The Palms Zanzibar

Location: Bwejuu Beach, Bwejuu, tz

Star Rating: 5 Stars

Property Type: Resorts

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 03:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Check-out: 12:00 PM

Amenities & Facilities

• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Parking
• Non-smoking rooms
• Air conditioning
• Swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Terrace
• Luggage storage
• Safety deposit box
• Fax/photocopying
• Tour desk
• Massage services
• Currency exchange
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Shuttle service (additional charge)
• Evening entertainment
• Adult only
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Free wired internet
• Scuba diving on site
• Snorkeling on site
• Tennis lessons on site
• Self parking (surcharge)
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Internet access
• Housekeeping on request
• Exercise/lap pool
• Japanese garden
• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Swimming nearby
• Water sports equipment
• Beach club nearby (surcharge)
• Beach toys
• Vegetarian menu options available
• Accessible shuttle
• No accessible shuttle
• Accessible train station shuttle
• No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

• Villa with Private Pool

  Elegantly decorated in natural and warm colors, this spacious villa features a private plunge pool and a terrace offering views of the Indian Ocean. This villa features a seating area, mini-bar and satellite TV.

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Seating Area
  • DVD player
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Satellite channels
  • Private pool
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Terrace

Guest Reviews

• S1108HDwilliamg (10/5): Wonderful to be back! - My wife and I decided to stay again at The Palms after our mountain gorilla trek. It was great to be back! It was just as we remembered in 2024. We were able to stay in the same villa. Siriak, the manager, was warm and welcoming, as was the fantastic staff who attended to our every need. The chef’s attention to detail and preparation for each meal was phenomenal. We were very happy to be back and our only regret was not staying longer!
• 519bernadettes (10/5): It really is paradise - You will have seen the previous positive feedback from others. I can assure you its even better than they say. We are just back from a fabulous 9 day stay (should have been 7 but issues around the gulf meant we stayed a further 2 days). From the start entering reception we had a lovely warm welcome. We were given a tour of the grounds before going to our amazing villa for our stay. From the well kept gardens, superbly clean areas, very personal huge villas, welcoming bar and dining areas, the beautifully warm pool and very personal beach hut overlooking the beach and lagoon to the very welcoming staff this place is perfect. If like us you want a personal, friendly, relaxing holiday this place has it all. The food was delicious every time with good varying selection, not only different every meal but also whether you are meat eater, vegetarian etc the choices are all there. The waiters serve you with one of the best customer service ive seen in a long while. The Palm as sister hotels either side you can use, one has the most incredible spa ( an old sultans bath house), we had a beautifully relaxing massage, the facilities are incredible). The second sister hotel had water sport facilities including a dive centre. The diving was amazing and they even give refreshers in the pool for those like us who hadn't dived in a couple of years. Thanking George for his gracious patience. We were fortunate to meet the owners who talked with pride about their collection. Siriak the manager was always around for help, advice and a friendly chat. His team reflect his attention to detail, friendly and professional service at all times. Even when we hit an issue with cancellation of flights beyond our control they didn't think twice about accommodating us for a further 2 days. We loved this place really sad to leave and (not often we say this) would go back again and again it was everything and more. Recommended in a heart beat. Bernie and Phil
• jonathanbB4181FK (10/5): Unimaginable tranquility - I haven’t written a review for a long time. Maybe the places we’ve been in the world haven’t really been worthy of one however when, once in a lifetime, somewhere touches you so sincerely that maybe the rest of the world needs to hear about it. Now, to describe this place, it would be advised to close your eyes, sit back, breathe deeply and not to let your surroundings distract you. Relaxed? Imagine, the most beautiful landscaped lush green gardens, palm trees swaying above you , piercing blue skies, soothing warm air brushing against your skin coming from across the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Silence, tranquility, pure paradise for the senses. Can you imagine it yet? If so, I’ll begin… A year ago my wife was searching for a holiday. At the time we were in the Maldives. You would think that the Maldives would be the ultimate dream come true, not in a million years did we expect what she found would far, far out way the Maldives. Zanzibar she said, I replied, “where is that”? Little did I know or expect that this small island off the east coast of Tanzania would be our true calling. Now trying to research this island to find a resort to our taste took some work. A lot of research and discussion. A company called The Zanzibar Collection came to our attention and more acutely a resort of just 7 villas and 14 guests. The Palms, situated on the south east coast of the Island on Dongwe beach. I am a true believer that you get what you pay for, this resort is not cheap I will just say that. Worth it? Very much so, let me explain… When we arrived at the resort, tired from hours of travelling from England we were met by a man, reserved, with calming influence, dressed smartly in shirt and trousers. A beautiful smile on his face welcoming us to The Palms, this man was Siriak the hotel operations manager. I can truly say that to Siriak, everyone who walks through his doors are not just guests, they are friends and treated with the upmost courtesy, respect and professionalism. Escorted through the beautiful grounds we were invited to relax on the armchairs and were quickly served a welcome drink whilst he sat with us explaining the resort layout and going through a little bit of paperwork. Our room was not yet ready having arrived early in the morning. Check in is usually at 3pm however Siriak made us comfortable by providing us with a little side villa to change and relax. After a few hours, having breakfast and relaxing in the hotel grounds are room was ready. Now, to say this was a room is an understatement. It’s a private 130sqft villa. Seven in total all named after spices that are found and exported from the island. The islands main source of income. Our villa, Cinnamon, in my humble opinion is the best of them all due to its position on the right side of the resort which seems more private and exclusive. It’s the only villa which no one else can see or access due to its position. A private outside space with a chaise lounge, seating area and plunge pool, a indoor living area with seating, a bar area and fully stocked mini bar, water, soft drinks, beer, all plentiful. Tea and coffee making facilities. Two bedrooms, the main with the best bed I have ever had the pleasure to sleep in. Staff, at night, always provide a turn down service, placing the mosquito nets down and spraying the room for our return. Our room was cleaned every single day, made like new, new bed sheets, towels. Unbelievable. Two bathrooms with two showers and one with a large free standing bath. The villa far exceeded our expectations. But you have to see it to believe what I am describing. Our housekeeper, how can I describe Clemintina. A beautiful soul, a beautiful smile. It’s not just cleaning, it’s an art form. We are forever in your debt for looking after us and our room throughout our 14 night stay. Asanate Sana. Each villa comes with its own private cabana with three sided blue cotton privacy curtains and sunbeds just on the edge of the private beach looking out into the Indian Ocean. Bar staff come to you throughout the day with ice cold bottled water in an ice bucket and a request for any other drinks you may wish. The bar staff are incredible, more on these gentleman later. The grounds of this resort are immaculate. Beautiful in fact, flowering hibiscus plants, palms trees all around, lush grasses and neatly trimmed hedges. The ground staff here truly enjoy their work. It was a pleasure to see them work so tirelessly all day, every day. You want a fresh coconut? They simply free climb the palms and cut you one down, open it with a machete and you can drink the most fresh, pure coconut water I’ve had in my life. They even offered me a go at climbing the palm tree a little with their adapted palm leave foot harness. I declined however it is a sight to see… amazing upper body strength and skill. They cut many coconuts down during the day to use in the food and drinks everyday but I’ll come onto the culinary skills of Chef William shortly. Bar staff, well, what can I say to help you understand this… hospitality at its absolute finest. They cannot do enough for you. Nothing is an issue with a simple “Hakuna Matata” (no worries) attached to every greeting. We were a little taken back at first, we have never been treated like this in our lives. They are truly masters of their trade. Do not underestimate how hard they work to make your experience truly relaxing. They will make you any drink, even if not on their “suggested” menu. When not serving and making the best cocktails I’ve had in my life, they are also your waiters for breakfast, lunch and dinner. To Ngasa, Maulid, Kibalabala and Jackson, you are truly an inspiration. Your attentiveness, professionalism and hospitality is what makes this place what it is. You have my wife and my upmost respect and gratitude for all you have done for us. Never forget that you are the reason that people like us , your grateful guests, will always have the most amazing memories to cherish for the rest of our lives. Never change. Asante Sana Rafikis. There is a man, rarely seen, working behind the scenes of this resort. The culinary skills of this man and his hard working team are worthy of a Michelin star. Easy to say right? I’ll explain. Every. Single. Day, chef William meticulous prepares a five course, à la carte dining menu for lunch and dinner. Using the freshest, local produce from the land and sea of the island. He prepares a different menu every day. If nothing on the menu takes your fancy, at your request, he’ll make you something different, nothing is too much trouble. Menus are brought to you by the staff around an hour or so before each dining experience starts, in the evening with two sundowners (cocktails made by the bar staff) with hors d'oeuvres. No matter where you are, your room, the beach, your cabana, they will find you, and either wait for you to make a choice or come back. Never writing it down, they memorise your choices and take it to the kitchen. Amazing. My wife and I like to eat, we like eating at restaurants but I cannot truly believe that this à la carte dining experience is all-inclusive. Never come here expecting nothing but the most beautifully prepared lobster, local fish, beef fillet, and freshly made pasta dishes describing just a few. Unfortunately I cannot describe the sense of taste in a review but believe me when I say that the skills of Chef William and his team are one of absolute perfection. To Chef William and your wonderful team. It was our pleasure to experience your amazing skills. The food you produce, your forever expanding mind to inspire your culinary expertise it’s exemplary. Relax, a commonly used word when on Holiday. You cannot do anything but. The resort is so private and quiet, do not come with the expectation of a party atmosphere, this resort is for couples, romantic and for an experience of true self reflection and tranquility. Rarely seen security staff guard the grounds and private beach 24/7. They are placed in small huts at the end of each side of the resort. When you go to your cabana, they will move off and patrol. These gentlemen work in very hot conditions and I respect their professionalism and discrete respect of the guests. The resort put on entertainment at night, don’t expect a disco or karaoke, if you want that sod off to Spain. The entertainment provided is of local story tellers who will sit with you and tell stories of the island sitting in traditional dress, live music with African instruments and live Swahili singing. It makes for a magical, authentic African experience. My “African Grandma”. A beautiful lady, the Doctor. My wife and I came ill prepared for mosquitos, entirely our fault. We were bitten badly on our first day. A quick walk to reception, a discreet call. “The doctor will see you at your cabana”. 15 minutes later, there she was. A Beautifully dressed (I’m aware I’m using that word a lot, sorry), women who was so caring, she assessed the issue and provided us with cream and tablets. It’s a paid for service but not much, $40 but a small price to pay. Unfortunately I had the pleasure of meeting her again a few days later due to another issue I won’t go into (I used a lot of toilet roll) however yet again she came, she saw, we conquered. A truly wonderful lady who treats you like her own children. That’s why she’s my African Grandma. So, I think I’ve covered everything, I could go on to write a book on The Palms. In conclusion, you want to be treated like royalty, you want hospitality at its absolute finest, the most amazingly prepared food, relaxation, privacy and silence. Here it is, here is the resort you are looking for, believe me when I say… The most incredible place on earth, in my humble opinion.
• 530mrsc (10/5): Fabulous hotel - Loved our stay at Tides everything was perfect. The rooms are amazing all with Ocean views , the food is excellent with great choices everyday. Bar staff are fabulous making the best cocktails ever. The manager Siriak is the stand out he runs the hotel with perfection, attention to detail his is aim, and he certainly delivers this, always on hand nothing too much trouble obviously respected by the staff. Great Atmosphere. We travel extensively and would rate this hotel one of the best we have ever stayed in. Thank you guys
• 821knudm (10/5): The Palms, Zanzibar - We have just returned from the most wonderful place and can only recommend The Palms, the best food served by a very service-minded staff, we were welcomed by manager Mr. Siriak who showed us around and aperitifs were ready immediately after arrival - fantastic welcome, and fantastic atmosphere, very quiet and intimate place with 7 lovely houses with plenty of space, this is the place where the service is in five+ out of five stars. If you want to be pampered and enjoy it, then this is The Palms you should stay. Thanks Gerda & Knud Maersk-Denmark
• marko943 (10/5): THE PERFECT ESCAPE FROM (WET) ENGLAND - Do not go here if you want to run around at speed, play loud music and meet loads of people. Do visit if you want perfect peace, wonderful food (hats off to William), friendly and intuitive service (thank you Ngasa, Maulid, Kibalabala and Jackson), warm professionism (Siriak runs the place beautifully), the widest skies, massive rooms and beds, a great pool, your own cabana on the private beach (not to mention a plunge pool outside your room), access to a spa and water activities from (larger) adjacent sister hotels - and almost total privacy (just seven villas in all) within manicured flower beds and lofty palms, all giving out onto ocean views.
• Chrissy (10/5): -
• joshjE5119VW (10/5): What a great stay - well done Siriak and team - We recently just stayed at The Palms for our honeymoon. Having had a busy Christmas and New Year and arrived after a 4 day safari we were long overdue some down time… and what a relaxing time in paradise we had. First off the accommodation - 6 (I think) luxury villas which were incredible and luxurious in a subtle way. Right on the beach. Private cabana. Warm but refreshing pool and next to two sister hotels where if you want to visit the spa or shops or have a busier vibe, you can. But the best bit is that as an adults only resort it’s very quiet and at no point, even when all the villas are full, does it feel busy. The food is delicious - 4+ courses, 3 days a day if you so wish. The only challenge is not coming back overweight as everything is so delicious, you want to eat it all. But neither of those is the thing that made it. For us, the service was incredible. Siriak, the Operations Manager, is such a lovely man - warm, wanting to accommodate guests as much as possible, a work horse, but mainly just nice and kind. So much so I want to open a hotel just to hire him! But it’s not just Siriak, his entire team - Ngasa, Maulid, Kiba and all of the back room staff, are so friendly and made our trip so memorable. It will be tough to ever top this experience!
• Roam06477759417 (10/5): Under the palm trees - For many years we travelled extensively over the world in pursuit of the perfect place for a senior couple like ourselves to spend the Christmas season in the sun. Since we found The Palms at Zanzibar some years ago we don't have to search any longer. Perfect service, the best food the Indian Ocean can offer and very nice wines from South Africa. We shall return. Jan Guillou, Stockholm, Sweden
• 748kre_imirs (10/5): Enjoying Zanzibar - An unforgettable experience at The Palms resort. Hospitality, accomodation, dervice and food are incomparable to anything we have experienced anywhere in the world!
• Christian (10/5): Beautiful property that comes with a price tag - A truly luxurious stay in beautifully designed villas. The beach is very clean, it’s possible to swim, and the facilities of the neighboring larger resorts (like gym and tennis court) can be used. The private cabana is a nice touch, as was the evening entertainment bands. The food was good, but not outstanding, and there wasn’t much local choice in the set menus. I found it to be too Western - if I wanted a caprese salad, I’d travel to Italy, not Zanzibar.
• Adventure125122 (10/5): Fabulous experience - I Would like to say the Palm in Zanzibar is a true treasure ....Unique , Authentic, Luxurious and Chic. The cuisine, the staff, the atmosphere are exceptional. All the hotels of the Zanzibar Collection are amazing... Elegant and exclusive !!!! We would recommend our friends and family to go only there in Zanzibar...
• Brinda14 (10/5): The Best Kept Secret in the World - My husband and I have been to the Palms 3 times in the last 6 years and we intend to continue going back there every chance we get for the rest of our lives. We used to have a long list of countries we wanted to explore- cities, beaches, mountains, the works. But since discovering the Palms, that list has been tossed out. We simply cannot go anywhere else because nothing will ever compare. The Palms has ruined us (the holiday ruiner as another reviewer pointed out is spot on) and we have zero regrets. The Palms is by far the best place in the world for us. Selfishly, I’ve been reluctant to write reviews following previous holidays at the Palms because I haven’t wanted to share this secret, perfect spot with anyone else but that’s unfair to the staff and management at the Palms, who all work very hard and deserve all the success in the world. So I’m sharing our secret. —The Hotel— There are 7 villas at the Palms, 6 of which are identical, I believe, and 1 is tucked away in a corner for absolute privacy (we only recently discovered this hidden villa). Each villa is large, luxurious and very tastefully designed. It has everything you could possibly need and more. There’s a king-sized bed in the main bedroom and another bed in an adjoining room, with a desk if, god forbid, you need to work while you’re there. This secondary bedroom comes with its own ensuite. The main bathroom is straight out of a magazine and there’s a walk-in closet area too. WiFi is fast and reliable and available throughout the property, not just limited to your home base. Each villa has its own designated cabana and beach chairs so we never spend too much time in the villa because we’re always out at the beach or by the pool but when we are inside, I can tell you that the best sleep I’ve ever had has been at the Palms, the best hot rain showers too. The pool and poolside bar are lovely. The pool gets a spectacular amount of sun throughout the day so you should lather up with sunscreen and get copious amounts of vitamin D and happiness into your system. Because the maximum occupancy at the Palms is so small (14-20, adults only), you get to know the other guests at the poolside, you see them at meals and wave and you recognize them later at the airport lounge when you’re all depressed about having your stay at the Palms come to an end. It’s all got a very cozy, boutique-like vibe to it but unrivalled luxury everywhere you look. The grounds are immaculately maintained, the housekeeping staff are excellent and there is security throughout the hotel grounds and on the beach, not that we’ve ever felt unsafe or anything like that in Zanzibar. But still, it’s nice to know you’re looked after across the board. If you need a gym or if you’d like to book treatments at the spa (highly recommend the hot stone massage), or if you want to go diving or rent a jet ski or kayak, you have full access to these amenities at the sister-hotels Baraza and Breezes located on either side of the Palms. —The Beach— I don’t know if you’ll believe me when I say that the beach at the Palms is entirely yours. More often than not, my husband and I have had the beach all to ourselves. Why? Because it’s private and there are only 7 villas. So when you look in either direction, there never seems to be anyone else and it is incredible. White sand, gorgeous blue, clear water and it’s like you’re on your very own island. And that’s not even the best part. The section of beach that the Palms owns has a natural breaker about a kilometer out (I could be totally off on the distance but it seemed like a kilometer to us). At high tide, you have gentle waves on the beach, mellowed by the breaker in the distance, and at low tide, the water recedes to expose the reef/seabed for that full kilometer across and you can do a reef walk all the way across through little pools of ankle-deep water containing a plethora of fish and urchins, starfish and other magical creatures, straight to the edge of a literal cliff at the far end where it goes from shallow to intensely deep. You can stand at the cliff’s edge at low tide and look down to endlessly deep blue water and it’s truly amazing. If you time it right and if low tide begins just after breakfast, then all morning and into the early afternoon, the seabed absorbs the heat from the sun so that at around 2pm, when the tide comes in again, the water, and I’m telling you the truth here, is 40 degrees (Celsius), almost like a hot spring. Just utterly incredible. And because we live in Canada and are shivering more often than we’re not, the warm water is EVERYTHING to us. The closest thing we’ve seen to it is maybe Taylor Bay in Turks and Caicos but the water isn’t nearly as warm and the beach is forever crowded. So the beach at the Palms in Zanzibar, to us, is by far best in the world. For context, we love the warm water so much we typically spend 3-5 hours a day just playing in the ocean. —The Food— One of the most incredible things about the Palms is the food and Chef William is the mastermind behind it all. Unlike regular all-inclusive hotels that offer buffets, given that there are only 7 villas, meals are uniquely special, tailored experiences. Breakfasts are made to order and they literally do it all. Lunches (usually 3 courses) and dinners (a full 5-course affair) come with menus with options you can choose from in advance. Food allergies, special preferences, dislikes, likes- all of that are taken into consideration and there will always be something created just for you. The kitchen staff are completely flexible too. If there’s something you particularly enjoy, they’ll make you more of it in a heartbeat. Every day brings a new menu- Chef William’s creativity knows no bounds. Every dish seems like it is Michelin-star worthy. It warms your soul. I’ve had the best dishes of my life at the Palms. They do seafood like no where else in the world. Freshly caught fish, octopus, squid, prawns, you name it- all fresh, all cooked and seasoned perfectly. I have never eaten as well as I have at the Palms at any restaurant or hotel in the world. In fact, if I were on death row and had to pick my last meal, it would probably be the prawn dish I had at lunch one afternoon at the Palms, with avocado, mangos, onions and peppers. The wines are thoughtfully chosen as well and go splendidly with the meals and the cocktails they make are spectacularly good. —The People— Arguably the best part of the entire experience (even better than the aforementioned private slice of the 40-degree celsius Indian Ocean and the Michelin-star worthy food) are the people at the Palms. The manager, Siriak, has become one of our favourite people in the world. He’s genuine, kind, hilarious and so much fun to be around. When he comes over to chat with us, our already happy days become just that much sunnier. I don’t like small-talk usually but talking to Siriak always feels natural and warm. And our conversations are never forced. I remember spending an afternoon talking to him about the animals that live on the roof of his house and I think that’ll stay with me forever. He goes out of his way to make sure we’re having the best possible experience at the Palms, and he has never failed us. This most recent trip of ours and the one previous, Siriak booked us complementary massages at the gorgeous Frangipani Spa. Just like that. And we felt like we were floating after those massages. We went back for hot stone massages too and I can honestly say I’ve never felt as relaxed after a massage as I did at the Palms following those sessions. There are also four wait staff who have been there since the beginning for us and as a result of 3 trips now, each lasting between 10 and 14 days, they’ve become like family to us. Kibalabala (Kiba for short), Jackson, Ngasa, and Maulid. These four gentlemen, each a unique personality, have looked after us like we were one of their own. I cannot put into words how impeccable their service has been. Nowhere else in the world (and we’ve travelled a lot) have we encountered anything that comes close to what they provide. They work long shifts and when all the villas are full, they’re just on their feet non-stop from start to finish, yet we have never seen them anything but jovial and welcoming and polite. Ngasa’s energy is unmatched, Maulid is incredibly thoughtful and memorizes everything (3 years since our previous trip and he knew we wanted a bowl of fries with lunch every afternoon - he actually reminded us), Jackson is quietly funny and always thinking ten steps ahead, and Kiba is just pure gold charisma and kindness. They go out of their way to learn and understand who you are, what your preferences are so they can anticipate exactly what you want before you even think to ask for it. They joke with us, they tell us stories about their lives and want to know all about ours, all while accommodating every single request that comes their way, with a degree of charm that simply cannot be taught. I love each and every single one of them and miss them dearly now that we’re back in Canada. Incidentally, and something I’m very proud of, is that I have Kiba on WhatsApp and he checks in with me sometimes and sends me the tide schedules so we know exactly when to plan our next trip. I should also mention, the kitchen staff on the rare occasion we see them, the housekeeping crew, the grounds crew, the security guards who man the beach and the property, the staff at reception- they’re all just good, honest people and I always feel pure joy when I have the privilege of crossing paths with any of them. While there is never any pressure or requirement to tip, we try and give as much as we can to the staff because to say they simply go above and beyond would be a gross understatement. They provide an experience that is truly magical. Thank you ever so much to Siriak and his team at the Palms. We have enjoyed every minute with you all and we can’t wait to see you again. Asante sana. So all this to say, go to Zanzibar, perhaps after doing a safari through the Serengeti maybe, and then recover at the Palms. And you’ll just keep going back to the Palms, like us, forever after. Hands down the best hotel and experience ever. It’s changed our lives completely for the better and our perspective on travel has gone from “Where should we go next?” to “When are we going back to the Palms?”
• biblioteksgatan (10/5): Great to be back at this amazing place - Such a pleasure to return home to the Palms, a place that always delivers on the expectations. This time we stayed the Cinnamon Villa which, a cosy and spacious villa. The experience at the Palms is a very welcoming and you feel like home, the staff makes you part of the family and the food and service is excellent. The venue is fantastic overlooking the beach and ocean, it's really one of the best places to relax and reset! We can't wait to come back soon. P&A
• Grunko (10/5): Fantastic stay at Zanzibar’s most romantic resort - Expectations were high after reading fantastic reviews. They were met! From the day we arrived to our departure our every need was catered for. We could not have asked for more. You don’t get a room - it’s a villa - with a small splungepool on the porch. Our own cabana at the beach and 4-5 course lunches and dinners every day. Being an all- inclusive resort there is little hassle. A nice touch is that you are also free to stroll over to the Baraza for drinks or a meal if you need a change of scenery. When leaving our flight back to Amsterdam left just before midnight. I asked if we could have a late check-out. No problem - keep the villa till you leave! Hospitality at its finest! Thank you everyone at The Palms for a fantastic stay!
• 1qazxsw23edcvfr4 (10/5): Fantastic for romantic retreat - Top marks across the board! Stayed here for our honeymoon and had a wonderful time. The staff were kind and helpful, and the food was incredible. Seating locations for lunch and dinner are rotated throughout the week so meal service never feels stale. As part of the stay we could rent kayaks and beach bicycles for free from the sister property. The Palms offer reef shoes for free for a low tide reef walk; take advantage and do it. We'll be recommending this property to our friends, and could see ourselves returning for a future stay. There were no downsides to our stay! Make sure to bring or purchase insect repellent for the evening mosquitoes.
• Regina (10/5): Zum 2. Mal ein mehr als perfekter Aufenthalt. Man fuehlt sich sofort wihl und willkommen - Perfekter Service, tolle Menschen, hervorragendes Essen, tolle Lage und sehr schoene Villen. Es ist einfach perfekt zum Entspannen und wunderbar romantisch —
• emilygL932GB (10/5): Dreamy honeymoon spot - We had the most amazing honeymoon experience at The Palms! To say it was peak luxury is an understatement. Our room, the facilities, the spa, the food, the service- all beyond top tier!! Before we could even speak out loud that we wanted something someone was there with it, like they could read our minds. It was such a romantic setting and all of the staff made it so special. Can not recommend more!
• 89marcelineh (10/5): A little corner of paradise… - Beautiful place…nested in a well entertained garden. A top manager, very present and concerned of the well being of his guests. Excellent food, and all the servers are very nice and efficient. The rooms are so spacious and comfortable. Beautiful beach, but beware of the many sea urchins. We really had a good time.
• BJCIZY (10/5): Top Class Customer Service - Unusually I am writing this review without having actually stayed at The Palms. However we had confirmed our booking for late November and having read the reviews we were so excited to stay there. However events in Tanzania meant our flights etc were disrupted. We had to reach out to The Palms to find a solution. The response was exceptional from prompt replies to our questions to exploring all options and finding a solution that worked for us. That was a relief for us. We have stayed at many good hotels across countries but in terms of customer service they would do well to follow the example of The Palms. If the on- site service is like the customer service, as I’m sure it is, it must be an excellent place to stay. Following on our excellent experience we are determined now to finally go there and we cannot wait. Thank you so much to all of the people we dealt with including Tony, Carol, Janet and Edwin. You set a high standard.
• rusb (10/5): Perfect place to end and African Safari Holiday. - We had a fantastic stay at the Palms. The small number of villas provides for a intimate getaway. The villa's are amazing. The service from all the staff is great, a special mention to Ngasa and Jackson who made us feel at home at the Palms. All the food was very good and the small number of guests made dining feel very special. On two nights they had entertainment which was very nice. The pool is great, a nice temperature and again because of the small number of guests the pool is never crowded. We would defiantly recommend the Palms to anyone visiting Zanzibar.
• Michael (10/5): -
• vickyt452 (10/5): Palms Zanzibar is the best! - Fantastic and romantic small resort with high-quality standards and personalized interactions with guests.  The resort itself and the villas are gorgeous and very clean. The environment is peaceful.  There is no animation except during dinnertime when local musicians serenated us. This contributed to a great ambiance, which was perfect for relaxation and intimacy.  All meals are à la carte with several services.  The server brought us cocktails, appetizers and the dinner menu between 6-6:30 pm to allow us to make our choice in advance.  We came to look forward to this small attention every night.  The food was delicious and nothing short of fine cuisine every time. We did not spend much time in our plunge pool or the main pool and preferred using our cabana near the beach.  The beach is well-maintained and wide.  There are masai guys who keep coming around to sell us stuff while we walked, which became annoying after a while as they can be quite insistent.  The best strategy is probably not to engage with them at all (unfortunately), otherwise they won't leave you in peace.  There are security agents nearby, and it is very safe to walk.  The spa has a great variety of services with reasonable prices.  I was even able to schedule a private yoga session through the spa.  Above all, the best thing about this resort is the staff.  They are very welcoming, eager to please, focused on their guests' needs, discrete, calm, and always seem to be in a good mood.  Special thanks to Sirika (I hope I remember his name correctly) for the pleasant discussions and checking on us daily, and to the servers who always seemed happy to teach me new swahili words and expressions!  They truly made us feel like family.  It was sad to say goodbye but we are grateful for all the kindness they showed us and for being part of that little piece of paradise for a few days.  Please make sure not to forget to tip the staff at the end of your stay.  There is a box at the reception that serves this purpose.  Tips are then distributed among the various staff members.
• W3619RGmattt (10/5): A throughly enjoyable experience on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar - Me and my wife have just had the privilege to spend 5 nights at The Palms and couldn’t recommend it highly enough. The setting and grounds are beautifully laid out and manicured and with only 7 villas it never felt crowded. Our Villa was exceptional with a well designed and decorated interior, huge bathroom, comfortable king size bed and plenty of space to relax in fully air conditioning comfort, we particularly enjoyed the mini pool on our porch to cool down in. The private beach cabana is great and it means no rushing to find a perfect spot. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the all inclusive food and drinks were delicious and delightful with live local music acts some evenings to accompany dinner and entertain. A throughly enjoyable experience on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
• Q1975UJnicky (10/5): Amazing Experience - What a fabulous hotel with amazing staff! I cannot recommend Syriac (operations manager) and his team more highly. Their attention to detail, friendliness and can-do attitude was exceptional. My wife was ill during our stay and the care shown to her was fantastic, from the waiters who brought her endless cups of ginger tea (without request), to the provision of local herbal remedies (again without prompting) -- a genuine caring and considerate team. Chef William created some mouth-watering meals for us and we were impressed not only by the quality of the food, but also the variety. An intimate and exceptional gem of a hotel, with incredible service. Thanks for your amazing attention!! And especially to Syriac, a true gentleman who really knows how to look after his guests -- thank you.
• victoriajoanne93 (10/5): A perfect honeymoon - Last month we spent an utterly perfect 5 days at the end of our honeymoon at The Palms. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel like royalty. The staff are welcoming, attentive and always have a smile on their faces. Siriak, the operations manager, was always on hand to chat, check we were having a good day, and happy to sit and teach us how to play bao. The bar and waiting staff; Kibalabala, Jackson, Ngasa and Mau (apologies if any misspelt!) were wonderful, so kind and friendly and nothing was ever too much to ask. This is all without even having got on to describing the hotel itself, which is simply idyllic. There are only 7 bungalows, so the whole thing feels so intimate and exclusive. It is so quiet and peaceful, and you really feel like you’re the only people in the world, a feeling amplified by the staff who always made us feel so special. Our bungalow was so spacious and beautifully decorated, with a seating area, a gorgeous bathroom with free standing bath, a separate dressing room and a whole other bedroom and bathroom which we just used for storage! The little private terrace and mini pool was such a wonderful place to sit in the evenings before dinner. The communal areas, again, are beautiful. They are so thoughtfully decorated, such that they feel authentic and in keeping with the surroundings, but also modern. The pool area is lovely, with a little pool bar where lunch was served most days - however they like to shake things up occasionally and on one day we found our beach cabana transformed into a private beach dining area, and on another the staff created an entire wooden and palm-leaf structure right on the beach for everybody to have lunch under, with the waves lapping almost at our toes. Similarly the tables for dinner were moved to slightly different spots every night, which kept things exciting and interesting. Almost every night there was different entertainment, from live music to a talk on local history. The food itself was exceptional, hats off to Chef William! There was so much variety every day, and everything was cooked to perfection and presented beautifully. We could hardly move after five days of 4 course lunches and 5 course dinners every day! Similarly with the drinks - the bar staff are always on hand to create something delicious - we were big fans of the passionfruit mojitos! We really miss our morning non-alcoholic cocktails in our beach cabana and being brought our sundowners and canapés with the dinner menu every evening. I cannot find a single criticism of this place, and could talk about how wonderful it is all day. We have travelled a lot around the world, The Palms is hands-down our favourite. We hope to be back one day
• christophe (10/5): MAGIQUE - Un Hotel intimiste ou Siriak et toute son équipe vous feront sentir comme de leur famille . Nous avons séjourné dans beaucoup de beaux hôtels dans le monde mais The Palms restera dans nos mémoires pour la qualité des services, la gentillesse de l’équipe et son professionnalisme ! Nous sommes restés 11 nuits et ce fut du bonheur du début à la fin . Nous reviendrons
• clareh633 (10/5): Hidden Gem - We were blown away by this Hotel, the service was outstanding, our bungalow was large and well decorated making it feel like home. Each day we were pleasantly surprised by the wonderful food we were served, it was lovely to have freshly cooked local cuisine. The Hotel is small and intimate, and very quiet which was exactly what we wanted. We couldn’t have asked for anything more and as frequent travellers finding a Hotel like this is rare. We loved it so much, we have already reserved for next year.
• T3277KWpeterj (10/5): A Slice of Paradise at The Palms, Zanzibar - Accommodation is just Like at Home. During our stay we felt as a true guest, and enjoyed the height of privacy in the spacious, elegantly designed standalone villas – of which there are only7 of. Our Villa “Jasmin” featured a lavish master bedroom, a separate day room, walk-in dressing area, and two bathrooms. A nice private terrace with a sun-drenched daybed and a sparkling plunge pool just very few steps from the ocean — plus your very own private cabana and sun loungers at the beach side. Dining and Moments That Delight. The Culinary experiences at The Palms were extraordinary. From generous and indulgent breakfasts to lunch and beautifully themed dinners — with live local music, candlelit settings, and creative décor — every meal was a celebration served outside either at the main terrace or at the pool bar. “Every evening, a ‘sundowner’ cocktail was served for us wherever we wanted and accompanied with delicious snacks.” Fantastic food, wine, and mocktails were also served at the beachside cabanas. Service That makes you feel as a guest. The warmth and attention of the staff is to be highlighted. From the highly personable manager - Siriak – who was present every day all day long and his outstanding team - you always felt seen and cared for despite hour of the day. The service was attentive and bespoke, you are not a number at The Palms… any request is fine, just ask – you are and feel yourself as an very appreciated guest. The Perfect Escape if you acquire a silent luxury stay The Palms is set on a fine stretch of beach; The Palms offer a sublime balance of tranquility and cultural engagement. Perfect if you are seeking solace and privacy in mature comfort. Only minus is the tide water – but luckily the pool at the Palms is excellent. Final Thoughts If your soul craves peaceful luxury, personalized service, and tranquility, The Palms, Zanzibar is nothing more than magical. Its lavish villas, elevated dining, and heartfelt hospitality creates an escape that lingers long after you’ve returned home. Sincerely thank to the whole Palms Team for making our holiday unique.
• marygW2531DS (10/5): The Palms was a relaxing, beautiful experience with excellent service offered by kind and wonderful staff. Delightful! - Wonderful stay at The Palms ! We enjoyed every bit of the elegant, relaxed setting that was beautiful, clean and well-staffed. We enjoyed delicious, local food served by friendly, happy people. As well, we found the management staff especially helpful when we needed some assistance with travel plans. They were patient, kind and skilled. We were happy to spend four days there relaxing after a seven day safari. Perfect place to rest and reflect. We highly recommend The Palms at The Zanzibar Collection!
• Spainte (10/5): Luxury like you want!! - What an amazing place to end a safari! Beautiful bungalows, amazing landscape, and the staff could not have been more welcoming and downright fantastic! Special shout out to the Chef for amazing food and for accommodating us when we weren’t up for a 3 course lunch (😜) by creating spectacular salads. Also to Kiba and Jackson who were just so friendly - actually they all were. Wishing I could go back again!!!!!
• Tom (10/5): Incredible experience, amazing hotel with luxury service and beautiful tropical setting. Exceptional food and service th - Everything, staff were so friendly and anticipated everything you need even remembering favourite drinks and assisting with smooth check out and in. Even laying out breakfast early when you had trips. Food was exceptional and so was cocktails. Bungalows were beautiful with private cabana’s all room fittings were highest quality. Great pillows and mattress. Nothing.
• BandN129 (10/5): Beautiful, highly secluded property - We stayed at The Palms 3 nights after a long safari to enjoy some beach time. PROS: The villa (Clove) was very spacious with bedroom, living room, day room, 2 bathrooms, 2 walk-in closets, and porch with a plunge pool. Also comes with private beach cabana. All areas of the property are kept immaculate and picturesque. All meals are 3 courses which are expertly prepared, plated, and served. (There are no quick and casual options should that be important for you.) A nice perk is the evening cocktail and menu service to take your order early. Beer, soda, tea, coffee and water provided in the minibar. All staff we encountered were friendly, helpful, and professional. The manager helped us set up a private sunset tour and snorkeling trip from neighboring properties. They also allowed us to have a late check out which we greatly appreciated. CONS: While the amenities provided covered the basics, they seemed a little scarce for such a luxury hotel; eg no dental kit, shaving kit, bar soap, slippers, or in-room snacks. We were told wine & champagne were included and available upon request, and we clarified this again when we ordered a bottle for our sunset cruise; however we were charged for it at checkout. I was under the impression we’d get service in the cabanas, but we had to walk up and order at the pool bar each time. The laundry service is not included but it was very efficient and affordable. Overall the Pros far exceeded the Cons and we would definitely recommend this place to friends traveling to Zanzibar.
• gillianbA7483MI (10/5): Not a hotel, but a private club! - Paradise has just been found, not a hotel but a 'private club' that offers peace, tranquillity, beautiful grounds, a perfectly comfortable villa and a personal beach side cabana. We personally preferred the thatched cottage and carved dark wood style of the buildings, unique to the island and it's history. Drinks through out the day just kept appearing, from a bottle of water in an ice bucket by your sunbed, to mid morning refreshing cocktails, to pre dinner cocktail with snacks. The wine list has a good selection of wines and further cocktail choices to suit your every whim! The food was amazing with a well thought out menu that offered just the right amount of choice for everyone. Each menu is brought to wherever you are sitting for both lunch and dinner, you have time to quietly make your choice before ordering. Then, when you are ready to eat, without fuss, your meal will arrive to where ever you wish to dine. Service is not pushy or in your face, just friendly and relaxed, but attention to detail was spot on! Meals were never rushed and the 'buffet table' was never in sight! A huge thank you to Manager Siriak and all of his wonderfully friendly team for taking such good care of us. We enjoyed meeting you all and we hope to return to The Palms someday soon.
• Golfwise (10/5): Exclusivity and fine dining all the way - We came to The Palms after 6 nights on Safari in Tanzania. This hotel does not disappoint in any way. From the moment we arrived, the level of care and exclusivity were obvious. The room is a suite, a complete detached villa to yourself. A large, comfortable lounge, huge bed that is like sleeping on a cloud, dressing room, huge bathroom with bath, shower, toilet and bidet. There is then a connected “day room” that can sleep one more person, which has its own shower and toilet. Outside you have a private terrace with day bed and plunge pool all to yourselves. Rooms are less than 50 yards from the sea, where you will find your own cabana and sun-beds. Equally close is the pool, dining terrace and bar. The food here is exceptional, fine dining all the way. It is almost too much food at times, so we selected a single course from the menu at times, rather than the full set of courses (some examples in pictures). The service is attentive and bespoke, you are not a number, you are a guest of the hotel and any request is fine, just ask. The hotel is seemingly often used as a honeymoon hotel, for which it is ideal. However, we are in our early 60’s as were others, and the exclusivity and luxury certainly suits this category too. Every evening, a “sundowner” cocktail is delivered to wherever you are along with delicious snacks. The manager Siriak and his team go out of their way to know you and understand your needs as well as offering good local knowledge. This review would be incomplete if we didn’t mention the staff who shone for us, always smiling, always happy, always there when needed, thank you Mau (Maulid), Ngasse and Jackson for all that you did for us.
• 365cheriew (10/5): The very, very greatest hotel in the world. - With the greatest of respect to everyone else who has posted reviews of The Palms, we don't believe any of the reviews do it enough justice! And, to be clear, this review wont either. The only comment we’ve read on Tripadvisor which truly sums it up is this: “The Palms is a holiday ruiner. No holiday will ever be as good, ever again”. It is almost impossible to put into words just how unfathomably amazing this place is. You will read reviews like this before going and think “wow that sounds pretty great”. But, nothing can truly prepare yourself for how wonderful it really is. Everything, and we mean everything, is superb, on point, absolute perfection. The food is first class, ranging from very very good, to world class exceptional. The room/villa is a thing of luxurious decadence and beauty (and, every single time you leave it, someone goes in to clean it/tidy it, and even fold the end of the toilet paper, such that every time you return, it feels like you’ve just arrived). The tranquility and the privacy is unrivalled. And then there’s the service. There will be many a hotel in the world with amazing beaches, beautiful accommodation and wonderful food. The Palms is one of the very greatest in these respects. But, what makes this one of the very very top hotels in the world is the service, the experience, the overwhelming sense of comfort and serenity, the hospitality, and the staggering degree to which everyone who works there makes you feel so immensely at ease. It is very clear that Siriak, the very humble yet remarkable manager, has a team of people supporting him who truly share his vision for making every guest feel like a Sultan or Sultanah. Every single member of staff is engaged in what they do, they have the perfect balance between being attentive and honouring your privacy, and they are so perfectly trained and on point. From the likes of Kiba, Jackson, Ngasa and Maulid who serve you drinks and food, to the meticulous and always smiling housekeeping staff, to the gardeners, and right through to the privately contracted G4S security guards who keep an eye on the private beach and the grounds, every single person works to consummately preserve your privacy, your dignity and your quiet corner of paradise. The experience you will have at The Palms is unlike anything you will ever experience in your life. Since we’ve returned home, we’ve sat patiently waiting for sundowners to be brought to us with a menu at 6pm. None have arrived. We will have no choice but to sell all our worldly belongings and return to the Palms as soon as possible. To all of you at The Palms: Asante sana for everything. You have given us the most remarkable lifelong memories, and you have made 100% certain we will return as soon as we possibly can. Ben and Cherie.
• davidrI7878KJ (10/5): Fabulous - My wife and I just completed a 4 day stay at the Palms after our Tanzania safari trip. After a hectic week on safari, the Palms was the perfect retreat to recharge our batteries. Siriak and his staff made us feel very welcome and the level of service and attention to detail is second to none. There are 7 individual villas onsite which allows the guests a lot of privacy whilst not feeling at all neglected. Each villa also has their own cabana next to the beach. At the pool, the staff bring amazing drinks pre lunch. Lunch and dinner are 3 options of starters and mains whilst Chef William is happy to adapt to any dietary issues one may have. The food each day was wonderful. Of an evening, a pre-dinner cocktail is delivered to the villa with that evenings dinner menu. Over our 3 night stay we had a sundowner, a caipirinha and a banana daiquiri whilst we decided on our dinner choice. Guests of the Palms can also use the facilities of the sister hotels,the Breezes and Baraza next door. If you're looking for an intimate place to spend time in Zanzibar look no further than the Palms.
• Ritika (10/5): - Excellent and attentive service, beautiful property, and the food was absolutely delicious! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here, the interiors of the room were beautiful and the service was impeccable. Highly recommend to anybody visiting Zanzibar!
• Mariagiovanna (10/5): Paradise - This place is heaven on earth! My villa was huge, beautiful and felt very private. I loved having my own cabana on the beach, where I spent most of my time relaxing and watching the stunning colors of the sea, while sipping a refreshing drink. But what makes this hotel special is the amazing staff. Everyone was so accommodating and attentive: from Siriak, the manager, to the awesome waiters Ngasa, Maulid and Jackson. It felt like being home, surrounded by beautiful people. And the food...uuuuf it was so delicious!! I already miss everything about this place and I hope to come back someday.
• hholliger (10/5): Stunning Zanzibar Hotel Experience - This place is terrific. Personal, tailored service from start to finish. From management (Siriak, operations manager) through everyone on the staff, well, team, there is a keen desire to make sure your experience is perfect. The setting is stunning. The accommodations are beautiful and thoughtfully designed and executed. We have a few dietary issues that were 1) inquired about, and 2) taken very seriously. Quality of food is outstanding. I give this place my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
• Z4070EDjamiem (10/5): Lovely Stay - What a wonderful experience at The Palms. Everything was top notch. Our villa was spacious and comfortable. The hotel was intimate with only 7 villas so was quiet and relaxing. Chef William and his team served very delicious food. The service was excellent. Siriak and his team did a great job. We highly recommend The Palms if you are planning on visiting Zanzibar.
• Kay (10/5): Exceptional -
• Y9281HNbarryp (10/5): Custom Relaxation and Quiet Beauty - The Psalms is an amazing and unique place! It has 7 villas total, that are styled in a classic East African Luxury style. The villas are large with two rooms and two large bathrooms (en-suite). Each villa has its own beach cabana which is wonderful. We really loved that this was a small resort, with just the 7 Villas. The grounds and pool and dinning areas are great. You can access the sister properties next door (walking) which includes a well stocked gym, spa, lap pool and tennis court. The food was outstanding. Probably the best part of staying here is the custom element.... You can order cappuccinos, tea, wonderful fresh juices at anytime of the day or night. Likewise with meals, you can ask for anything special and they will do their best to add this to the menu! We asked specifically for sushi one night and a flourless chocolate cake another night (we provided our favorite recipe) and they made this for us! Siriak is the perfect manager, super attentive, warm, helpful and very caring with all our specific requests and needs. All his staff are first-class. The beach walks are also wonderful. Even better, is that the beaches are much quieter than many places in east africa so you have a lot of peace when out walking and are not constantly disturbed by people selling goods. We look forward to returning soon!
• NigelNicole-S (10/5): First Class. - There is very little we can add to the already excellent reviews of the Palms. Siriak and his team looked after us to a standard we did not expect. We could not have expected more. I cannot praise the team enough. Overall, the hotel teams were great.
• 832tuijas (10/5): Excellent stay, pure luxury - Amazing holiday in one of the most beautiful and luxurous hotel in the world. Service was excellent, friendly and staff was always happy and smiling. They made us feeling so special. Food was delicious and we enjoyed 3-4 courses lunchs and 5-8 courses dinners feeling to be pampered! Almost every evening there was music entertainment and local cultural performance. Only seven villas guaranteed privacy and peaceful stay. Big and warm thank you to whole staff!
• Dream28759099251 (10/5): The kind of place I thought only existed in dreams - This review is long overdue but I found myself daydreaming of the Palms as I often do, and figured better late than never. I am an adventurous type who would never dream of staying in a hotel for the length of a vacation, let alone an all-inclusive experience. But for my honeymoon, I knew I would just want to rest. I scoured the globe for an all-inclusive resort that would be quiet and romantic but sustainably minded, that employs locals and gives back to the surrounding community rather than leeching resources from it. The Palms seemed to fit the bill so I took a chance based on the incredible reviews. I was cautiously optimistic but somewhat unsure what to expect. I cannot emphasize enough what a wonderful stay we had here. Even with the freak rains during our November 2023 stay, I would not have changed a thing. As a longtime NYC native and foodie, I was blown away by the freshness, flavor, and variety of food offered. We loved the opportunity to leave the resort for activities such as snorkeling, a tour of a spice farm, and a guided historical visit to Stonetown. But most memorably, the service provided by the Palms staff strikes the perfect cord: attentive but never invasive, kind but never ingratiating. Just genuine warmth. At times, the personal touches made me quite emotional as I've never really been cared for like this. One evening my new husband and I returned to our villa to find the bathroom tub had been filled with hot water and laden with flower petals, a total surprise. On another day, I thought I might ask for a coconut drink as I'd seen another guest having one the morning prior.. When I realized that the staff climb the trees to retrieve them fresh, and the trunks were too slippery because of last night's rain, I was horrified (please, don't risk your life for my refreshment!! I can easily forgo a coconut!). Two days later, I was presented with a coconut at breakfast. Someone had remembered my request from 48 hours beforehand and indeed climbed up a tree as soon as it was safe to do so. I was speechless. Another evening, manager Siriak was gracious enough to teach my husband and I how to play a traditional board game (bao), taking time out of what I'm sure is a full schedule to patiently explain the rules to us. One afternoon, my husband and I were enjoying the pool and saw Kibalabala leaving the poolside bar with drinks. "Those look delicious," we thought, so we caught him on his way past and asked if we might have two pina coladas. He agreed, but all the sudden I saw him abruptly turn around back to the bar. I was mortified... "Wait, Ben - he made those drinks for US!" Yes, he had put together some beautiful cocktails simply because he saw us enjoying the sunshine and wanted to offer us a nice beverage. We called him back, apologizing and thanking him profusely! (Of course, the drinks were incredible.) For the final meal of our honeymoon, the staff built a cabana BY HAND out of branches, palm fronds, and flowers for us to dine on the beach before we said goodbye to Zanzibar. Again, I was left speechless and almost brought to tears. This is the kind of thoughtfully, lovingly curated environment that turns a vacation into an experience that you think back on anytime you are stressed, or angry, or need a mental escape after you go back to your regular life. Nearly two years later, my husband and I still reminisce about Jackson's breezy skills behind the bar, Kibalabala's devotion to making sure we left the table stuffed, Maulid and Ngasa's wonderful smiles. I have never traveled to the same international locale twice, but for the Palms, I think we will have to make an exception. See you at our 10 year anniversary! Much love from New York!
• Tuija (10/5): Excellent - Beautiful place whith the most friendly and considerate service. Villa was super and the food excellent. Almost every evening there was music entertainment. We enjoyed our stay very much!
• RobertJ1734 (10/5): Amazing hotel. Very private - We had a spectacularly relaxing week at The Palms. There are seven gorgeous villas, each with their own cabana and plunge pool. The villas are very spacious with excellent air conditioning. The staff were all very welcoming and the food was always delicious. We were very sad to leave.
• Ankan2015 (10/5): Calm, luxorious, great all-inclusive - Wonderful place, quite small but with big, comfortable beautiful houses. Close to the beach where you have your own cabana. Wonderful service and terrific surroundings. Closeby you have Barazza and Breezes hotels where you can find gym, spa and tennis! Only take a couple of minutes walk to get there. The Palms only have eight houses, which means that you really can relax and enjoy a place without a lot of tourists all around! We were really sad to leave this wonderful place and can absolutely recommend this if you want something extra. The tide is something special, but you need shoes when you walk in the ocean due to many seaurchins! We will definitely come back!
• Doured (10/5): EXCEPTIONAL AND OVER THE MOON ! - EVERY SINGLE THING !!!!!! There was NOTHING not to like !
• John (10/5): I have been blessed to stay and many incredible hotel, hotels, and resorts over the years, but this one is at or near th - The villas are spectacular. Absolutely gorgeous. And the staff are beyond compare. Anything you want anytime you want they will do for you. Thank you for an amazing five nights. Nothing.
• 278petrir (10/5): Perfect Christmas - The Palms. I don't know where to begin. Absolutely fantastic stay over Christmas. We enjoyed every minute of it This hotel is very quiet, private and secure! The gardens are lush and very well kept and the villas are huge! The manager Siriak and the entire staff are true professionals. Excellent service from everyone during the whole 7 night stay! Can' ask for more, thank you! Lastly food and drinks. From breakfast until dinner. We ate only at the hotel snd every meal was very good and the service top notch! Can highly recommend the Palms in Zanzibar!
• Laurence (10/5): - Cet hôtel est un petit paradis avec seulement 7 villas ultra luxueuses ( excellente literie, parquet partout, Clim dans ttes les pièces, petite terrasse aménagée..) Le manager et personnel sont adorables et a l’écoute.. La nourriture abondante et variee est délicieuse, bravo pour les jus de fruits frais et les cocktails proposés. Juste une remarque pratique pour les personnes en difficulté de mobilité : poser des rambardes pour descendre à la plage , actuellement ce sont des marches en pierre un peu difficiles .. J’espère revenir dans ce petit paradis !
• n0ela108 (10/5): The Best part of Zanzibar the Palms - This place is very intimate and one of the most romantic places you can go. The villas are large and spacious, the cabanas were perfect and on the water. we often talk about missing our sundowners (cocktails). The service and details were not overlooked in any way. Ngasa, Kibalabala, Maulid and Jackson made our stay incredible.
• R908GBlindan (10/5): An Extraordinary Experience - We arrived to The Palms in the evening after an adventurous but exhausting safari and from the minute we arrived we had the most fantastic experience. We were greeted by the lovely manager with staff and were shown to our villas - there are only seven altogether - ours had bedroom, living area, two bathrooms with walk-in closets and an extra room which we used for all our luggage. It also had a private patio under roof with daybeds and a small pool. Every villa has a private cabana overlooking the beach. The staff served us sundowner cocktails with an amuse bouche at our villas and presented five course menus with different delicious choices. We were blown away by the beauty and luxury, the excellent service and the fabulous food. Dinner was served on the terrace in the main building, and lunch by the pool bar, both overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean and the extremely well-kept grounds and pool area (the gardening was taken care of without any noise whatsoever which was another pleasant detail). This is a beautiful property, with friendly, professional staff who made us feel very welcome. We also enjoyed listening to different musicians pretty much every night, some were very good. We had access to the neighbor properties where you could find gym, spa, other restaurants (which we did not visit) and there was a shop at the Breezes, but we spent most of our time at The Palms since the staff took so good care of us there, including making delicious cocktails served by the pool. I could not have been happier and can strongly recommend this resort. Thank you all!
• kennedyr280 (10/5): Tanzania Honeymoon - My husband and I stayed here for five nights on our honeymoon and it was an incredible experience. The property and accommodations are beautiful. The food and drinks were fantastic. We were so glad we chose the Palms based on its' small size and being adults only. It was very intimate and quiet, which was so relaxing (much smaller than the neighboring Baraza and Breezes). The staff were all very warm and welcoming and provided excellent customer service.
• Michael (10/5): Exceptional - 7 villas only makes the place a great calm and relaxing getaway. The whole experience was fantastic and all the staff are nice and helpful, special thanks to Siriak the manager who was always taking care of us and made it a perfect holiday. Drinks, food, special attentions, room, view, everything was great!.
• adde (10/5): - Vi hade en underbar vistelse under 5 nätter. All service man kan tänka sig. Underbart god och varierad mat. Personalen gjorde allt de kunde för att vi skulle få äta våra måltider på fler underbara platser. Generöst och privat boende, perfekt för avkoppling och par. Fina områden och man upplever överallt att man har hela anläggningen för sig själv. All typ av aktiviteter, cyklar-paddel-boards-snorkling fanns på deras systerhotel bredvid. Vi kommer tillbaka!
• Catherine (10/5): More than perfect - Everything was exactly what you expect in a luxury hotel. nothing
• Angelina (10/5): Incredible! Highly recommended! - I love the exclusivity of the resort (7 villas only), tranquility, the flexibility whenever you ask for different food not listed on the menu , the impeccable service offered by the staff and the dedicated cabana for each villa. Every staff in the resort was helpful, especially Sidrik the hotel manager who is always ready to go the extra mile. I would consider staying at the resort again!! Nothing significant but I wish the lighting was brighter in the villa.
• Nick (10/5): We wanted quiet seclusion, and we certainly were not disappointed. - Staff always friendly and available. Service impeccable. Meals delicious. Only seven bungalows, which meant only seven other couples and no children. Perfect. I wish there had been a parasol or two by the pool. The sun was sometimes fierce. A shady spot would have been nice.
• Jamal (10/5): - Great staff, service, food, & ocean views
• Per (10/5): Enastående vilsamt - Varmt mottagande och rundvandring på området! Nyckel till den fantastiska 150 kvm stora villan med stort badrum/ duschrumm toalett och dubbla handfat! Bagagerum med förvaring garderob och safe. Stort sovrum med fantastisk dubbelsäng. Sänghimmel myggnät och trevlig belysning. A/C i alla rum separat. Kyl med div drycker och färskvatten obegränsat. Underbar altan med relaxmadrass och avsvalkningspool. I alla avseenden en fantastisk plats att bo på .
• Alexandra (10/5): Exceptional -
• Tais (8/5): Very nice - The room was huge, very comfortable and the bathroom was big The room was a little dark, even during day The food was not the best. But everybody was very thoughtful
• Sue (10/5): We loved everything! - Everyone and everything we encountered was exceptional. The staff were the true gem of the resort -- so kind, knowledgeable, and warm -- that we felt so at peace and enjoyed every moment of our stay. The food was also outstanding -- and beyond our expectations -- it was varied, healthy and tasty. Due to an incredible staff, service and food, we never wanted to leave the resort and did not (except to exercise at the sister resorts)! One of our best vacations ever!
• Florian (9/5): Superb - The staff was very nice. The villas are great and spacious, and the garden, pools and private cabanas are fantastic. The place is very private.
• William (10/5): - We recently spent 6 nights at The Palms Zanzibar Resort. The whole experience was absolutely First Class! The resort is on a beautiful, long, sandy beach with private access – perfect for long walks or runs. There are only 7 villas - Ours was gorgeous and well prepared for visitors' comfort. The Staff, led by Mr Siriak Evarist (Operations Manager), was extremely warm and welcoming and worked hard to make us feel at home. The Chef, Mr William, prepared excellent meals using locally-produced fresh fruits, vegetables and fish in delicious and innovative ways with occasional bits of beef and chicken. My wife has special dietary sensitivities, and Chef William and all the Staff were well-briefed and worked very hard to make sure her particular needs were well and happily met. The Palms Zanzibar is in the same family as 2 other resorts just next door, and we were free to visit the facilities, restaurants, and shops at those, too. On a couple days, we enjoyed a well-informed, guided historical tour of the capital, Stone Town, got a Spice Farm experience (absolutely fascinating and highly recommended), and a ½ day snorkelling in a nearby lagoon. We could have kite surfed or sailed, too, as the wind was excellent the entire time. In conclusion, this was one of our most memorable and happy holidays – and we can’t wait to go back!
• Tuki (10/5): Exceptional - Everything was superb Amazing, nothing
• Ashley (10/5): Exceptional stay in paradise! - Everything! The property, our villa, the food, the privacy, the first class service, the friendly staff, I could go on. We especially loved the private oceanfront cabana where we watched the sunrise every morning followed by walks on the beach. Our stay exceeded our expectations, which were already high based on the reviews we read. No complaints — only that we had to leave!
• Mingjie (10/5): A great all-incluaive - Outstanding staffs and facilities. Beautiful pool and private beach. Very good and big house, with great minibar and washing facilities. Massage in sister hotel also great. Dinner full of surprise. Some of the dishes were a little too salty (just in my own opinion).
• Cricket (9/5): Superb - These questions are things we couldn't know. Compared to other parts of zanibar I appreciated the protection from solicitors, but I hope the hotel does something ANYTHING to help them. The money for security could go to real economic empowerment
• Kellygirl (10/5): My stay at The Palms was a splurge that far exceeded my expectations and was worth every penny spen - I was so torn about which hotel/resort to select for my 4-nights stay in Zanzibar, there we so many to choose from. Traveling solo, I took a chance on The Palms. I have never been more pleased. It's an intimate seating and the villas feel like "home". A luxury experience, with the traditional African decor and feel. The villas are huge. I visited at the start of the rainy season and the resort was only 35% occupied. But I loved the personalized attention, and the kindness of the staff is unlike anything I've ever experience. The food was as good (or better) than any restaurant there. I could go on and on, but I'll summarize by saying... whether a couple or single, you will NOT be disappointed if you chose to stay at The Palms. p.s. Another plus was that I could visit any of the other hotels in the Zanzibar Hotel Collection. So I did a spa treatment at Baraza, had dinner with friends at Zawaldi and shopped for gifts at the gift shop in Breezes. AN AMAZING STAY!!! I loved everything about my stay. However, if there was one thing I would change, it's that I could not set the air conditioner below a certain temp. The temp was definitely cool enough, but sometimes after a hot shower, I like it "freezing". :-)
• Anne (9/5): Superb -
• Reem (1/5): I regret in staying in this hotel and paying fortune for nothing. - nothing the service was toooooooo bad and slooooooow, they serve the food in (installment method), and no variety of options of food. I paid for nothing. there were no pool in the villa as description and there is no privacy. also I took ocean view villa but they give me bar view or garden view.
• Johan (10/5): Excellent Hotel with only seven villas. An amazing stay. - An amazing property in Swahili/Colonial style. The food was incredible and the staff extremely service minded.
• Nicholas (10/5): Exceeded our expectations and highly recommended - With only 14 guests maximum the hotel is very intimate. The staff are very professional but friendly and never intrusive. Attention to detail can be seen everywhere. The standard of cuisine is first rate, varied, inventive and beautifully presented. The all inclusive package is generous so although expensive our stay was value for money. Nothing
• Laure (10/5): Exceptional -
• Amit (10/5): really good - place was great the staff was amazing the hotel property was excellent food takes too much time to arrive, but its tastes really good.
• Anonymous (10/5): Exceptional - quiet and secluded
• Sean (10/5): absolute paradise - everything, staff food location were fantastic and exceeded expectations. a lot of mosquitos, deet is extremely necessary
• Diane (10/5): Very Friendly, Quiet, Luxurious Get-Away - This is a small but wonderful resort with only 6 or 7 villa cottages. Everything about our stay was wonderful. The staff was so friendly. They brought drinks and snacks several times during the day without asking. They would accommodate every request we made. We loved our private beach cabana. It was the most relaxing vacation we every had. The meals were wonderful though a bit lengthy with the many courses. The variety of food and drinks was great. They even honored my birthday at dinner time.
• laurent (6/5): Sans plus - Attention on est effectivement au bord de l eau mais il n y a pas vraiment de vue mer comme annoncé . Le soir l hôtel est très triste avec de petits éclairages , les chambres immenses et très belles sont très sombres . Le personnel attend qu on se en aille parfois devant les chambres dans le jardin pour nettoyer c est très désagréable .
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Amazing place. Ultra luxury. Staff are awesome.
• Tobias (10/5): Bästa hotellet! - Det var fantastiskt!
• carolyn (10/5): - Amazing stay - couldn’t have had better hospitality
• Nathana (10/5): Stunning ✅ - It was absolutely amazing, the food was outstanding, high level of all inclusive. Amazing staff and beautiful decorated rooms.
• RUUD (10/5): Lap of luxury - We stayed at The Palms for four nights and was without a doubt spoiled at every turn. We arrived around 2:40am and was greeted by Siriak and his staff. That in itself made us feel that The Palms took extreme care of their guests. We were promptly ushered to our rooms and left to rest. The Palms' staff are not intrusive, but discreet so that guests are left alone to enjoy their surroundings and holiday. In our view, The Palms ensured that their guests were not bored with their stay, as we experienced each day to be different to the previous, in terms of dining. We enjoyed all our meals and were bowled over by chef William's creations. No meal was the same and no setting for dinner was the same either. Every day we had superb massages at the sister hotel, and on our last day we had a couples' massage, which was out of this world. To conclude, we would recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Zanzibar. The staff and surroundings are top class. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are truly spectacular. It is a truly luxurious and pampering holiday for those who just want to relax in a quiet and beautiful setting. Thank you, The Palms, for our exotic holiday.
• Jason (10/5): Amazing stay - We stayed only one night on a quick pit stop to Zanzibar on our honeymoon inbetween safari and Seychelles. If we had to do it over again we would have spent all of our time in Zanzibar here with a quick day trip to stone town. Siriak is a very attentive but not intrusive host. One of the best things about this property is that there are only 6 villas so it is very peaceful and each villa has its own private cabana by the ocean which is a fantastic way to spend the day inbetween meals. As said in other reviews, the food is excellent and we loved every meal. When they learned it was our honeymoon they went out of their way to do something special for us as well. My wife and I travel often (platinum at both SPG and Marriott) and the room we had was probably the nicest either one has ever stayed in (probably three times the size of our NYC apartment).

Photos