Pole Pole Bungalows

OVERVIEW:

Pole Pole, established in 1998, is privately owned and run. It has a great reputation as one of the world’s most exclusive eco-resorts, and it’s renowned for the high standard of its accommodation, service, and cuisine. The accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, bottled water, and a laundry service. Guests staying for four nights can stay an extra night for free, and there are special offers for honeymooners – please contact a member of our team for all the details.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

The property is accessed via 30 minutes’ flight from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Airport, followed by 20 minutes’ road transfer. It has a lovely location on Mafia Island, on a gently sloping hillside overlooking Chole Bay.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT POLE POLE:

Guest accommodation consists of five bungalow suites and two Asali suites, all positioned within Pole Pole’s gorgeous tropical gardens. Constructed out of timber and thatch, each has a charmingly rustic appearance. A few wooden steps lead up to the entrance door, which opens into the main bedroom. This has a rustic feel too, with its dark-wood floors, white-washed walls, and visible support beams. Furnishings include a double bed or twin beds, a writing desk and chair, and a large storage unit. There’s a fan above the bed or beds, and en-suite facilities comprise a flush toilet, bidet, twin washbasins with mirrors over, and shower. At the back of each bungalow, double doors lead onto a private veranda, set with a day bed, a couple of easy chairs, and a coffee table. This is a great spot for relaxing and enjoying your views! The Asali suites benefit from an additional room that has a massage bed. This room can also be used as a second bedroom, for a maximum of two persons. It’s an excellent option for a small group or family!

Pole Pole’s communal lodge is styled in the same way as the guest suites. Inside, you’ll find a spacious open-plan lounge and dining area, which features comfortably cushioned wicker seating around coffee tables, chic separate tables and upright chairs, and the property’s well-stocked bar. Food and drink at Pole Pole is superb, with highlights such as hearty breakfasts, three-course leisurely lunches, and fabulous four-course dinners! Dishes are inspired by the cuisine of not only local but also international cultures. Adjacent to the dining area, there’s a duara, which means circle in Swahili and is the setting for reading and board games during the day and private dinners come nightfall. Guests can also dine in a variety of locations within the property’s grounds, all the while marvelling at sea views. The on-site shop stocks gifts and postcards as well as essential items, while the spa – Alasiri – is perfect for anyone in need of a soothing massage, manicure, and more. And the swimming pool is set in gardens nearby, within a locally sourced coconut deck and with palm trees all around.