Dancing, Ghost or When Harry Met Sally; to much-loved black and white titans of romance like Breakfast at Tiffany's and Casablanca.

In the morning, woken by the soft sounds of the island's unique inhabitants, guests can enjoy a delicious fresh Zanzibarian breakfast in the comfort of their bed, served by their own private butler.  Then, stress slips away during a treatment for two at the resort's Zalu Spa, set in a double treatment room   decorated with candles and flowers. A menu of signature AFRICOLOGY treatments is inspired by the natural landscape.  The resort's signature Maasai Ritual sees couples cocooned in traditional tents at dusk by the soft glow of suspended lanterns and the heady scent of locally sourced essential oils.

In keeping with the resort's sense of place, Essque Zalu's immersive experiences tap into the island's culture and heritage to showcase the most exceptional and authentic elements of the locale whilst  complementing the activities available around the island.  Trips include a discovery of local spice secrets of the Tanzanian archipelago with a visit to a spice plantation or reliving the allure of long ago with a trip on a traditional wooden Dhow to explore the many small islands off the coast.  “Essque Zalu Zanzibar is constantly searching for new, extraordinary experiences that haven't been seen before; this insatiable curiosity inspired us to create these completely original experiences for guests” says General Manager, Duarte Correia, and “offer the ultimate island experience”. 

-ENDS-

Enjoy 5 nights at Essque Zalu Zanzibar from £1,650 per person in a Garden Suite with Turquoise Holidays (turquoiseholidays.co.uk; T. 01494 678 400).

Price includes daily breakfast and dinner, international flights and private transfers and the 'Solo per Due' package which includes a private three-course dinner with wine pairings and cinematic screening.

For further information or to discuss feature ideas and press trips please contact:

Kate Faulkner (kate@bacall.net), Sarah Harvey (sarah@bacall.net) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@bacall.net) at Bacall Associates.

Tel. +44 (0) 20 7630 2880

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.  For a more spacious stay, Essque Zalu offers eight Residences ranging from three to four bedrooms all of which feature their own private plunge pool, dining room, a private spa, spacious living room and fully equipped kitchen.

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.