Exclusive and yet unpretentious, with a peaceful and private atmosphere, Pole Pole is perfect both for those looking for relaxation after a safari and for the ocean-lovers who just can’t get enough of diving, sailing, islets and sandbanks. Seven bungalow suites are subtly blended into a surrounding tropical landscape. Their verandas overlook Chole Bay’s infinite palette of blues, at the heart of Mafia Island Marine Park, with breathtaking views of surrounding islands. Twin and double bungalows are furnished with carved and antique pieces. The large private verandas are provided with handcrafted wooden furniture. Each unit is self-contained with a spacious and comfortable bathroom. Two bungalows are ‘family’ type with two rooms separated by the bathroom and a small corridor for privacy. Set apart in the sunniest stretch of Pole Pole and surrounded by gently swaying palm trees, the swimming pool is shaped by a series of circles and set in a beautiful locally-sourced coconut wood deck. Its design is reminiscent of a traditional Arabic sailing dhow, with weathered parts of old sailing boats integrated into its features. It is partially shaded by a dramatic dhow sail rigged up on old masts, and a bar area and shaded seating area are also incorporated into the surrounding garden for your comfort and convenience. The pool is set in Pole Pole’s Alasiri Garden, an idyllic location to bask in the golden afternoon light… Alasiri in Kiswahili means afternoon, but another delightful fact is that ‘siri’ means secret, and this makes the name doubly appropriate for this peaceful, hidden-away corner. Furthermore, the garden’s lazy tranquility is perfectly complemented by the soothing luxury of the Alasiri Spa, which is set in the surrounds of the pool area, offering a variety of massages that are guaranteed to ease you into holiday-mode…
Pole Pole’s cuisine, highly praised by our widely international clientele, reflects diverse culinary and cultural influences, combining an Italian touch of class with local flavours and ingredients. Fresh fish and seafood daily, homemade pasta and ice cream, Swahili dinners and tropical fruits and vegetables are enjoyed by our guests in the intimate atmosphere of the restaurant. Pole Pole organizes a variety of activities and excursions: by boat, by 4x4 car and by foot. The Marine Park offers exquisite sites for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and the occasion of visiting the local villages. Boat excursions and picnics in isolated islets, sandbanks or islands are arranged daily in accordance with the tidal patterns. In addition to the wonders of its reefs that make it a world-class diving destination, Mafia Island hosts the rare pleasure of swimming with whale sharks. Pole Pole’s affiliated dive center, Mafia Island Diving, offers diving courses in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swahili. With a highly experienced team of both local and expatriate instructors and dive masters, it is likely one of the best-staffed PADI-affiliated dive centers in Tanzania, recently upgraded to a PADI 5* dive resort.
