Zawadi Hotel, Zanzibar

My wife and I spent 7 nights at Hotel Zawadi celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary...what a beautiful location and accompanying service to do so! Having spent 7 nights we had the opportunity to test the various reviews and assess the true standard and consistency of service...Zawadi team (from the Resort General Managers, Front of House all the way through to Maintenance team) all didn't disappoint! Every minute of our stay exceeded our expectations, with nothing we asked for being too much of an effort! And the team were exceptionally attentive... Two examples being, it was noticed my wife and I didn't like red onion in our salads so the team ensured future salds came without red onion. On another occasion we wanted to take advantage of the low tide, which happened to be at the same time as breakfast, to go snorkeling. We asked for some food to be put aside for us...instead the team kept us a table and offered us the full breakfast service, and never once did we feel rushed to finish our food. The team even started to notice we quite liked a banana milkshake at around 16h00 so started to serve us a milkshake at the same time every day, when we were lying by the pool, without us having to ask. There are many other things the Zawadi team did to make our stay extra special... So, if you are looking for a special, relaxing, rejuvenating and memorable holiday then don't look any further than Hotel Zawadi...you won't be disappointed! From those we had the fortune of meeting (Pema, Evelyn, Bernard, Iddy, Ally, Alan, Hamad, Innocent, Raza, Mabula) to those we didn't get to meet but who made our stay extra special and memorable - Asante sana!

From the moment we arrived at Zawadi, we were blown away, the view from the lobby is breathtaking. The villas are an absolute dream — spacious, private, and perfectly designed to blend luxury with the natural beauty of the coast. Every detail of the property is stunning: from the breathtaking ocean views to the serenity of the grounds, it truly felt like paradise. Zawadi was the perfect stop after our safari — a calm, luxurious place to rest, recharge, and soak in the beauty of Zanzibar. The peaceful setting and warm ocean breeze made it feel like time stood still in the best way. But what made our stay truly unforgettable was the staff. Every single person we encountered was warm, professional, and went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Their kindness, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality made this not just a vacation, but an experience we’ll never forget. We’ve traveled extensively as a family, and this is hands down one of the best resorts we’ve ever stayed at. Zawadi has our highest recommendation — we left feeling relaxed, cared for, and already dreaming of coming back. Asante sana to the incredible team — you made our time here magical. ❤️

Quiet and relaxing if wanting to spend a few days time adjusting as we did. Great size rooms. Excellent service and food. Beach a bit rocky in case expecting sandy beaches

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.

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.