The Island Pongwe - Adult Only

Pongwe Island Lodge Ethos. Bespoke eco friendly, unique holiday experience that may not be for everyone but was exactly what we had imagined. Open your hearts and minds to embrace a vacation that is a little bit different from the generic holidays on the market. A holiday creating memories which will last a lifetime .Tranquility and relaxation is what this holiday offers. We would repeat this experience in a heartbeat. Arrival By taxi straight to the beach on mainland literally a couple of minutes walk away. Security controlled with porters to take your luggage to the island. Although Zanzibar is considered a very safe country to visit. If the tide is in a little boat is waiting for you. The Welcome Frank is eagerly awaiting your arrival. My partner and I were greeted by name with big smiles, fresh heavenly scented towels and refreshing chilled coconuts. Checkin is seamless with a tour of the island . You are taken to your individual lodge within a blink of an eye. The Lodges There are only 5 individual lodges and a restaurant on the island. Each with its own patio and outside seating area. All traditionally furnished with carefully considered amenities. Every requirement is catered for exactly what you would expect from a 5 star hotel. We were treated like royalty and upgraded to the astounding Sultan Villa which was massive . It even had our very own Masai warriors to protect us whilst we slept . Two huge sculptures side by side. A gigantic bath tub overlooking the sea, a walk-in shower, a curtain draped comfy bed, a fridge with mini bar, tea and coffee making station. A double sink unit uniquely created out of an old Dhow boat stocked with locally made soaps, shampoo and conditioner, scented hand and body lotion also added. A double chaired seating area and ottoman bed . The Views Overlooking Pongwe Beach seaweed farm. You can watch the kind gentile friendly Zabaria People going about their daily business. Ladies collecting seaweed , fishermen launching their dhow boats, Masai men ready to show you the colourful starfish species. Masai ladies selling their jewellery. With smiles and hellos a plenty you can walk amongst them along the beach. This is not a beach you sunbath on but a fascinating eco system, a photographers dream. The colours of the sunrise and sunsets are just spectacular. The atypical sunbathing beaches are just a few minutes away if this is what you wish for. The Restaurant Sympathetically furnished, decorated with beautiful traditional artwork. The views of the sunset are breathtaking . We were lucky enough to witness orange moon. The food is all al la carte all fresh and organic and cooked to order, no buffet or pre-made food here. Although the menu is small it is carefully curated for everyone’s taste. For staying guests there is a daily breakfast and dinner, chefs special menu. We were happy just trust in the chef to try many dishes we were not familiar with. It was just a culinary delight. In the 10 nights w

We stayed in the Villa on The Island for three nights, and we already miss it. Despite a bumpy 4 A.M. arrival, the team welcomed us warmly and got us settled well before check-in time. Their service was exceptional from start to finish—you can feel the pride in everything they do. Our villa was beautiful and had everything we needed. The in-room veranda massage was heavenly. Every meal was fresh and delicious, and I may have emptied their daily coconut supply. Every interaction left us impressed. The location, views, and peaceful atmosphere helped us truly unwind. The shallow waters, stunning sunsets, and fair excursion prices added to the magic. Sure, the power flickered now and then—but hey, it’s an island. An unforgettable stay. We can’t wait to come back.

We were not guests at the hotel but visited the restaurant twice during our stay nearby because we thought the food, drink and service was so exceptional. The location really is amazing and is particularly atmospheric for dinner when the tide is low. The food was the best we had during our two-week honeymoon trip which took across Tanzania and Zanzibar - the bruschetta starter was particularly impressive. Amani was a very good waiter during our first visit. We were also very taken with the adorable cats who live on the island!

This was a magical experience, the hotell itself is such a stunning place. The service is very good and attentive with such nice staff. A special thanks to Raphael who is very helpful. The food is excellent, we had full board which I would recommend. The room itself is nice but a bit to rustic, the lighting inside is subpar and the room is quite dark (although you spend most of the time on your own private patio so you barely notice). There was no schampoo or conditioner which is a negative.

It was very delicious!! The service especially Juma was a really nice and friendly person! The location and atmosphere were a dream. The name says it all „the island“. We had much fun at the restaurant :) I’ll give it a 10/10. See you next time !!!

It has been the most beautiful and special experience we’ve ever had. This place has a unique charm, and we’ve fallen in love with it. Many thanks to Frank—he helped us organize the meals and excursions we wanted to do, and assisted us with everything we needed. Many thanks to the whole team, you are exceptional. P.S. We hope to come back soon.