Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa

WOW, what can I say other than this place is a little piece of Paradise!! We arrived here after a 7 night Safari around Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, so were looking for something totally chilled and relaxing, and this delivered in every way! We were lucky enough to have booked Villa 104, which is one of the Ocean View ones, and right in the middle of the view, and it was stunning. The rooms are bright, fresh and spacious, with double doors that open on to some decking with padded seating available so you can have a beer while looking out to the beach and ocean, (we were AI and the mini bar in the room was restocked daily, so cold drinks and water always on hand. The grounds are beautifully tended, with large coconut trees and plants all around. The staff are tremendous, whether that's the Grounds staff, reception staff, the bar staff or the waiting staff, all are so friendly and available to get you a drink at anytime. (Tips are always very gratefully received ). The food selection is just amazing, so much choice on every night that you just can't try everything even if there for 2 weeks, (we were 6 nights). Special shout out to Scott Anderson the F&B Manager, (he's from Scotland!), what an amazing guy, so helpful, friendly and funny, he truly understands hospitality & service, a tremendous asset to this hotel. A HUGE THANK YOU SCOTT! Also a special mention to the following - Nancy & Happy in the restaurants and Venusto who was serving the beach drinks while we were there, while everyone was amazing, these 3 went above and beyond to make our stay so fantastic, absolutely beautiful people. 2 things to mention - We did get a fair amount of bites while there, so take some repellant and some cream for bites just in case, (This isn't just this place, so don't worry) 2nd When you go on the main part of the beach, you do get approached by Masai people on the beach selling bracelets, trips, jet ski rides etc, while persistent, they are very friendly and eventually get the message and move on, after a few days they recognise you so approach you less, again nothing to worry about and doesn't spoil your holiday. If you stay on the hotel side of the beach, they do not approach you, only when you enter to go for a swim. Also - Stone Town is well worth a visit, but do it with a private guide, we did and saw things and places other who just took a taxi didn't.

I'm sitting here on our last day waiting to leave this evening after 5 nights here with my two older children (16 and 11). I wasn't expecting much from Ocean Paradise as it was the base hotel offered by our tour operator. Everything else commanded an upgrade so I expected it would 'just do' after our Kenyan Safari. I was very very wrong. I'm in love be with this place. It has a beautiful energy about it, with a big heart, and I'm so sad to leave. Yes rooms are rustic, yes the tide goes out on this side of the island. Its full right now, but never feels busy, None of the reserving a sunbed rubbish you get in Europe. The food is the best buffet style I have ever had anywhere in the world. Normally you just pile random bits on your plate, this was proper meals - Indian night, BBQ night, Mediterranean night. Kebabs, fresh naan cooked in a tandoor you name it. I'm guessing there are almost as many staff as guests. Everyone works with a massive smile always and nothing is too much trouble. Also feels like the staff are genuinely looked after. Now let's talk about the beach. Anyone that says it's awful must live a really miserable life. When the tide is in, it's stunning and the turquoise you see on pictures is not a filter. Our cycle was early morning high tide so we borrowed Kayaks and went for a paddle. When the tide goes out you can go and explore the rock pools, either with the hotel staff or with one of the beach boys. On the subject of beach boys, if you've ever been to Turkey or Egypt, this place is a breeze on comparison. Everyone is just trying to make a living. You don't have to be confined to the pool. My beach photos I'm posting with this review aren't edited in anyway. Dont let the east side of the island put you off. The sun rises are just as spectacular as the sunsets in the west. Just with less people. Quick note on all inclusive. We had planned upgrading directly when we got here but was really late and told to do it in the morning. I took food and drinks menus and decided to stay half board as most of what I would wsnt wasn't all all inclusive (iced coffee, cider etc). We ate a la cart at the pool bar every day (Pizza, burgers, chicken wings, quesadillas etc) And drank what we want. Including a cocktail for me every day during happy hour, and beers on the day. I think we saved £150 on the hotel AI direct price and £450 on our tour operator AI price. Pool bar food,like everything else was excellent. Thank you to every single member of staff here. What a wonderful place you all make it. We are very grateful Asante Sana

I was looking for total relaxation before the rainy season, and Ocean Boutique Hotel delivered beyond expectations. From the very first day, we felt pampered by the kind and attentive staff. the cleanliness was flawless, the food was prepared whit care and attention to detail, and the boutique size of the hotel ensured a peaceful, intimate atmosphere, exactly what we wanted, whit no crowds or caos. The beach was truly fascinating: wide and quite, whit just a few beach boys who were always discrteet and never intrusive. I knew about the tide phenomenon and deliberately chose this side of the island to experience its wilde, semi-deserted charm. Both high and low tides offered their own beauty, colors, reflections, and silence that stay in your memory. Special thanks to Kelvin and Mariam from the restauPole poletheir warmth and smiles, to Viscard for the great wine advice, and to all the staff for taking such good care of us. We'll be back.

A beautiful hotel. Staff were friendly and helpful. Scott (food and beverages manager) went above and beyond to help us, make us feel welcomed and to offer advice on anything. The food really was fantastic- and such choice! Highly recommend this hotel.

My two teenage daughters and I had a wonderful 8 night stay. The resort was beautifully located on the beach and our interconnecting rooms acted as a detached villa only 50 metres from the beach. Some might say the rooms could do with updating and although they won’t compare to some 5 star resorts they are clean, comfortable, spacious and authentic in style. We had the all inclusive plan which worked perfectly with plenty of meal options of very good quality. The evening entertainment was fun and not intrusive. Other than the beautiful location the main outstanding feature is the staff. They were friendly, happy, engaging and everyone motivated to ensure you enjoy your holiday. Of particular note is the Food & Beverage Manager, Scott from Scotland, who was brilliant! A huge thanks to everyone for making our stay so enjoyable!

We have just returned from a wonderful relaxing 7 days in paradise. Ocean Paradise is a fabulous beach front resort set which feels as though you are in paradise. The rooms look like little huts spread through the resort, however they are wonderfully spacious, clean and comfortable. The rooms have an adequately stocked minibar, tv, safe and hairdryer. We never touched the minibar as we were hardly in our room! Scott the Food & Beverage Manager runs a fabulous team, nothing is too much trouble, the food selection is very varied and changes on a daily basis, everything is freshly prepared and is very different from the normal AI buffet. Scott is very visible and is totally focussed on ensuring all guests have a wonderful experience, you only have to ask and before you know it he has sorted your request. Great service - thanks Scott & Well done! The staff at the pool bar, the beach waiter and around the resort are super polite, friendly and will always ask if they can help. The beach is like a picture postcard, powder white sands, turquoise waters and so very picturesque. One of the best beaches we have visited with endless breath taking views. Whilst you will be approached by the friendly locals on the beach selling their wares, you can say you are not interested and they will leave you alone. We did the Tour of Stone Town, Prison Island and the Spice farm whilst staying at the resort. This is a walking tour and talks up the day. It is very interesting and informative - glad we did it. A fantastic end to our holiday and we would 100% recommend the resort. A great holiday. Thank you Bhav & Dee