Customer Reviews

"Same as last time- absolutely brilliant. I'll go back any day!"

Ryan T., June 2006 · Bluebay Beach Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Brilliant. Nice and warm. Friendly people. Bad roads to the east but still a nice experience. Will book again soon."

Rico C., June 2006 · Ocean Paradise Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Fantastic! Spectacular! Best service I have EVER received from ANY travel agency in SA and I travel a lot. Will book with you guys any time!"

Carin S., June 2006 · Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Dear Exotic Vacations The holiday was wonderful thanks to your excellent service, the island of zanzibar is amazing and the people are fantastic, my girlfriend and i had a wonderful time relaxing swimming and doing all the things that were on offer including a dolphin safari, where we swam with 7 dolphins, after which we had a once in a lifetime barbeque on a sand island in the middle of the ocean. It is with great regret that i have a complaint of the resort where we stayed on our vacation, while the room wasnice and cleaned on a daily basis, the breakfasts were terrible only consisting of toast and roasted potatoes on most days, and including fried salami on others, the dinner menu was very limited but we found a fantastic restuarant nearby, Fat Fish, with a wide variety of dishes and amazing views. The resort also started construction of a wooden platform while we were there which was a bit of an inteference. The prices of the excursions from the resort were 20% more than that of a travel agent around the corner. Overall it was a fantastic holiday, many thanks to Salomie for her wonderful service in organising the vacation, she was a pleasure to deal with and efficient in every aspect of her job, always prompt with requests Thank you very much Rory W."

Rory W., June 2006 · Nungwi Village Beach Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"We had a lovely time at Mnarani, the cottages were clean, and lovely & cool with the airconditioning. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed a daily stroll on the beach to visit the festive Nungwi village, and swim in the sea, and were pleased to enjoy a tranquil sunset and delicious dinner at Mnarani."

Sacha A., June 2006 · Mnarani Beach Cottages

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"My friend and I loved the experience. The Shooting star was just what I expected from an African Island holiday. Not too flashy, friendly, comfortable, layed back and casual. It was small enough to not feel crowded, and yet we made some good friends and had fun with the other guests. The rooms were wonderful and spacious, yet simple and basic. The luxury rooms were very private, but the other rooms (I forget their names) are more suited to singles. A big plus was the private pool, and the fact that it was built on a cliff which made access by non residents difficult. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Zanzibar itself is a very interesting island. Tourism seems to bring a lot of income, but on the whole it is a very poor African Island, which gives it such charm. The locals live very basically, with very little, and their culture and lifestyle can be seen clearly if you manage to drive through the streets. A visit to Stone Town is a must, although a night there is not really neccessary, unless you want to experience the night markets. We found transport, curious and food expensive, although most things were bargainable. If you are expecting a luxurious beach vacation with fancy food and entertainment, then Zanzibar is not for you, unless you go to the very expensive luxurious resorts. I feel this is defeats the point of visiting Zanzibar, and you don't have a fully Zanzibarian experience staying at these resorts. For this reason, the Shooting Star was just perfect. Access to the beach, if you wanted, as well as the privacy of a stunning pool with the most unbelievable view of the sea. The hotel would organise tours or transport, but we found the beach to be a great source of trade and bartering for just about anything. A thoroughly wonderful experience with the Shooting Star highly recommended."

Holly J., June 2006 · Shooting Star Lodge

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"The place was beautiful, the atmosphere was fantastic. Unfortunately the lights went out every night from 7pm which made any night excursions impossible. Other than that we had a lovely vacation. Thanks for all the effort your team put in."

Nerrisha R., June 2006 · Blue Oyster Hotel

Our service: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"This was one of the best holidays I have ever had. We went as a family, my wife and my two children, my sister, her husband and their children. We stayed at the Indra Regent in Bangkok and then went to the Seaview Patong Hotel in Phuket. We spent our days touring to the many islands. We went on Sea Canoes, sailed around the Phi-Phi Islands and snorkelled to our hearts content. At night we went shopping in the markets in Phuket. The local food is awesome, and the shopping magnificent! This definately rates as one of my best holidays. It was absolutely spectacular. Do yourself a favour, go to Phuket next. You won't regret it! I promise!"

EV client, June 2006 · Seaview Patong Hotel

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"It is really the most beautiful place and everyone there says ' hakuna matata' - no worries. We went on all the tours but not through Paje by Night - we used Mr Nice Guy Tour Operators. They were definitely cheaper on all the trips and we got more for our money - meals included etc. All the taxis we used were extremely clean and all the people really go out of their way to accommodate you. Will go back again anytime."

Carol A., June 2006 · Paje By Night

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi there I am not a little bit sorry but I'm actually VERY sorry for not telling you about it before. We had the BEST time ever. My work has just been very hectic & I've also not downloaded the photo's onto my p.c but I will do soon, I promise. When my husband & I arrived, we were like little children hanging out of the taxi going "awe wow" all the time. The fact that the taxi driver was a Rasta man playing reggae all the way was the second best thing. We got to the hotel & the first night we had to stay in a smaller room but that didn't matter because when we saw our real room the following day we thought we were in heaven. They had a problem with electricity so we had enough warm "Tuskers" & "Kilamanjaro's" which knocked us out.The water was magnificent. We went snorkelling, diving,swimming with dolphins, Justin & "the Captain" went out sailing almost every day. We had the most divine seafood . Mixed with some of the locals who told us so much about themselves. We went on the spice tour & I "picked up" another husband with the name of Mohammed who made me jewellery, bags & hats out of palm leaves. I still have them you know! We hired a scooter & went driving around the East Coast & we hired bicycles & cycled along the beach.Shopping in Stone Town was fabulous & Freddie Mercury restaurant has the best seafood platters in the world. The day we had to leave my husband & I cried our hearts out. I have never seen him so sad to go. We almost bought a piece of empty seafront land, but the fear of unfamiliarity stopped us. We still think about it a lot & would love to go back again. Once again, I am so sorry for not responding & thanking you sooner & it will probably take me another 6 months to send you photo's but I promise to try & do it ASAP. Thank you very much to everybody from the Exotic vacations team who has made our honeymoon so special. Best regards Annari"

Annari B., June 2006 · Blue Oyster Hotel

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"EVERYTHING WAS GREAT MORE THAN EXPECTED. THE ONLY HITCH WAS THAT NO ONE PICKEDE US UP AT THE AIRPORT WE HAD TO ORGANISE A TAXI WHICH COST US $45.00 WHICH WE SHOULD NOT HAVE PAID THANKS DAN M."

Dan M., June 2006 · Hakuna Majiwe Lodge

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"We had an absolutely amazing time. I was a little concerned about taking my 5 year old daughter but the locals were so amazing with her. I have travelled almost 1/4 of the world as a backpacker and must say that my holiday experience in Zanzibar and staying at Paje by Night will always remain one of those special destination you never forget. The people, the country, the hospitality and value for money are all keys reasons to re-visit this most beautiful island."

Naomi J., June 2006 · Paje By Night

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi got back from my honeymoon some time back but have to apologise regards the delay in my writing due to busy schedules. None the less what a wonderful time was had by both,my wife and I.We could not have chosen a better destination, and within a constraint budget,for our honeymoon. Blue Oyster if a wonderful place and once you've adapted to the relaxed and laid back environment the days just fly right by you.The wonderful hospitality of the staff and the feeling that you are at home, and made to feel like a king(buana) makes it even more special. Regards Exotic Vacations I AM IMPRESSED...Salome was the best to deal with and considering that I had to do nothing regards VISA's etc and everything was delivered to me as promised I have nothing but praise for your staff and entity. I definitely will be booking my next vacation with you guys(if my wife had her way it will be back at the Blue Oyster as well):-)).She just doesn't stop making reference to it. All in all just like to say thanks for a splendid and memorable honeymoon. Looking forward to the annivesary getaway..... Your sincerely Ismail M."

Ismail M., June 2006 · Blue Oyster Hotel

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"WITH OUT A BOUT THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY HOLIDAY AT PRESENT WITH GREAT BEACHS GREAT FOOD GREAT ENTERTAINMENT"

Claudio B., June 2006 · Ocean Paradise Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"Enjoyed it a lot. It was a great place to visit.Staff were friendly and helpfull.The room we stayed in was great.We had a B and B package.Brakefast was not great. Tip for travellers take lots of sunscreen with."

Werner K., June 2006 · Arabian Nights

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"We had a very relaxing and enjoyable honeymoon at Le Paradis! The hotel staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The hotel manager was particularly charming. The hotel is in a magnificent setting between the mountains and the sea. The food was outstanding and we particularly enjoyed the massage and spa treatments at the hotel Spa. I would highly recommend Le Paradis!"

Nicole & Averil J., June 2006 · Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi, My wife and I recently returned from a fantastic honeymoon at Blue Bay Beach resort. The resort and island are beautiful. Warm friendsly people, amazing beaches and warm water. The service at the hotel was great, we stayed in one of the Sultan suits, which was PHENOMINAL!! You get treated like a king! Exotic Vacations organised a great package and besides a couple of hic-ups we were impressed with the overall service. We would recomment to anyone wanting a romantic, relaxing getaway to visit Blue Bay, and use Exotic Vacations. We will definately use them again in future. Thanks again Don"

Donovan M., June 2006 · Bluebay Beach Resort

Our service: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Many thanks for arranging our holiday booking, it all went very smoothly indeed. The Paradis Hotel is exceptionally well run and we were delighted with the everything they had to offer.....including the fabulous food. The flights to and from on the BA Beachcomber Charter were well timed to maximise our time on the Island. Thanks also for the booking seats in the front of the Aircraft as we requested and also for the slick land arrangements in Mauritius."

Howard H., April 2006 · Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"We had a great trip what a experience. The Blue Oyster is great and staff very friendly and helpful. Only problem we had and other guests is they have these tame guinea fowls that walk around in the day but at night they were locked up in a cage just behind our rooms so at 5am they start screaching to be let out and let me tell you hotel soap works as good missiles to shut them up and one morning I got up and let them out (and then a german sheppard nearly ate them) they should just move the cage to somewhere else and not near the guest rooms. We will send the photos as soon as we have got them all downloaded. Thanks once again for everything. Regards Kathy"

Kathy M., April 2006 · Blue Oyster Hotel

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Mnarani Beach Cottages were fantastic! Thanks for the wonderful holiday you arranged for us. The standard cottages were too small. We upgraded to one of the family units, which was fantastic. The upgrade was fairly easy and negotiable. The food was generally fanstastic. The lunch and dinner menu was changed every day. The breakfast was not so great though! It was the same every day and there was no cereal. We had a fantastic time and staff was very helpful."

Zolile N., March 2006 · Mnarani Beach Cottages

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"We have been back so long we think we deserve another fabulous holiday at Kitete Beach Bungalows! Our 10 day stay there was marvelous, I am sending this from my office as Elaine has repeatedly forgotten to respond to your email of the 30th January, so I have no photos to attach but I may be able to remedy that in a later letter. We found the holiday so relaxing it was therapeutic! The beach was wonderful and we, Elaine and I was able to manage a 2 hour walk almost every morning before breakfast. We walked northward till we came to a concrete and iron structure right at the waters edge it looked like a tower, we could not guess at its use when built originally but we used it as a landmark and walked a further 10 or 15 minutes northwards after that before turning back in time for breakfast and new that we had sufficient exercise to laze on the beach for the rest of the day. We enjoyed your hospitality, and thank you for the wonderful resort. Alan and Elaine S."

Elaine S., February 2006 · Kitete Beach Bungalows

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"The experience we had was absolutely amazing, beautiful Forest's, the Ocean was gorgeous & warm which was great for snorkling etc... which I did all the time. Having a massage every 2nd day was so relaxing, the local people were so friendly and helpfull towards the tourists. We had a wonderful time in Zanzibar, great to see where Mr Mercury was born :-) My wife & I will be going back very soon. Our time there was unforgettable.... Thank you Exotic Vacation's Group for the wonderful service and package that you gave us."

John G., January 2006 · Blue Oyster Hotel

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi , we had a wonderful time in Zanzibar. Thanks so much for everything, we did not have any problems everything ran smoothly. Kitete Beach Bungalows was pleasant accomodation and the people were friendly and willing to give assistance. Please continue to send me details of your specials throughout the year Thanks Shamima"

Shamima B., January 2006 · Kitete Beach Bungalows

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Dear Heidi Firstly I would like to wish you, your family and staff a prosperous 2006. Thank you for your effort with the arrangements to Zermatt, Switserland, which came at a very short, notice to you. The fact that you and your family were at the same destination at the same time with us makes it very difficult for me just to find some words that will explain our appreciation for you arrangements. I have taken a lot of photographs and realize that none of the pictures can or will even remotely explain what a perfect vacation destination this was for us. I have shown some of the videos we took to friends, realizing that it is something that needs to be experienced and no video or photo clip will ever be able the project the experience of a white Christmas in the Swiss Alps. The village including the various cable cars and trains that carried the hundreds of people to the various mountaintops to ski. Truly this was an experience of note and your service with the available time frame in which you arranged everything was astounding. Thank you very much, you will see us in Switzerland this coming December. By the way don’t show this to all your clients we would not want to have the place overcrowded now, do we. Yours Truly Robert J."

Robert J., January 2006 · Hotel Alpha

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)