Santa Maria Coral Park

Breakfast are 5* exceptional! Everything at Santa Maria went well, friendliest staff ever, rooms clean and variety of rooms. Sea has far tides but I knew that before, one can go around the next bay for deep swim in clear blue sea, just calculate the tide timing. Very good value for money, I would return! thank you!!!

Staff very nice and will do extra things to help. Generally peaceful, although some noise from neighbouring hotels. Nice having bushbabies around and lots of trees. Easy to chat with other people staying. Restaurant area is nice, next to the sea, good breeze from the sea to keep cool. Felt relaxed and safe.

Beach outside the hotel is not great - seaweed, very tidal - but you can walk to the sister hotel Queen of Sheba in about 15 minutes, where the beach is much cleaner and easier for swimming (also a nice hotel to hang out). Shame so many of the staff smoke - generally not a problem due to lots of breeze/open space, but sometimes unpleasant for the smell (and bad for their health!). Be aware the hotel may want part-payment in advance - not obvious from booking.com

The best place we stayed in Zanzibar. The beach front location and space was amazing. It has a very friendly and relaxed feel. The staff, however, make the place! they were so warm, engaging and we loved our evenings at the bar with the owners and barman chatting away. It felt more than just a hotel.

whilst it’s beachfront, the best swimming beach is 10min walk away.

Staying here for a week really reminded me of the early 2000s travel vibes - travellers meeting around a beach bar, long lazy days playing Bao and chatting, rustic gentle bungalows, amazing personable staff helping you in every way possible, then lazing on nearby beaches or at the pool. I got lucky and picked the perfect place. Staff need a special mention - brothers Yasser and Yusuf make a great duo keeping everyone happy and helping with trip bookings, waitresses Jennifer and Ema and barmen Robert and Musa are always ready to serve you with a smile. I can't wait until I can come back! One week wasn't long enough... Oh I almost forgot the bush babies - they are tame and you can feed them every night if you want ❤️

I liked everything! A couple of things to consider which didn't bother me: Bungalows have just bars and no windows which means lots of lovely wind keeping it cool and fresh, but it might be loud sometimes (bush babies are cute but also noisy at night) Swimming at beach in front of the bar not the best but just walk 15 minutes to sister establishment Queen of Sheba and the staff will even offer to drop you off there Wifi sometimes slow but this is Zanzibar - better to switch off and jump on island time 😎

We were greeted by Yussuf, and that's when the amazing experience began. He showed us around and introduced us to the Jennifa and Ima, who were absolutely amazing throughout the whole stay. Immediately, we were impressed by the whole setting of Santa Maria Coral Park, palms, hammocs, pool, many chill seating spots, bar on the beach, restaurant, and just few steps away from the beach. You just immediately get the chill vibe going around and you right away embrace it completely. Then we met Musa, who served us drinks and was always up to a chat about pretty much anything. Yussuf runs the place along with his brother Yasser and their father, which makes it a family business, and it shows. You feel like part of the family right away. Both Yussuf and Yasser are always around greeting you every time they see you, making sure you have everything you need. You want to go on a trip and just made up your mind? No problem, guys will just get you a taxi and off you go. You want a fresh coconut? The coconut man will climb a palm and in minutes you're drinking fresh coconut water. Should you choose to just chill around the whole day, you can get every meal of the day from a wonderful local restaurant directly at Santa Maria Coral Park with lots of local meals and options with lots of smiles from chef and staff. We also met Yussuf's and Yasser's uncle Salim, who was visiting for holidays, so it really felt like you're part of a big family all the time. On Christmas Eve, Yussuf arranged a special seafood platter for us on the roof of the restaurant, which was pretty amazing. It is definitely recommended to go visit Queen of Sheba resort which is managed by Yussuf's and Yasser's father and his wife Petra which basically means you have two places you can chill at any day.

The staff were excellent and really friendly and willing to help with anything required. They helped organise trips, food requirements etc brilliant team can't thank them enough

Price of snacks a little expensive. No plug in bath to be able to enjoy it

Friendly staff Great food Well maintened garden Calm location You get what you can see in the photos

Sometimes (really sometimes) weak wifi connection

Amazing place very chill to relax your mind and perhaps gain a new insight about life :)