The Island - Pongwe Lodge - Adults Only

Location: Pongwe, Pongwe, Pongwe, Zanzibar Central, Pongwe, TZ

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Lodges

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Instructions: The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.

Amenities & Facilities

• Free breakfast
• Full-service spa
• Free WiFi
• Terrace
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Concierge service
• Picnic area
• Snorkeling nearby
• Hiking/biking trails nearby
• Scuba diving nearby
• Free breakfast
• Safe-deposit box at front desk
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Full-service spa
• Smoke-free property
• Pool umbrellas
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Free self parking
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Pool sun loungers
• Free cooked-to-order breakfast
• Mosquito nets
• Banquet hall
• Horse riding nearby

Rooms Available

• Standard Double Room, Bay View

  1 King Bed

  323-sq-foot room, furnished balcony with bay views

  
  

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, and room service (limited hours)

  Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and slippers

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Need to Know - Bed sheets not available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Electric kettle
  • Bidet
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ceiling fan
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Soap
  • Bed sheets not available

• Standard Double Room, Ocean View

  1 King Bed

  323-sq-foot room, furnished balcony with ocean views

  
  

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, and room service (limited hours)

  Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and slippers

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Need to Know - Bed sheets not available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Electric kettle
  • Bidet
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ceiling fan
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Soap
  • Bed sheets not available

• Superior Double Room

  1 King Bed

  753-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished balcony with ocean views

  
  

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, and room service (limited hours)

  Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub and separate shower

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Need to Know - Bed sheets not available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Electric kettle
  • Bidet
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ceiling fan
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Soap
  • Bed sheets not available

Guest Reviews

• Nadia (10/5): Michaela and Raphael were absolutely wonderful and it was surely a lovely boho experience luxurious secluded and magica - Everything
• Philippe (10/5): -
• Aisha (9/5): - The staff was so nice, beautiful room with comfortable bed, incredible food :) very peaceful and calm place, very good if you are looking for a relaxing time. I would love to go back at some point. No air conditioning
• Katherine (9/5): An outstanding combination of peace, comfort, and outstanding hospitality. - From the moment we arrived, the warmth and friendliness of the staff made a lasting impression, who all truly went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable. Our ocean-facing villa was lovely and incredibly quiet, making it the perfect place to relax. With room service included, we enjoyed breakfast at our villa almost every day and it was also incredibly convenient to be able to order anything to the room or the pool via WhatsApp. The food was consistently well prepared and delicious. While we didn't book anything, the team can set you up on a variety of activities around the Island, which adds to the experience. It's worth noting that we visited during the low season and essentially had the whole place to ourselves. For about half of our stay we shared the space with another couple, but the property is so well organized that we barely ran into one another, aside from occasionally saying hello around dinner time. We highly recommend this place for anyone looking for peace, quiet, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Even after seven days, it still felt like our stay was far too short, as unbelievable as that may sound. Very little to mention here, as we truly loved our stay. If anything, just a couple of small suggestions that could make the experience even better. The bar currently has a pod coffee machine, and a proper espresso machine would be a nice addition for coffee enthusiasts. We also noticed a ants in the room from time to time. It is still an eco-lodge surrounded by nature, so this is to be expected and it didn’t bother us at all, but it may be something for more sensitive guests to keep in mind. None of these were deal breakers for us, we had a wonderful stay overall.
• Keith (10/5): - This place is a gem! If you ever want to experience a private island without breaking the bank, this is the place. Wonderfully attentive staff!
• Tido (10/5): Absolut Wiederholens wert - Service sehr nett Essen grandios . traumhafte Lage , Wetter traumhaft , wirklich empfehlenswert teilweise der ganze Müll auf der Insel - sehr schade
• dumontheil (9/5): Le lieu idéal pour déconnecter ! - Tout ! La gentillesse du personnel, la situation exceptionnelle, la restauration.
• Liam (9/5): Kleines Paradies und der Go-To Erholungsort - Die Freundlichkeit aller Mitarbeiter und die Lage. Außerdem durften wir aufgrund meines Geburtstags ein Zimmer-Upgrade genießen (das einzige, es gibt nur eine Villa). Diese war noch fantastischer als die anderen Zimmer.
• anne claude (10/5): Moment paisible et romantique - Un petit havre de paix. Très cosy, la nourriture délicieuse, l’accès à la mer top Le dîner romantique était fabuleux
• raffaella (9/5): posto unico - tutto
• Maitre sandrine (10/5): -
• Tim (10/5): -
• Diana (10/5): - Все было прекрасно, очень доброжелательный и внимательный персонал! Очень вкусная и очень дорогая кухня
• Valerie (10/5): Au top, cadre idyllique et repas exceptionnels, le chef est très doué, tout était excellent. -
• AVIEL (10/5): -
• tammy (10/5): - פשוט מושלם, הכלללל!! המקום יפייפה, החדרים ברמה גבוהה, נקיים, מפנקים. הוילה פשוט מטורפתתת. הצוות מדהים, מיקלה, ג'ומה, סוזנה, איירין, רפאל וכל הצוות, אדיבים, מפנקים, נעימים, אנשים טובים. האוכל טעים מאוד. נהנינו כל כך וממליצים מאוד, בהחלט אחד המקומות הכי טובים ששהינו בו. תודה רבה!
• Rebecca (9/5): Truly memorable! - Absolutely fantastic. What a truly beautiful place! Fantastic staff, beautiful views, amazing food and service. A really unique, memorable place! Thank you to all for a fabulous stay.
• Federico (8/5): good experience but could be better - Particular location Room Villa really nice Natural soap free kayak Restaurant: dishes were ok, not more. Wine menu incompetent. Personal not really friendly as usual in other places in Tanzania. In a place that want to be ecofriendly, why let the lights on all the night?
• Bozar (10/5): -
• Trude (10/5): - Et helt herlig sted, anbefales!
• giorgix (10/5): Superlativo! - Colazione ottima, soggiorno esclusivo, privacy e tranquillità e massima disponibilità di tutti, top!
• Hannah (10/5): Outstanding! - One of the most incredible hotels. With only 6 rooms, it feels like you’re on a private island. The hotel also look after a couple of cats and dogs which made our trip even more special. All the staff were super helpful and kind. They even set up a romantic dinner for two on our last evening for no additional charge. We went full board which was completely worth it. The food was absolutely delicious and as part of the package we could have 3 courses for both lunch and dinner. We had all sorts of delicious seafood - lobster, crab, fish. You can also choose to have a private breakfast which is set up outside your room. I had a massage outside the room, right next to the sea which was lovely. N/A
• KACIC (10/5): An Exceptional Stay at Pongwe Island Lodge – A True Paradise in Zanzibar! - We just returned from an unforgettable 13-night stay at Pongwe Island Lodge in Zanzibar, and we couldn’t have dreamed of a better place to unwind. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Margarita, the lodge manager, whose kindness and professionalism truly reflect the quality of the entire team. After our third night, we were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary upgrade to a stunning villa with ocean views. This gem was tastefully decorated in local style, featuring Maasai statues and traditional masks — a true immersion in Tanzanian culture. The villa was spacious, beautifully designed, impeccably clean, and well maintained. The lodge is located on a private island and features only six accommodations, offering absolute peace and total privacy. If you're looking to escape from the noise and crowds and fully reconnect with nature, this is the place for you. The staff was incredibly attentive. Whether it was Raphael, Juma, Anna, Irina, Susana, Ignas, Charles, Amani, the housekeeping team, the security staff, or the kitchen crew — everyone contributed to making our stay seamless and special. A special thank-you to the Chef who went out of her way to create diverse and high-quality meals throughout our long stay. When we mentioned we’d love to have Red Snapper, she and the team went above and beyond to prepare us a truly memorable dinner. Margarita even surprised us with a complimentary day trip to the Gold Zanzibar Beach House in Kendwa, a magical experience that was a true highlight of our trip. Everything : excursions, transfers, recommendations, was organized wonderfully. You simply get to relax and enjoy every moment while being guided by a caring and professional team. We 100% recommend Pongwe Island Lodge to anyone seeking authenticity, relaxation, personalized service and a paradise setting. The combination of comfort, understated luxury, and cultural richness is rare and precious. Nothing.
• Anna-Lena (10/5): Dream - Everythink -
• Luci (10/5): - Everything was perfect! Amazing service. Incredible sunsets. Delicious food. A heavenly place to unwind. Will be dreaming of a return!
• Zoe-marie (10/5): BEST TRIP EVER THANK YOU!!! - We recently stayed at this wonderful island retreat in Zanzibar as a family of six, and it exceeded all our expectations. Each pair in our group had their own individual lodge, which gave us the perfect balance of privacy and comfort. The rooms were spacious, clean, and beautifully designed — a real home away from home. What really made our stay special was the staff. Every single member of the team was warm, welcoming, and genuinely cared about making our experience exceptional. They went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed. The birthday surprises organised were out of this world! Thank you all so much! We loved yoga! The lady facilitating was amazing and it was such a great experience! The food was another highlight — fresh, delicious, and full of local flavor. From breakfast to dinner, every meal was a delight. We had an amazing time and would absolutely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Zanzibar, whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a family. We can’t wait to come back! Nothing
• Dania (10/5): Exceptional -
• Sifiso (8/5): Very good - The staff was very attentive. Really enjoyed the food. The thatch smelled a bit damp.
• Kiwicane (8/5): Relaxing - Lovely location on a small island connected to the mainland at low tide. Rustic but pleasant bungalows. The room we stayed in was too hot, probably needs airconditioning and the verandah could be redesigned to allow more space for the furniture. The staff could do with some extra training to not disturb the guests with cleaning leaves & playing the radio, to better understand the food & drink options and could be more proactive in opening the shutters to allow more breeze in the dining area.
• Carine (10/5): Exceptional - The kindness and helpfulness of the staff. A special thank to Frank for his hospitality. No comments
• Tessa (10/5): Magic - We had an absolutely wonderful 3 day stay on The Island. The Island itself is a unique place to stay, from the small number of rooms which gives a feeling of real privacy, to the ever shifting, magical sea tides that each part of The Island looks out onto. The staff were incredibly lovely. Special shout outs to Frank, who meet us with a smile and cold coconut juice, Juma, Irene and Anna who were so lovely and friendly and kept us in good supply of food and drink and kindly brought our breakfast to our room (heaven). The food at the Island was exceptional. We didn’t get a chance to meet the chefs but hats off to them. The seafood was incredibly fresh and cooked/prepared expertly, breakfast was also yummy. Some of the most delicious sea food we have had. The lobster tagliatelle and the grilled prawns were a particular highlight. We had a room overlooking the sea and loved it. We had our own private terrace and plenty of room. Again, it felt very private but that everything was still very accessible. All in all, we can only describe our stay as magical. Magical place, magical people, magical food - book! We loved everything but were very hot when sleeping. This is an eco lodge so no air con but it didn’t stop our enjoyment.
• Roy (10/5): One of the nicest locations I have ever stayed and thee best staff bar none . - There are no words to describe how amazing the staff were ! I told them it was my partner’s birthday the day we arrived and the attention that she received was unbelievable. The food was great and the location is so beautiful. I will be advising all my friends to go and visit . We were surprisingly upgraded to the sultan’s suite on our second day ! It was heaven . We spent every morning and evening in the sea and afternoons in the lovely swimming pool . Once again thank you to the amazing staff. Leaving
• Aakriti (7/5): Overall, the location is amazing and the staffs were super friendly and helpful. - The hotel had a sustainable concept going on and it was using the local products and food, including seafood and fish, sourced from the local fisherman which was something I liked as it creates jobs for the local community and helps in livelihood. I loved the seaweed soap that the hotel was using, which was made by the local community. I even bought few for my family and friends to give them as a gift. My room had the sea view, i really enjoyed it very much. The view from the room, during the day and night, when the tide is high was really good. They also had the live performer during the dinner time who played amazing music. I loved the experience overall. When the tides were low, there was no water around the Island. I would have appreciated it if the picture during the low tide was also included in the advertisement or the picture gallery so that I would have known what to expect. I was a little bit disappointed when there was no water around the hotel (small island) when I checked in. And also would like to add that it did not have value for money. I thought that the food was all covered in the full board option ( there were half board options too but I chose the full board), but they charged us even for a cup of coffee that we ordered after our check-in, at the hotel. The full board option was not cheap, paid around 500$ for a night and then on top of that, had to pay extra money for food all the time (even for a cup of coffee that we ordered the first day). So would like to think that they could do more than that.
• Vinny (10/5): Exceptional -
• Verified traveler (10/5): 5 stars. - Highly recommend. Everything was great.
• Charlotte (10/5): Exceptional - Amazing location, brilliant staff! We had a wonderful few days here :)
• Itamar (9/5): Beautiful and unique. Will recommend. - The island is magical. The food is amazing. The stuff is very welcoming and kind - especially frank and the other new manager. Three things we didn’t like (1) we were asked to pay at the entrance additional fees as if we didn’t pay enough for our stay (I think extra 40 euros, the cost of one night in a beautiful budget lodge right in front of the hotel). (2) we weren’t allowed to bring wine to the restaurant, you don’t have much options then sitting over there. The nice waitress asked us for additional 20 usd (more than what we payed for the wine) (3) the bad wasn’t comfortable for both of us.
• Kieran (10/5): LOVED EVERY MINUTE - Probably my favourite place we stayed in Zanzibar. From the food they served to the uniqueness of the island, can not believe this is only 3*! Don’t think about booking it, just do it
• Saiid (9/5): Superb -
• Talou (9/5): Superb -
• Alex (10/5): Awesome Hotel, Friendly staff! - Our stay the The Island was nothing short of amazing; the food was delicious, the staff is very friendly and forthcoming and the location itself is astonishing. The hotel itself has very few rooms (4-5?) which makes the setting private and quiet. Frank and the team took care of us during our entire stay and made sure all of our needs were met! We really enjoyed the optional room service, which allowed us to schedule breakfast in the morning had have it delivered to our porch which is located right next to the sea. We can only recommend staying there! -
• Scott (10/5): - We had an incredible stay at The Pongwe for our honeymoon. Frank and the entire staff were wonderful and made our stay extra special from start to finish, from the room presentation to a special dinner at the end of our trip and fresh flowers to celebrate our new marriage at every meal. The location is lovely, quiet and clean. You feel like you’re transported to a different world when you’re on the island. The food every night was out of this world, with dinners particularly spectacular with fresh seafood including lobster and crab. This place left a warm feeling in our hearts - we would recommend it, highly!
• Eduardo (10/5): A small paradise in Zanzibar - The Island is a very unique place. Being a boutique hotel, since the beginning we were treated very well by the staff. Since it was our honeymoon we got a upgrade on our room to the best suite on the island and it was perfect. The restaurant there was very good and very well served. Staff was perfect. No complains.
• Vincent (10/5): Charmant petit îlot au calme - Charmant petit îlot avec 5 villas dont une grande où nous étions pendant 4 jours. Le restaurant était très bien et bon. Frank, le chef concierge était toujours prêt à aider.
• William (10/5): A honeymoon In paradise Hakana Matata - From the moment we arrived we knew we had booked the perfect place to spend our honeymoon. We can’t thank frank enough who welcomed us to the island with open arms. His smile and helpfulness was infectious! The whole team felt like family by the time we left. Neema, Regina, Juma, Anna and Omary need a special mention as you all made our honeymoon very special. Im sure any future guests will agree by the time they leave! Thank you again and we hope to return one day.
• Joseph (10/5): 10/10 Island Paradise - The service was impeccable. Right from the getgo, everything was taken care of for us from big to small. Management provided a complimentary room upgrade for our last night and other perks throughout that we were not expecting. This paradise exceeded all expectations. The food was fresh from the sea and we had the chance to see the Masai show. 10/10 view. Thank you again.
• Hakan (9/5): Superb -
• Rebecca (10/5): Peaceful time-out. - The serene, picturesque location offered a perfect escape, with breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. The staff were outstanding — friendly, professional, and attentive. This idyllic haven is ideal for anyone seeking relaxation. Highly recommended! Nothing.
• Nashwa (10/5): Your next family is at Pongwe. - Everything! Absolutely everything! The place is a piece of heaven! Don't think of going to any other hotel in Zanzibar. The staff here are exceptional. All of them. Frank at the reception is a true gentleman; he knows what the guests like, and he makes it ready even before I ask. Regina at the restaurant makes your meal an unforgettable experience. She is always smiling, and she gives all her heart to make you happy. Irene is like another sister for me. So kind and respectful. Also, the guys at the restaurant and the guys who take you to the shore by boat. True gems. This hotel is all about the staff. For me, they were family. I love you and I will return. Insects The trip to Jozani Forest. Don't waste your money on it. I feel like I threw my money in the garbage. The trip to Stone town & spice farm is nice.
• Ian (6/5): Pleasant - Lovely location Not very accommodating
• Stephanie (9/5): We had a wonderful time on a picture perfect island - Location, food No AC
• Mike (10/5): One of our best stays ever! - Out stay at Pongwe Lodge was amazing. Such a well thought out space, absolutely stunning. Everything about the place was faultless. Our room was superb with a view to die for. The food was top quality but the best thing about the Lodge was the staff. They could not be more helpful and everything that they did, they did with a smile on their faces. I could not recommend the Lodge highly enough. We will definitely return! Nothing.
• Ulla-stina (10/5): Exceptional - OMG, where do I start? Oh yes, I’ll start with the staff who were absolutely amazing! We can’t thank Frank, Irene and the rest of the team enough for their great service and helpfulness during our four night stay at The Island. My husband’s got a slight walking impairment which means walking out to the Island during low tide is a bit of a challenge but Frank and his team made sure that was not going to be a hindrance to visit this beautiful, blissful and relaxing place. Pole pole! The only “criticism” would be that we would have liked more local cuisine on the menu.
• Ossi (10/5): Neljä päivää paratiisissa - Aivan ihana paratiisisaari rauhallisen Pongwen rannan edustalla! Saimme alusta loppuun loistavaa palvelua ja saimme myös upgraden sviittiin, koska se sattui olemaan vapaana. Ruoka erinomaista (parasta ruokaa zanzibarilla) sekä aamupalalla että illallisella ja sitä pystyi tilaamaan myös omaan villaan ja omalle terassille. Saarelta pääsee helposti mereen uimaan nousuveden aikaan ja aktiviteetteja/retkiä myös kohtuullisesti tarjolla. Ehkä ennemmin kuitenkin saari sopii rentoutumiseen ja rauhalliseen oleiluun. Ekologisuus on huomioitu kaikessa ja saarella ja villoissa on niin kaunista, kaikki tarkkaan mietittyä. Ainoa miinus ilmastoinnin puuttuminen, jonka toki tiesimme etukäteen. Saari on kuitenkin niin rauhallinen (vain 6 villaa ja ravintola sulkeutuu klo 22), että pystyimme hyvin nukkumaan ikkunat auki (hyttysverkot löytyy ikkunoista), jolloin merituuli viilensi huoneilmaa. Saarella voi nähdä myös bush babies apinoita iltaisin ja saarella muutama ystävällinen koira ja kissa vieraiden seurana. Täydellinen loma!
• Reem (10/5): Exceptional - A beautiful getaway from everything. Very calm. The staff are friendly and they take very good care of you. The chef was so nice and special thank you to regina, juma and frank for being sweet and welcoming. If you dont like insects you can't survive here so get a repellant.
• Jakub (10/5): Small paradise - I've spent 4 nights at pongwe island and that was the best vacation ever. Hotel consists of 6 rooms, reception, swimming pool and the restaurant. Very friendly personnel tried everything to make my time on island as good as possible. Food in the restaurant is very delicious and you can feel as you would have private chef. Frank showed me the island and every opportunity to spend time on Zanzibar, He helped me to organise every day in this paradise. Rooms are tidy with amazing view of the ocean. There are security guards 24/7 and I've felt safe. That was real carefree stay and I would higly recommend everyone to visit this place.
• Puneet (3/5): Poor -
• Susan (10/5): Perfect stay in an idyllic setting - The location is charming, like having your own private island… We were only four people when we stayed, meaning the service was super-personal: all the staff looked after us beautifully. We felt very safe and comfortable. We thank the hotel very sincerely for upgrading us to an Ocean View room. The food was exceptional. We loved being able to eat fresh food every day. Everything was at a high standard. We recommend this hotel very warmly and thank in particular Regina, Irene, Frank and Sabas for their kindness and all they did for us during our stay. Nothing
• Kristina (10/5): Incredible place to switch off and relax - We absolutely loved our stay here — such a wonderful location and a place where you can completely switch off. We were a bit worried before we arrived about the lack of A/C in the rooms, but we definitely didn't need to worry about that: at night there is a breeze through the island and we never felt any discomfort. The staff are amazing and the owners of the hotel are always there to assist you. The food is spectacular and the breakfast that we took every day on our terrace was always amazing. We are recommending this place to everyone! We have nothing we'd change, except for actually staying there a bit longer. Everything is thought of and we loved our holiday at Pongwe. Thank you!
• Eduardo (6/5): Not worth the price - Staff is great Good food, compared to what you usually get around the island Privacy Definitely not a good value for your money. Very simple room, no AC (expect sweaty nights), constant power outages (only place it happened to us in zanzibar, and several times each day), shower is hot for 5 minutes then it gets cold-ish everytime. Plus, not their fault, but Pongwe Area offers absolutely nothing to do around - no restaurants, no tours nearby, no life around. It's a good hotel, but should cost half of what it costs.
• Yaar (10/5): Special beyond imagination - The most special hotel I have ever been to. The Island is a magical experience. The view changes every few hours and it is just beautiful. The staff are absolutely wonderful and take care of every little detail. Don’t hesitate book your reservation here! The spice tour which is offered all over the Zanzibar and also by the hotel is a tourist trap. In my opinion it shouldn’t be offered by the Island hotel, it’s not for your level...
• Claudia Yessica (10/5): Excelente hotel muy recomendable - Increíble hotel en la isla, vistas espectaculares, puestas y salidas del sol son lo mejor; el personal muy amable y la comida súper deliciosa, lo recomiendo muchísimo!! El hotel es maravilloso
• Anna (8/5): Very good -
• Karsten (10/5): Beautiful little Island with perfect management - It was a no-compromise stay and everything was flawlessly executed. We were lucky enough to have spent some time in the sultan room and it was nothing short of amazing. The food was really memorable, with local Zanzibarian seafood with a touch of Italian perfection. Frank, who was managing our experience and helped with all requests, made our time really special. He was very nice and forthcoming, seeing what we might need before we even had to ask. Really really cool. If you are looking for a great and memorable time, where can experience the beauty of the sea, look no further - as the Island is the perfect place to stay. Seeing the tide low in the morning with the sunrise reflecting on little pools of water, is just a sight to behold.
• Happiness (8/5): Amazing - The tranquility Not much activity
• Oliver (10/5): Incredibly special and magical. - Just, WOW! The most magical, and exclusive, eco-friendly resort on the Indian Ocean! We spent ten nights and eleven days on this paradise island, and from start to finish (and everything in-between!) we were treated like royalty. All the staff were incredibly professional and attentive, brilliant and fun, and they became like family to us; we miss them enormously. Even Luna and Ara, the most friendly and well-behaved resident dogs, made us feel so welcome! The food (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner - daily fresh coconut water and watermelon juice!!) was exceptional, and we left a few kilos heavier!! We miss everyone and everything about The Island, and we hope that one day, we can return here again to see our "Rafiki's". Asante Sana! Thank you for the memories xx. Having to leave!
• Madhur (8/5): Very good -
• Joana (10/5): Unique! - unique place, Amazing atmosphere and wonderful staff!
• Michelle (10/5): excellent if you are looking for a natural retreat to relax and take in the island life pole pole - fantastic retreat feels like you are in nature but with a boutique edge, loved all the animals and loved the restaurant. All food was included with no extra charges for certain things like lobster as you sometimes find. The staff were so nice and had little touches to make your stay extra special like ordering breakfast to your room and a private dinner spot if you reserve ahead. no air conditioning although I don’t think it’s possible in the bungalow type hut but saying this it didn’t get too hot due to location, some staff had a little trouble understanding English but on the whole got everything we needed just more so with general conversation.
• Jason (6/5): Disappointed but pretty - The location is pretty, romantic and the staff are very friendly The toilets are totally open to the bedroom. There is no privacy when on the loo (see picture of bathroom roof) The rooms have no Aircon, it's very very hot in the room at night. The rooms are tiny. You have no space to keep suitcases out and room tidy. The hotel isn't on an island. It's more on a little piece of land that only becomes an island once a month at high tide. The rest of the month it's connected to main land by a seaweed and dead crab infested beach. Normal tide does not make it an island.
• Eric (10/5): We decided to travel to The Island for our honeymoon, and it was the best decision! - -The hotel is really small, with only six rooms, therefore the privacy was greatly valued, considering we traveled for our honeymoon. -The attention from the staff to every small detail was impressive, making sure our stance was as comfortable as possible. -The food from the restaurant was delicious, and every day they would change the breakfast and snack options. -Before arriving, Margarita responded to all of our inquiries in a timely manner and once we reached the property, Frank made sure we were always taken care of. -I have no complaints.
• Laura (10/5): A stay in heaven - everything is perfect!! perfect!
• Piet (10/5): Exceptional - Everything, since the minute we walked in, we were treated like royalty. I refuse to single out any staff, they were all exceptional 👌 Leaving
• Lourenço (10/5): highly recommended - the view, location, all staff (Frank, Ana, all were amazing), food everything 😊 o barulho do mar a noite acordava-nos
• Alejandra (10/5): Amazing hotel - perfect for a honey moon. - + Location - unique location in an island. + Staff - super friendly employees, they were trying to keep us happy and making sure that we would had an amazing stay. + Privacy - secluded and unique experience. Even though it's great I'd recommend for a few days only as there is no much too do around the hotel.
• Manoel (9/5): highly recommended - a slice of peace and tranquillity - The location is a one off place that is absolutely stunning. The food was always fantastic and on point. the staff were highly attentive, and catered to all our needs. A special shout out to Frank and Irene who were always available and made a special effort. Air conditioning would be a plus, especially when the outside temperature is high.
• Etienne (4/5): Disappointing -
• Picque (10/5): Exceptional -
• Yi (10/5): Exceptional - I have spent a really good time in The Island. Everything here, service, facilities, food and live music show are great. When I arrived in Zanzibar, to be honest I have to say the hot weather made me a little bit frustrated. After arriving at the Island, I was welcomed by fresh coconut water. It really helped me and made me calm down. Then Frank, who is really nice and friendly, took me walk around the hotel and gave me a full introduction of the hotel. During my stay, Frank provided excellent service for me and he also helped me to order my trips like snorkeling in Mnemba Atoll. Other staff did me great favor as well and made me feel at home when I stayed in the hotel. Hope one day I can stay in the hotel again
• Dmitriy (10/5): great stay - Our stay couldn’t get any smoother, hotel is cozy and clean, there is no crowd and no stress! Great place to relax, authentic pool, friendly staff, Frank showed us around and was very professional and always in a good mood -)
• Thabang (10/5): Exceptional -
• Laura (10/5): - This is such a special place! We only stayed 2 nights but had an amazing time. The food is delicious and service was perfect (thank you to Juma and Frank specifically).
• Maurizio (10/5): Exceptional -
• Janet (10/5): Unique stay in the middle of Indian Ocean - The island in Zanzibar is one of the most unique hotel located in the middle of the Indian Ocean build on a coral rock-where you can walk right into the water when is high tide or walk on the ocean floor when is low tide N/A
• Tatiana (10/5): Exceptional - We stayed here for our honeymoon and it was absolutely amazing. The staff were really attentive and the food in the restaurant was great. We arrived late on the first night and the staff had left some food for us in our room. We loved relaxing by the pool and on the loungers. The breakfasts were also really good! Most of the time you could walk across the sand to the hotel, on one occasion it was high tide and we had to take the little boat (a bit of an adventure but all part of the experience). Would highly recommend as a place to stay for couples! nothing
• Mimi-m (10/5): Magical experience - The service is outstanding!! The team (Juma/Rama/Frank/Irene/Margarita) were really hospitable and we wanted for nothing!!! The location allowed for a total switch off!! I cannot fault anything.
• Mariana (10/5): This was absolutely amazing. The staff is impecable and so nice - absolutely everything was amazing nothing bad to add
• Katie (10/5): Exceptional - Beautiful location, really calm and private with great dogs and cats to keep you company. The food was incredible. We had a wonderful stay finished with a great fishing trip.
• Matteo (9/5): Superb - Very relaxing and confortable boutique hotel on a private island in Pongwe bay. The cousine was excellent, the atmosphere very charming and the staff amazing: in particoular I want to thank you Margarita, who warmly welcame and assisted us during our stay, and Frank, who teached me Bao (local game) so well that by the end of the holiday I was able to beat him!
• Bubi (8/5): Very good -
• Jose (10/5): - Excellent very nice place to stay for a couple
• Verified traveler (10/5): - We would like to thank the hotel for the great stay! From beginning to end everything was really perfect. The staff was very accommodating and friendly at all times. The manager is very knowledgeable and really strives to make her guests stay a special experience. The restaurant offers a variety of choices and the food was very nicely prepared and tasty as well. The island itself offers a great ambience and you feel comfortable from the first moment. The bungalows as well as the entire complex convey a vacation feeling that we have not experienced in other hotels. We would definitely recommend the Island!
• Karine (6/5): Avis Mitigé - Restaurant au top. Hôtel plutôt très moyen. A mon avis au top il y a 10ans. Venir pour manger un grand oui, par contre hôtellerie non. Bien trop chère par rapport à ce qu il y a sur l île. Petite chambre. Pas de WiFi dans les chambres.
• Ditlev (10/5): A litle paradise - Perfect place for our honeymoon. Very quiet and peaceful in the most beautiful surroundings. The service was top notch and the food was fresh and well cooked. we hope to be able to return again one day.
• Donatello (10/5): The perfect couple's vacation - I visited The Island with my fiancee and it was an incredible experience. This little gem of an island is one of a kind. Around 6 bangalows, beautifully decorated and clean. Environment friendly plastic free and with recyclable products. The food is outstanding. Their onsite restaurant serves delicious pasta and other seafood dishes as well as delicious breakfasts. The staff is super friendly and professional. Vaileth served us most of the times and she was the best. Always happy and making sure we were satisfied with food and service. The managers Amine and his wife Margo are running this little paradise to perfection. Dont hesitate to book, if you can make it to Pongwe, the Island is a must.
• Enio Massimo (10/5): Una full immersion nella marea - Approdati dopo un faticoso safari in Tanzania per cui ci siamo veramente goduti la struttura per tutti i 5 giorni del ns soggiorno. Solo 5 camere, pied dans l' eau, che 2 volte al giorno si ritira e poi ritorna trasformando lo scoglio in un' isola. Letteralmente immersi in questo spettacolo magico e misterioso della natura. Personale gentilissimo (un grazie particolare a Violet e Juma). Cibo squisito. Che altro dire? Altamente consigliato.
• Stein-Erik (10/5): - A good choice. Beautiful location. Friendly staff. Good food. Not the best for swimming.
• Enrico (10/5): Paradise - everything in our stay at The Island was Perfect. The room, simple but cozy, with our private patio (remember to have breakfast served on the patio!!!) overlooking the ocean and our private sun beds. The surroundings, with the sea weed farms and the sandbanks emerging with the low tide. The staff, effective and always with a smile. The food, superlative (seafood mixed grill and sea urchins a must try!). We had to leave but we left our heart there! Strongly recommended!!!!!
• Bhumika (10/5): Nothing but Positive Vibes - The island is chock-full if friendly and comforting staff members which truly elevate the unique experience provided by the island itself. The villas were extremely clean and we didn’t even encounter one big inside ours. The pool was a nice addition and just walking around being surrounded by palms, turquoise waters and silence was as breathtaking as it gets. To add to all this - THE FOOD was extraordinary. Hats off to the chef. We had 4 meals here within 24 hours time and loved each one! Thank you to all the staff that make the island an incredible place to stay.

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