Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar

Fantastic week at Zawadi celebrating our honeymoon. The property grounds are immaculate with beautiful flowers and landscaping. This was the perfect place to relax and truly unwind after our safari in Kenya. The food and drinks were outstanding and the staff was so accommodating if we wanted something else not...

Fantastic week at Zawadi celebrating our honeymoon. The property grounds are immaculate with beautiful flowers and landscaping. This was the perfect place to relax and truly unwind after our safari in Kenya. The food and drinks were outstanding and the staff was so accommodating if we wanted something else not on the menu. We used the spa and the massages were some of the best we have ever had. The highlight of the trip was the service as all of the staff went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing trip. We can't recommend Zawadi enough for a peaceful, relaxing vacation. Thank you for making our honeymoon so special!

We have just returned from the amazing Zawadi Villas (Zanzibar Collection) The most beautiful gardens, the open spaces, views all around you, the sea, the private beach, the most beautiful blue pool, beach chairs, white sand, the staff and I mean all the staff are friendly, helpful and dressed immaculately....

We have just returned from the amazing Zawadi Villas (Zanzibar Collection) The most beautiful gardens, the open spaces, views all around you, the sea, the private beach, the most beautiful blue pool, beach chairs, white sand, the staff and I mean all the staff are friendly, helpful and dressed immaculately. The open concept of the general areas is a big plus. The decor is modern and chic, absolutely top class. This place is absolutely unique and with activities which were included, it was real value for money The food (3 x 5 course meals a day) an absolute experience, part of choosing a holiday destination, we always do reseach to experience good cuisine, our choice to come to Zawadi was a good one. A great thank you to the chefs and kitchen staff. The choices of beverages were above average of any other top all inclusive hotels we have visited. The South African wines served were from well known Wine estates and were absolutely great quality wines. The rooms are huge, beautiful, comfortable, private and all have fantastic views over the beautiful waters and the sounds of the cean. The most amazing bathroom and massive shower. The outside area with the private pool is an absolute plus. We went for lunch at the Barazza just to get the feel of the Zanzibar collection. Being 12 villas, I favoured Zawadi due to less activity, it is more intimate and love the idea of an adults only resort. We happen to love peace and quiet and this resort absolutely offered this. It does not mean that we did not like the live music on a couple of occasions. The interest and concern from the management staff is above expectation. It is unfair to mention individual names, as they all excelled

Zawadi is a haven of luxury with amazing views of the ocean. The staff couldn't do enough for us and our suite was simply wonderful with a terrace overlooking the ocean and our own pool to keep cool. It would be easy to spend the day doing absolutely nothing other...

Zawadi is a haven of luxury with amazing views of the ocean. The staff couldn't do enough for us and our suite was simply wonderful with a terrace overlooking the ocean and our own pool to keep cool. It would be easy to spend the day doing absolutely nothing other than admiring the view and enjoying the delicious food but fortunately there are plenty of water sports on offer, providing just the right balance of total relaxation and activities. We're not usually fans of eating in the same place every day but the food was excellent and varied and the hotel organises live music every few evenings so every night felt like a different experience. If you want a change of scenery you can walk along the beach to one of the sister hotels where you will be welcomed as if you were a guest, and can enjoy lunch or dinner or just relax by a different pool! We thoroughly recommend Zawadi and hope to go back.

Z = Zen Like creating a calmness & quiet environment A = Amazing staff from front desk to the gardeners W = World Class Service A = Twelve awesome villas fitted out to a high standard and a view over the reef to die for D = Delicious food and...

Z = Zen Like creating a calmness & quiet environment A = Amazing staff from front desk to the gardeners W = World Class Service A = Twelve awesome villas fitted out to a high standard and a view over the reef to die for D = Delicious food and variety. Perhaps too much I = Idyllic without being pretentious

I have spent 50 years travelling the world on business and on family holidays - I had never been to Tanzania or Zanzibar before. I am struggling to think of a more beautiful place to stay than Zawadi or more naturally friendly staff. Bernard and Isaac stood out. This despite...

I have spent 50 years travelling the world on business and on family holidays - I had never been to Tanzania or Zanzibar before. I am struggling to think of a more beautiful place to stay than Zawadi or more naturally friendly staff. Bernard and Isaac stood out. This despite the tail of a Cyclone when we arrived and the obvious low per capita income visible on the roads from the airport - think Indian countryside and Mombasa suburbs. - the Tanzanian people seem genuinely happier than in most African countries I have been to.

We had a fantastic stay at this excellently managed hotel. The location is stunning, and the villas are extremely well-maintained, spacious, and offer a high level of privacy. We especially loved the private garden and the large covered terrace – perfect for relaxation. The management and staff were always friendly,...

We had a fantastic stay at this excellently managed hotel. The location is stunning, and the villas are extremely well-maintained, spacious, and offer a high level of privacy. We especially loved the private garden and the large covered terrace – perfect for relaxation. The management and staff were always friendly, courteous, and attentive. The cuisine was an absolute highlight: top-notch dishes complemented by exquisite wines. Another great feature was the opportunity to go swimming at any time, at high tide as well as at low tide. Free snorkeling equipment and water shoes are available for guests at the reception, and a boat is ready for guests to use. A perfectly enjoyable stay – we’d love to come back! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

We stayed in Zawadi for three nights and I have to say the place is amazing. Especially the villas are stunning. Service by the managers is excellent. Very attentive and keen on making sure that guests are having a wonderful time. There are two restaurants, one for breakfast and lunch...

We stayed in Zawadi for three nights and I have to say the place is amazing. Especially the villas are stunning. Service by the managers is excellent. Very attentive and keen on making sure that guests are having a wonderful time. There are two restaurants, one for breakfast and lunch and one for dinner, a but more formal. Service is good, but quite often waiters forget things, or it takes a long time for them to attend you. We sat down in the bar after dinner and waited for 20 minutes to be attended. After we got a drink, all staff disappeared. We wanted a refill, but there was no staff. After 10 minutes, I pored ourselves a drink and we left for the room. Foodwise, there is really room for improvement. Food is not so good at sometimes. Breakfast is mediocre. Muesli was a bowl of tasteless dust. (Why not make granola) Strange combinations, attempting to make a classic European dish, but really have no knowledge. Fish and chips for lunch. Fish was not fresh from the deep fryer but made before. Dry, overdone, lukewarm, not nice. Chips not crispy. Asked for mayonnaise, that came 30 minutes later. Cakes that were served for dessert, not home made, bone dry, tasteless. Dinner was okay, but some of the dishes not on point. Serving mashed potatoes with lumps and bits of uncooked vegies? Why? Lamb was raw and needed to be sent back. Overall, accommodation is amazing. Foodwise, and for these prizes, not good.

Zawadi Hotel was an amazing experience - from the time we arrived until the moment we left, we enjoyed every second of our stay! All the staff greeted us by name, with a smile and "welcome home!" The food was incredible, as I was concerned being vegetarian, but they had...

Zawadi Hotel was an amazing experience - from the time we arrived until the moment we left, we enjoyed every second of our stay! All the staff greeted us by name, with a smile and "welcome home!" The food was incredible, as I was concerned being vegetarian, but they had plenty of tasty choices for me, as well as fish for my pescetarian husband. The chef even went out of his way to make a whole fish for my husband - something he is use to eating being from the Carribean. We hope to be able to go back to Zawadi as we just enjoyed it more than any place we have ever stayed. Don't hesitate to go - you will love it!

Experience: From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this wasn’t just a hotel—it was an experience. Every detail of our stay was meticulously thought out, ensuring we felt pampered, relaxed, and truly valued as guests. Our every need was preempted. Arrival & Check-In: The experience began with an...

Experience: From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this wasn’t just a hotel—it was an experience. Every detail of our stay was meticulously thought out, ensuring we felt pampered, relaxed, and truly valued as guests. Our every need was preempted. Arrival & Check-In: The experience began with an authentic and genuine warm welcome from the staff, who greeted us by name and offered a refreshing welcome drink while handling our luggage. Check-in was seamless and swift, and we were shown immediately to our room albeit we arrived early at just 10 am, following an overnight flight. Noa the Assistant Manager explained everything we needed to know about our room, ensuring we were well-informed without feeling rushed. The Room: Our villa was simply breathtaking, blending modern design of a calming neutral palette with timeless Zanzibar elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered panoramic views from the super king size bed, over the most beautiful sea we have ever seen. The bed itself was a cloud of comfort, and the personalized welcome note, alongside a complimentary bottle of champagne, was a truly lovely touch. The bathroom was a spa-like sanctuary, complete with a large separate shower and deep soaking tub, with luxurious toiletries respecting the environment with limited plastic. Dining: Every meal was included in the room price and was a five course culinary masterpiece prepared by the hotel’s Kenyan chef. The breakfast was all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients much of which is grown on site. The lunch and dinner is five courses and can only be described as an unforgettable experience. Every dish was beautifully plated and paired perfectly with wines recommended by Bernard the sommelier and served by the kindest of staff. Live music in keeping with the evening beauty of the resort accompanied us twice during our eight day stay. Service: The service at the Zawadi was something we will never forget. It was impeccable throughout. Every staff member we encountered was beyond courteous, attentive, and genuinely eager to ensure our stay was flawless. They anticipated our needs before we even voiced them and went above and beyond to make us feel incredibly special. We have never encountered such hospitality in decades of travel. One evening after a day safari on mainland Tanzania, we returned to discover the staff had organised a private dinner overlooking the sea for us. We will never forget that evening. Amenities: The hotel offers daily snorkelling trips at no cost which can’t be missed. They provide reef shoes and snorkelling equipment. Unlike many hotels in Zanzibar there is always the possibility to swim in the sea here. Evelyn and Noa the management team can also organise trips to Stone Town, airport transfers, and day safaris on the mainland. The hotel also has a very small spa room offering massage. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the gym, equipped with everything needed for a great workout albeit in a small space. The hotel is small but has everything you could ever ask for, - even a small library of books - but without the crowds and the noise. Overall: This small luxury hotel has set the bar high for all of our future travels because it delivered an experience that was nothing short of perfect. The Zawadi hotel is not just a place to stay; it’s a rare gem which ensures you leave feeling cared for, refreshed, inspired, and eager to return. There are so many more islands and countries in the world we wish to visit, but we will come back for another stay. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to give us the most wonderful expense of hospitality in Zanzibar - Evelyn, Noa, Iddy, Innocent, Ally, Raza, Iddy, Hamad, Bernard & Chicken and Piglet. Would we recommend this hotel? Absolutely. 110%

The hotel overall is absolutely beautiful. The villas are amazing, really nicely furnished and very comfortable. The site is pristine, the team of gardeners work relentlessly. Facilities are fantastic, free snorkelling is offered daily, the staff on and off the boat are brilliant and cater to all levels of ability....

The hotel overall is absolutely beautiful. The villas are amazing, really nicely furnished and very comfortable. The site is pristine, the team of gardeners work relentlessly. Facilities are fantastic, free snorkelling is offered daily, the staff on and off the boat are brilliant and cater to all levels of ability. We loved that yoga mats were supplied in the room, as well as the huge private terrace to practice overlooking the ocean. Food and drinks were great, a delicious menu daily and always very generously supplied. The very best part of this hotel is the staff. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome and comfortable. Whilst this hotel is very plush, there is nothing formal or stuffy about it, which made relaxing after a few days of safari all the sweeter. Every member of staff greeted us with a smile and were always so accommodating, making this trip extra special. We were looked after by every member of the team but wanted to mention how fantastic Noa, Iddy, Bernard, Hamad and Innocent were. All went above and beyond to take care of us and all gave some of the best service we have ever experienced.

We stayed at the Zawadi for 5 nights after a Kenyan safari for a much needed rest. As soon as you enter the reception you are blown away by the luxury and aesthetics of the place, There is no vista that isn’t perfectly pleasing to the eye. You are greeted...

We stayed at the Zawadi for 5 nights after a Kenyan safari for a much needed rest. As soon as you enter the reception you are blown away by the luxury and aesthetics of the place, There is no vista that isn’t perfectly pleasing to the eye. You are greeted by the management and staff like a family member. It continued with outstanding villas with the best sea view ever. The rooms are spacious and so exquisitely clean. The icing on this wonderful venue is the staff. There are no exceptions they are all friendly, happy and extremely hard working. Nothing is too much trouble to ensure you have the best stay, and we most certainly did. It was a celebration for my 70th birthday and they gave me a lovely surprise celebration where they sang and danced in Zanzibar style. Thanks to all of you. I am not good with names but special mention for Bernard, Iddy and Innocent. Also the pool man who took us around the farm and the lovely guys who always made sure we had a drink. We are well travelled but this rates as our absolute favourite so far.

Zawadi was incredible! It was how we ended our safari honeymoon, and it was such a relaxing way to do so. Incredible staff, food, and views. The rooms were clean with the best look out into the ocean! We even had some monkey visitors in the morning which was a...

Zawadi was incredible! It was how we ended our safari honeymoon, and it was such a relaxing way to do so. Incredible staff, food, and views. The rooms were clean with the best look out into the ocean! We even had some monkey visitors in the morning which was a delight. Every meal is 5-course with the freshest ingredients. We were blown away! We really enjoyed spending the days with the same team and felt sad leaving knowing we would miss many of them! We would recommend it to anyone looking for a gorgeous, private retreat.

We have just returned from a 12 night stay at the hotel . We seemed to be an exception in that most couples were staying for a few days at the end of safaris on the mainland. We visited for a beach and relaxing holiday trying somewhere new on the...

We have just returned from a 12 night stay at the hotel . We seemed to be an exception in that most couples were staying for a few days at the end of safaris on the mainland. We visited for a beach and relaxing holiday trying somewhere new on the recommendation of friends. We travelled with no great expectation as Zanzibar had not been on our radar but what a great choice it was . It’s about an hour and a half from the airport and tucked in behind gates just off the main road.It is a short drive to reception and the first view is the Indian Ocean , it was a great start with a warm greeting from Des after such a long journey. Everywhere has spectacular views of the ocean, from your villa, the bar, reception and all dining areas. We have been to some memorable resorts across the world and Zawadi is one of our new favourites. The grounds are so well maintained with beautiful flowers everywhere with such a relaxed atmosphere. The staff here are exceptional, nothing is too much trouble for them and they are all so friendly and polite but also extremely professional. There were so many extras that made our stay so memorable. You’d be on the sunbed in the morning and you’d be brought a fruit juice drink and fruit skewer or if in the pool one of the waiters would bring you a cocktail they’d just put together. We had a surprise dinner with flowers and lights in the breakfast dining area and with only 3 couples for our last few days there was a surprise dinner set up by the pool. The only concerns which might be an issue for some is that the pool , beach area is in shade just after 4 and though swimming is easy at high tide, it is not the easiest at other times though the concrete causeway helps. The food and drink was outstanding, 3 course lunches and 5 course dinners from a daily changing menu with many fish choices which I appreciated. If that wasn’t enough, there was afternoon tea and one of the staff would come around with “sundowners” a mini cocktail of the day and an amuse bouche while you chose your evening meal. Several times during our stay there was live music from traditional musicians and a jazz trio. It was all extremely classy and tranquil. The wonderful Bernard would recommend his evening choice of good South African wines and invariably found us something we liked, there was quite an extensive range. Just a mention to some of the excellent staff, Bernard , the Food and Beverage manager, Razza, Iddy,Ali, Mr M, Innocent Hussain and Mambula on the beach, Des and Isaac In reception and all the other staff who cleaned, maintained the grounds and prepared the food to such an excellent standard. We met William the executive chef one evening to compliment him on his work which I think he appreciated. Evelyne and Noa , the management staff were constantly checking that we were enjoying our stay and again were so keen that we enjoyed our holiday Though this trip was about relaxation, we also took tours to Stonetown, a spice farm, the butterfly centre and the monkeys in the Jozani forest. You can also snorkel at the nearby Blue Lagoon with a ride on the hotel boat. It’s not the Maldives but there are a reasonable variety of fish but it does get very busy. The rest of the time was spent sunbathing on the raised beach or just lounging in the infinity pool just looking at the views,we just didn’t tire of it When you leave a good resort you obviously miss the place but in this case we also missed the staff because they really made the holiday. Good memories of the banter with Razza ( great sense of humour), talking about football with Iddy and Ali ( Messi and Ronaldo) and Innocents great Margarita. This is a magical place which we would certainly like to return to. Thanks for a great time.

Excellent hotel! The pool bar has really good drinks and the closeness to nature is wonderful. Thematic nights in the restaurant allow you to try local food, but always with flexibility for traditional options. Facilities are increrible, all staff were very friendly and helpful and the view is unique (specially...

Excellent hotel! The pool bar has really good drinks and the closeness to nature is wonderful. Thematic nights in the restaurant allow you to try local food, but always with flexibility for traditional options. Facilities are increrible, all staff were very friendly and helpful and the view is unique (specially from our room, with private pool).

What an unforgettable 8 days at this beautiful hotel – our Honeymoon was truly exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we felt completely welcomed and at ease. The staff are genuinely 10/10, taking care of your every need with incredible attention. Special thanks to Noa, Ally, Eddi, and Mambula for...

What an unforgettable 8 days at this beautiful hotel – our Honeymoon was truly exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we felt completely welcomed and at ease. The staff are genuinely 10/10, taking care of your every need with incredible attention. Special thanks to Noa, Ally, Eddi, and Mambula for their exceptional service! The villa itself was spotlessly clean and thoughtfully arranged to meet every requirement. The beach is cleaned daily, and you can hire see-through kayaks and go snorkeling – a wonderful experience! We also loved the small farm on the property, where you get to appreciate the fresh, high-quality ingredients they grow. And I have to mention the donkeys – absolutely charming! The food was outstanding – delicious, fresh, and never repetitive. I’m sure you could request anything special, and they’d be happy to accommodate it. I truly hope we can return to this amazing hotel one day. Thank you for making our time so special!

We had a magical week at Zawadi to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. It was beyond wonderful. Zawadi means 'gift' in Swahili. Incredible location: white sands, a coral reef teeming with beautiful fish , warm and extremely helpful staff, gorgeous decor, palatial rooms (aka villas). Best of all, it is...

We had a magical week at Zawadi to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. It was beyond wonderful. Zawadi means 'gift' in Swahili. Incredible location: white sands, a coral reef teeming with beautiful fish , warm and extremely helpful staff, gorgeous decor, palatial rooms (aka villas). Best of all, it is a small resort which meant we felt very at home and the service felt very personal. Zawadi is not just a special place to relax and unwind - We learnt about and experienced (tarab music, snorkelling, mangrove forests, butterfly sanctuaries, even Zawadi's own sustainable farm!) so much of this beautiful island and its people. Truly the holiday of a lifetime!

What an absolute dream end to an adventure-filled Tanzanian honeymoon. Upon our arrival, we immediately wished we would have more than 3 nights in this private slice of paradise. With only 11 villas, it feels like you have a resort to yourself, and with the extraordinarily attentive staff, you feel...

What an absolute dream end to an adventure-filled Tanzanian honeymoon. Upon our arrival, we immediately wished we would have more than 3 nights in this private slice of paradise. With only 11 villas, it feels like you have a resort to yourself, and with the extraordinarily attentive staff, you feel like royalty. The accommodations are stunning and spotless. We joked that our villa is larger (and much nicer) than our 1 bedroom apartment in Manhattan. The food and beverage program is phenomenal, but be prepared to eat 3 to 5 courses for every meal! I am not one to over-indulge for 3 meals a day, but the food was so fresh, flavorful, and well prepared, it was impossible to refuse. Both the pool and beach front are delightful. There is amazing snorkeling available just a quick swim away. The reef was so beautiful, we wanted to make the swim every day of our stay. Lastly, and most importantly, the staff make you feel you are part of the Zawadi family almost immediately. Every human we encountered during our stay helped make it even more special than the views, food, and facilities are on their own. We wish we could name everyone, but the service and conversations had with everyone created long-lasting memories. Evelyn, Noa, Bernard, Raza, Iddy, Ally, Innocent, Mr M, the pool attendants, (the list goes on...!) all welcomed us into their family and provided some of the best service we've ever received at a hotel.

Zawadi is incredible. It was perfect for our honeymoon. Extremely private, tranquil and luxurious. The staff went above and beyond and made us feel so special. The food was absolutely delicious, the room was perfect. Would thoroughly recommend to any friend planning a honeymoon. Thank you to everyone for the...

Zawadi is incredible. It was perfect for our honeymoon. Extremely private, tranquil and luxurious. The staff went above and beyond and made us feel so special. The food was absolutely delicious, the room was perfect. Would thoroughly recommend to any friend planning a honeymoon. Thank you to everyone for the trip of a lifetime!

Zawadi was a lovely hotel with great staff and facilities. It was perfect for a short stay (3 nights) on our honeymoon (travelling around to different parts of the island). The food was good (get used to 5 courses for every meal) and they were very accommodating of my veganism....

Zawadi was a lovely hotel with great staff and facilities. It was perfect for a short stay (3 nights) on our honeymoon (travelling around to different parts of the island). The food was good (get used to 5 courses for every meal) and they were very accommodating of my veganism. Highlights were visiting the farm each evening (on site, feeding the animals) and the villa.