Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar - All Inclusive
Location: Mswakini Beach, South East Coast, Zanzibar, Dongwe, Unguja South Region, Dongwe, TZ
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Property Type: property
About this Property
Private Beach and Outdoor Pool
Relax on the private beach or take a dip in the outdoor pool for the perfect getaway experience.
All-Inclusive Dining and Drinks
Indulge in delicious meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments without worrying about extra charges.
Luxurious Rooms with Private Plunge Pools
Unwind in one of the individually decorated guestrooms with private plunge pools and enjoy modern amenities for a comfortable stay.
Escape to Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar - All Inclusive for a luxurious, carefree vacation experience by the beach.
Important Information
- Children 16 years old and younger are not permitted at this property.
- Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Instructions: This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
Amenities & Facilities
- Free breakfast
- Boat tours on site
- Free WiFi
- 24-hour front desk
- Terrace
- Garden
- Luggage storage
- Designated smoking area
- Concierge service
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Library
- Free breakfast
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- On private beach
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free reception
- Snack bar/deli
- Scuba diving on site
- Snorkeling on site
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Beach umbrellas
- Beach sun loungers
- Pool sun loungers
- Boat tours on site
- Free full breakfast
- Water dispenser
- Mosquito nets
- Renewable energy source - solar
Rooms Available
-
Traditional Villa, Ocean View
1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
1076-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished patio with ocean views
Layout - Bedroom and sitting area
Relax - Private plunge pool
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 43-inch flat-screen TV with premium channels
Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), electric kettle, and room service (limited hours)
Sleep - Premium bedding, turndown service, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathrobes, and a separate bathtub and shower with a rainfall showerhead
Practical - Laptop-compatible safe and phone; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Room is accessed via exterior corridors
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Minibar
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Private bathroom
- Slippers
- Satellite channels
- Electric kettle
- Bidet
- Bottle of water
- Room service (limited hours)
- Daily housekeeping
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Turndown service
- Access via exterior corridors
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Free WiFi
- Private plunge pool
- Rainfall showerhead
- Separate bedroom
- Bedsheets provided
Guest Reviews
- Quest42336214619 (10/5): Paradise Felt Like Home. - Amazing experience all around. My husband and I were so spoiled on this trip. Everything was 10/10. I highly recommend. Special thanks to the entire crew for your exceptional service. We shall definitely return and recommend this resort to our friends and family.
- sam6caresse (10/5): A place called PARADISE - Dear All,
Zawadi is a place you have to experience. Where body and soul are in balance.
Lush nature and incredible views, 24/7.
The kindness and attentiveness of the staff is unique. Always attentive to your needs. The cleanliness is unparalleled. I have traveled extensively... but Zawadi is like home, even better.
The villas are beautiful and very spacious.
Beautifully decorated, each villa has its own pool.
Each villa faces the ocean... If you need peace, quietness and relaxation, this is the THE place to be.
For food lovers...the chef and his team take you on a journey, a treat for the taste buds.
A true haven of peace.
Barbara & Alexandra
- stuartmG6168KJ (10/5): Truly spectacular - My wife and I stayed at Zawadi for 5 nights from the 25th-30th November this year and it was nothing short of spectacular.
The villa was amazing, everything looked and felt new and it was always kept immaculately clean.
The staff are amazing, eveyone knew our names and impressively quickly knew our preferences for food and drinks - Bernard, innocent, Ally, Raza and everyone else we met really made our stay special. The food is unbelievable, high end fine dining and surely chasing a Michelin star. The lunch and dinner menus changed daily and I only wish I could have eaten more!
If you are looking for somewhere to stay I cannot recommend Zawadi enough, our only mistake - is that we didn’t stay longer.
We will return.
Stuart & Caroline
- kylec394 (10/5): Honeymoon bliss - From the moment you walk in until your tearful departure, it's the experience of a lifetime. We had an incredible honeymoon. 7 nights of total bliss, relaxation, food, drink, smiles, laughs, swims, naps and cocktails. Definitely the best holiday experience we've ever had. We will be back.
Special shout out to Alli, Innocent, Peter, Bernard, Hamad, Raza, Mabula, Isaac, Dez and all the fantastic chefs and housekeeping team for always making sure we felt so welcome, so entertained and so fed!
- arnauc237 (10/5): The best place for a honeymoon❤️ - Zawadi Hotel Resort is a magical place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views. The service was more than excellent and the place was super clean.
We want to say thank you so much for your amability and patience.
- shahhina2025 (10/5): Relaxing getaway - We recently stayed here for our honeymoon after the first part of our safari. Upon arrival we were greeted with coconuts and friendly staff members. The resort is intimate in that there are only a few villas, so this is the place to come and unwind and relax in the company of whoever you come with. The grounds of the hotel are immaculate and so picturesque. The villas itself are so beautiful. The villa patio overlooking the ocean and the small plunge pool is perfect. Also you can book snorkeling with the front desk! Just as most of Zanzibar, the tides are very extreme so the low tide has the water out almost a mile out. The small cove of the beach is nice but not necessarily for swimming. But definitely the snorkeling included with the hotel stay was great! The food at this resort was very good. It seems like the chef really cared to create a spectacular menu. Every meal is multi course. The staff really go above and beyond for you. Bernard really wanted to ensure we had the best meal experiences, especially as my husband does not drink alcohol and always tried to find something new for him to drink (he didn't want us having the same mocktail). Drinks may be slower to arrive but its because every ingredient is fresh. The staff will go and juice every fruit in your drink. Time is meant to be slower here so don't worry that is part of the vibe. We felt like every staff member genuinely wanted us to have the best experience and we can say the service was excellent. What a great stay.
- donsO3677TE (10/5): Top Tier/ Amazing Staff - Our stay at Zawadi Hotel was top tier, up until the point when my husband had a medical emergency. The staff at the hotel was nothing short of amazing in helping us through an extremely scary 24 hours. The short of it....my husband received the medical help he needed and we are forever grateful to the staff, particularly the manager, Pema, and our driver, Emmanuel, for assisting us.
- janetlX2473DP (10/5): A great get away! - Celebrating a Happy Birthday and 25 yr Anniversary at Zawadi Hotel, exceeded our expectations. The attention to detail, friendly and accommodating staff, wonderful food, beautiful sites and calming location made it very special.
Zanzibar is magical as is the Zawadi Hotel.
Andrew and Janet
- AndrewG979 (10/5): Paradise, the most perfect place for relaxing - My wife and I have just returned from an unforgettable stay at this exceptional resort in Zanzibar, and we are already planning our next visit. From the moment we arrived, everything about Zawadi exceeded our expectations in every possible way.
The quality of the food was absolutely incredible. Whether it was the breakfast buffet with fresh tropical fruits, pastries, or the four course dinners with recommended wines, the food was consistently outstanding. Zawadi's
food challenges many of the best restaurants I've been to.
The staff here were nothing less than extraordinary. Every single person we encountered went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. From the genuine happiness at check-in to the attentive service during our meals, it felt like they genuinely cared about making our stay perfect.
The villas were pure luxury. We stayed in a private villa with an ocean view, and I can’t imagine a more idyllic setting. The design was elegant yet comfortable, with every detail thoughtfully planned – from the spacious interiors to the outdoor plunge pool overlooking the beach. It was the perfect balance of privacy and luxury.
Zawadi is set in one of the most beautiful parts of Zanzibar, with a small white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, with brilliant snorkeling straight off the beach. It’s the kind of place where you can simply relax as soon as you arrive.
This was truly a perfect holiday, and I can’t recommend this resort highly enough. If you’re looking for a luxurious escape in one of the most beautiful places on Earth it'll be hard to beat Zawadi
- Grahamjstn (10/5): Unbelievably special - Zawadi was the final stop on our holiday to celebrate retirement. We could not have picked a better place . The setting is incredibly beautiful and peaceful. The accommodation is sheer luxury. The staff are delightful and are genuinely pleased to have you as guests. Special thanks to Pembe and Bernard who always made time to chat. The food was delicious and so varied. We were truly spoilt and it was so hard to leave !
- oliviakX7770GP (10/5): Zawadi is like staying in a postcard! - Zawadi was the perfect place for my husband and I to relax, unwind, and disconnect on our honeymoon after an incredible but action-packed safari. From the moment we arrived, we felt completely at ease — it was the most relaxed we have felt in years.
The staff was so attentive and accommodating and it was such a personal touch that everyone knew each guest by name. Every meal was a treat — beautifully prepared, multiple courses, and so fresh. The pool and beach were beyond stunning — so pristine they almost looked unreal.
Our villa was luxurious and peaceful with excellent air conditioning, a private plunge pool, and total quiet — we slept better than we have in ages.
Zawadi is pure paradise and we’re already dreaming of the day we can come back!
- karengY7966LA (10/5): Excellent in every way. - Fabulous stay at The Zawadi. Beautiful accommodation in a stunning spot with flowers everywhere. Villas spacious and luxurious and kept spotlessly clean. Staff friendly and professional with high levels of customer service from everyone.
- 188robh (10/5): Opulence personified - After a week and a half of safari in southern Tanzania, we chose Zawadi as a place to rest and relax in what appeared to be luxurious surroundings. We were not disappointed! From the moment of arrival to the moment of departure we were treated as honoured guests, by very professional staff and management. A special mention must be made for Bernard, the F&B Manager and Pema, general manager (or the like!). Both engaged us in conversation at least twice a day, ensuring we wanted for nothing!
The spacious villa was furnished to a very high standard and kept immaculately clean throughout our stay by unintrusive staff. Enormous bed, beautiful bedding, vast bathrooms and extremely comfortable. Wonderful sea views from the secluded villa terrace, which also included a private plunge pool. Food was exceptional, each meal ordered from daily changing menus. Lunch 4 or 5 courses, dinner 5 or 6 courses each accompanied with copious amounts of very good wine, prerceded by canapes and sundowners delivered direct to the villa terrace each evening! Vegetarian options were always available and were tasty. A wide selection of cocktails were available and could be taken in the lounge or the pool bar. A good way to start an evening.
The grounds were beautifully kept, the beach swept after each tide and the pool and sun bed areas were a delight to use. We also had a tour of the on-site farm, where many of the ingredients used in the restaurant are grown.
Overall a fabulous place to relax and unwind, we cannot recommend it highly enough. Zahawi sets a very high bar, one we feel will take a long time to exceed (not sure it's possible!). Many thanks to all the team for making our stay very special.
- jorgedF20ZC (10/5): Paradise on Earth - I have nothing more to say than that it was excellent from the villas, the pool, the personalized attention from the entire staff, the incredible food, everything.
- branksome213 (10/5): Great hotel and great people - What a fantastic hotel with the greatest staff
Fantastic room and facilities and the most welcoming people
We had a wonderful 8 nights celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary
- S8633EVnatashan (10/5): Paradise on earth - out of this world - would recommend to anyone! - Incredible honeymoon experience - wholeheartedly recommend this special place to anyone seeking relaxation, luxury and the most incredible villa, food and service.
Each villa is impeccably clean, well appointed and restful. Sunrises are incredible and a scroll is delivered to each room daily with times of sunrise / sunset. Also - sundowner snacks and cocktails being bought to our terrace at 6pm daily were a lovely surprise.
Bernard and his team on Food & Beverage are incredible - a thousand thank you’s to him and his chaps: Innocent (and his cocktail prowess!), Ally, Hamad, Iddy, Alan and Raza.
The food is out of this world and so plentiful, you will never go hungry. When I wasn’t feeling 100% they went out of their way to make me something off menu. The extensive wine cellar means the all inclusive wines change each day and Bernard meticulously matches them to the menu. They’re predominantly delicious South African quality wines - dreamy! My husband on the other hand enjoyed trying a different cocktail each day and has declared Innocent’s espresso martinis as being the best he’s ever tasted. Watch a stray monkey doesn’t steal your banana at breakfast!
Over our time at the resort, the team learned our preferences and would take these into account each day. A relatively minor touch here and there that made us feel like we were part of the Zawadi family.
Pema was a dream and looked after us so well - facilitating a trip for us, helping us support the local medical clinic and it was lovely to hear how Zawadi help both the local medical clinic in the village and the school.
Highlights include the snorkelling experience, massages at the spa and making pals with other honeymooners by the main pool.
The gardens are incredible - perfect lawns, stunning bougenvillea and a cliff side view of the sea. Thank you to all staff who have created paradise. We were heartbroken to leave and can’t wait to return!
Honestly - we can’t say enough about how special this place is. Thank you for having us and hope to see you soon - Tash & Will x
- sanfran58 (10/5): 10 Stars! - All of the 5 Star reviews were spot on. Arrived to Zawadi after a 9 day safari, which was such a perfect way to end an amazing
Adventure. Greeted by the perfect host, Pema, we loved every minute of our stay. Villas are stunning, and have everything you can imagine wanting (warm
Private plunge pool, all amenities, gorgeous sitting area inside and out, large bathtub). The views are incredible, the grounds stunning. There are games (backgammon and others) and books you can swap on site. Food is spectacular and copious, service is Four Seasons level and then some. We
Snorkeled (all equipment and reef
Shoes provided), kayaked but mostly relaxed. Pool is gorgeous. We did not see mosquitos. We are an older couple and loved talking and hanging out with the many honeymooners. It was just such a lovely atmosphere, everyone was relaxed, happy and grateful to be there. All of the staff (too many to
mention) were amazing. I had a massage, also great. We did go
to StoneTown and stayed at the Park Hyatt last day to be near the airport. It is an interesting city and worth seeing if you can rip
yourself away from the Zawadi trance. Finally, the live music was gorgeous and much appreciated as were the lovely calming playlists.
- Companion65944066769 (10/5): Unforgettable honeymoon stay - From the moment we arrived at Zawadi we felt like we’d entered paradise. Our villa was stunning - it was spacious, beautifully furnished and had the most incredible view of the Indian Ocean. It felt very exclusive but there was also a very relaxed atmosphere which we loved. It was the perfect tranquil break after a week on safari in northern Tanzania. The food and the wine, especially sea food, was exceptional. Our lunches on the terrace with the view over the private bay were our favourite part of the day. The staff were all very welcoming and friendly. We couldn’t recommend Zawadi enough.
Special thanks to Innocent, Ally , Bernard, Iddy and Pema for making our stay very memorable.
- CarolynGurney (10/5): Wonderful Experience - Cannot save enough positive things about our stay at Zawadi. From the minute we arrived until the time we left, we loved it all. The property is beautiful and encourages rest and relaxation. All the staff were great, friendly and attentive. Food was fantastic; they even provided top notch gluten free options. No complaints at all. Can't wait to go back!
- JamesWestwick-Paine (10/5): There should be an option for 6 stars - Wow. Words really cannot do justice to the occasion of spending just under a week at Zawadi, for our (belated) Honeymoon. Don't for a second doubt the very high reviews on this website for Zawadi - they are well earned and absolutely spot-on!
On arrival we were greeted by such warmth, and Pema (the deputy hotel manager) made such an incredible effort to make us feel looked after each day. The hotel itself was flawless; the villas were incredible and immaculately maintained, the pool was lovely and the food was the best we have experienced in all of our many trips around the world. The food was fresh from the local area, and even personalised to our own tastes; an example being that I am not a big seafood fan, and thus had my menu accomodated - a very kind and unexpected touch. The private beach was pristine, clean and idyllic. The snorkelling amongst the reefs was an unforgettable experience, and saw us interacting with clown fish, clams and other rare varieties of sealife.
The hotel provided such a boutique, and intimate experience which made us feel like our wants were individually remembered and catered for. Pema, Ally, Hamad, Bernard, Mubula and Hussein were all beyond exceptional; their hospitality, stories shared and time spent with us were truly what made the Honeymoon unforgettable. I was fighting back a tear when we left, due to the sheer feeling of happiness that staying at Zawadi imbued in us. The cande lit dinner on the terrace, under the stars, was quite frankly one of the most humbling and magical experiences of our lives, and one that will never be forgotten. Thank you so much, all of you, for hosting us so graciously and we will certainly be back in the future. James & Annabelle.
- carolynsin2024 (10/5): The perfect hotel for some time away from reality - This was a very well run resort, perfect location to relax and unwind. All staff were very attentive, rooms are very clean and comfortable and very large!! Could not ask for anything more. Would def recommend to anyone wishing for a secluded restful getaway.
- matthewwC3224MC (10/5): Incredible honeymoon experience! - We had the most amazing stay at Zawadi for some relaxation on our honeymoon post Safari in Tanzania. Zawadi was everything we were looking for - stunning location, incredible food and very hospitable and friendly staff who catered to our every need. If you’re looking for a relaxing stay in paradise, look no further!
- noursY8618EH (10/5): Barefoot Luxury and Unforgettable Hospitality - We just returned from our honeymoon, which ended at Zawadi, and we could not be more thankful to the wonderful staff for making our stay truly unforgettable.
With only twelve beautiful villas, each fitted to the highest standard, Zawadi feels intimate and exclusive — as though you have your own private sanctuary on the coast. The property is perched on an elevated cliff, overlooking the dazzling white sands and turquoise waters of Zanzibar. Blending traditional and contemporary architecture with lush landscaping, this cosy and tasteful retreat felt like a home away from home.
To top it all off, Chef William completely redefined our expectations of the culinary scene in Zanzibar. His creative, fresh, and carefully curated menus were a highlight of every day, turning each meal into a memorable experience.
The villas themselves are spacious and spotless, with beds so comfortable it was hard to leave them in the morning. Each terrace opens directly toward the beach, offering sweeping, picturesque views of the sea dotted with traditional boats.
Other thoughtful touches made our stay even more special: the perfectly curated playlists, the inviting pool (even wonderful on a rainy day), and above all, the incredible staff. From Evelyne, the manager, to Pema, Isaak, Bernard, Ally, and Mabula, every interaction was warm, genuine, and attentive.
Zawadi is authentic barefoot luxury at its finest — private, personal, and unforgettable.
- F42SFsophiar (10/5): Heaven on Earth! - An idyllic start to our honeymoon- beautiful, spotless rooms, delicious food and warm hospitality. The team at Zawadi is so experienced, so friendly and so professional. Special thanks to Iddy, Ally and Bernard for all their care and attention, especially managing dietary requirements. We’d visit again in a heartbeat- a truly unique and beautiful place with a family feel.
- Navigator30641464138 (10/5): Elegant Property - This property is beyond elegant. It was perfect for our relaxation after climbing Mt.Kilimanjaro and safari journey. Everything about this property was beautiful and elegant. The staff was fantastic! We want to recognize Iddy, Pema, Evelyn, Mubula (he gave us a great tour of the farm) and alll of the staff for making our stay wonderful! Very highly recommend!!
- Samer (10/5): - Perfect place to relax and enjoy beautiful beach, snorkling, kayaking. Villas are very nice, food is very tasty, staff is super friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend.
- 816beverleym (10/5): Tranquil , luxurious with amazing staff . Perfect - We have just spent 6 nights at Zawadi as part of our East African holiday . Our travel agents (Audley Travel ) recommended Zawadi as the ideal place to relax after 5 nights on safari in Kenya . How right they were .
After reading the reviews we had very high expectations . We were not disappointed and our expectations were very much exceeded !
Everything was perfect . We didn’t experience any single aspect of our stay that was anything other than first class .
The accommodation, a large villa , one of twelve in the resort , is totally private and overlooks the Indian Ocean . There is a large terrace with a hammock , sun beds and chairs and a small plunge pool - all very comfortable , elegant and tranquil.
Inside. - wow ! The bed , a four poster is the biggest bed we have ever slept in - comfortable and beautifully presented . There is a lounge area and massive bathroom with everything you would need . Our housekeeper kept the place impeccable.
There is a large communal pool and sun beds on terraces leading down to a very well kept private white sand beach . There is also a
“farm “ where they grow a lot of produce for the restaurants . There are donkeys , goats and some cattle as well as chickens and other poultry . It’s a very pleasant walk around there .
The staff were excellent and made our stay unforgettable. Highly personalised service and nothing was too much trouble for any of them . That culture cascades from the senior management down to all the staff at Zawadi . Amazing team . They all deserve a special mention - Pema and Issac at front of house , Bernard and his team of waiters - Raza , Ally , Iddy , Hamad and Innocent . They quickly learned our preferences and looked after us very well . Our housekeeper and Hussain , the pool boy who also cleaned the plunge pools , and at 5.00 pm fed the donkeys and goats with carrots and apples . If you are fond of animals it’s worth meeting up with him for an afternoon walk around the farm .
The food . We met with Chef William . If you were to be served his food in a capital city five star hotel or even a Michelin Star restaurant you would not be disappointed. His food was varied , superbly cooked and presented impeccably with pride . Usually four or five courses for each meal with several choices . Good choices of wines . Don’t forget to have a pre dinner cocktail in the lounge - that’s after they have delivered you a daily cocktail /snacks at around 6.00pm in your villa .
We are constrained by the number of stars we can award on Trip Advisor . If allowed , we would give Zawadi 6 stars . The owners must be very proud of this part of their hotel family .
Steve & Beverley
England
- amillerd (10/5): Absolute luxury... - My wife and I spent 7 nights at Hotel Zawadi celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary...what a beautiful location and accompanying service to do so!
Having spent 7 nights we had the opportunity to test the various reviews and assess the true standard and consistency of service...Zawadi team (from the Resort General Managers, Front of House all the way through to Maintenance team) all didn't disappoint! Every minute of our stay exceeded our expectations, with nothing we asked for being too much of an effort! And the team were exceptionally attentive...
Two examples being, it was noticed my wife and I didn't like red onion in our salads so the team ensured future salds came without red onion. On another occasion we wanted to take advantage of the low tide, which happened to be at the same time as breakfast, to go snorkeling. We asked for some food to be put aside for us...instead the team kept us a table and offered us the full breakfast service, and never once did we feel rushed to finish our food.
The team even started to notice we quite liked a banana milkshake at around 16h00 so started to serve us a milkshake at the same time every day, when we were lying by the pool, without us having to ask.
There are many other things the Zawadi team did to make our stay extra special...
So, if you are looking for a special, relaxing, rejuvenating and memorable holiday then don't look any further than Hotel Zawadi...you won't be disappointed!
From those we had the fortune of meeting (Pema, Evelyn, Bernard, Iddy, Ally, Alan, Hamad, Innocent, Raza, Mabula) to those we didn't get to meet but who made our stay extra special and memorable - Asante sana!
- Livingthedream007 (10/5): A Dream Stay in Paradise — The Perfect Safari Wind-Down - From the moment we arrived at Zawadi, we were blown away, the view from the lobby is breathtaking. The villas are an absolute dream — spacious, private, and perfectly designed to blend luxury with the natural beauty of the coast. Every detail of the property is stunning: from the breathtaking ocean views to the serenity of the grounds, it truly felt like paradise.
Zawadi was the perfect stop after our safari — a calm, luxurious place to rest, recharge, and soak in the beauty of Zanzibar. The peaceful setting and warm ocean breeze made it feel like time stood still in the best way.
But what made our stay truly unforgettable was the staff. Every single person we encountered was warm, professional, and went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Their kindness, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality made this not just a vacation, but an experience we’ll never forget.
We’ve traveled extensively as a family, and this is hands down one of the best resorts we’ve ever stayed at. Zawadi has our highest recommendation — we left feeling relaxed, cared for, and already dreaming of coming back.
Asante sana to the incredible team — you made our time here magical. ❤️
- Gerhard (10/5): - Super leckeres Essen, tollen Villen, perfekter Service, ansprechende Lage, liebes Personal.
Traumurlaub
- Sabre46 (10/5): An Unforgettable Experience - We stayed at this wonderful hotel after a safari trip in the Nyerere National Park. Zawadi is in a beautiful location on the SE coast of the island. From the moment you enter you look out over a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean. Our sea-facing, thatch roofed bungalow is one of 12 spread along the shore line. The large, air-conditioned interior is luxurious with a massive bed and elegant furnishings. All the facilities you would expect are provided and there is plenty of space for hanging clothes and storing suitcases, etc. There is a veranda at the front with a stunning view over the sea. Because of the small number of guests there is never a problem finding free sun loungers which are located around the pool and down the slope towards the sea. Meals are served in either the bar area or the elegant restaurant both of which surround the ocean view infinity pool. Everything is freshly cooked and the quality of the food and the wines is excellent. There is a good choice of dishes across 6 or so courses. However, the best thing about this hotel is the people. All of the staff were friendly, witty, welcoming, professional and dedicated to providing the best possible service. We greatly enjoyed their company and admired their passion for their work and their culture. We can't thank them enough for making our stay so memorable.
- Wander63295549538 (10/5): Quiet and relaxing - Quiet and relaxing if wanting to spend a few days time adjusting as we did. Great size rooms. Excellent service and food. Beach a bit rocky in case expecting sandy beaches
- andybC9339ZO (10/5): Zanzibar Honeymoon - We had a great stay at Zawadi for our honeymoon. After a few days of safari, it was the perfect way to unwind and relax. The entire staff was incredible and made us feel right at home, and they made sure we had everything we needed. The property and rooms are also gorgeous, and the view from the hotel is truly stunning. Would strongly recommend to any couples looking to stay in Zanzibar!
- NS_NAIROBI (10/5): Home in Zanzibar - From the housekeeping , Winnie to waiters , Hannad, innocent, ally, iddy, and Bernard and team to the front desk Isaac . And of course pema . Can’t forget Willam the chef.. met all our requests . Amazing team . Perfect holiday spot. Top notch service.. home away from home
- Sébastien (10/5): Le paradis sur terre - Lodge d’exception, au calme, accueil très chaleureux et repas de très haute qualité .
Parfait pour quelques jours de repos .
- Sightsee23402529803 (10/5): Amazing Honeymoon Oasis - Fantastic week at Zawadi celebrating our honeymoon. The property grounds are immaculate with beautiful flowers and landscaping. This was the perfect place to relax and truly unwind after our safari in Kenya. The food and drinks were outstanding and the staff was so accommodating if we wanted something else not on the menu. We used the spa and the massages were some of the best we have ever had. The highlight of the trip was the service as all of the staff went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing trip. We can't recommend Zawadi enough for a peaceful, relaxing vacation. Thank you for making our honeymoon so special!
- Heather (10/5): - A truly magical place to stay
The hotel is tranquil and the staff are amazing
they ensured we felt special every minute of every day we felt that we’d made friends
Left a little of my heart at Zawadi
- 956esv (10/5): In Zanzibar, there is a place called Zawadi .... - We have just returned from the amazing Zawadi Villas (Zanzibar Collection)
The most beautiful gardens, the open spaces, views all around you, the sea, the private beach, the most beautiful blue pool, beach chairs, white sand, the staff and I mean all the staff are friendly, helpful and dressed immaculately. The open concept of the general areas is a big plus. The decor is modern and chic, absolutely top class. This place is absolutely unique and with activities which were included, it was real value for money
The food (3 x 5 course meals a day) an absolute experience, part of choosing a holiday destination, we always do reseach to experience good cuisine, our choice to come to Zawadi was a good one. A great thank you to the chefs and kitchen staff. The choices of beverages were above average of any other top all inclusive hotels we have visited.
The South African wines served were from well known Wine estates and were absolutely great quality wines.
The rooms are huge, beautiful, comfortable, private and all have fantastic views over the beautiful waters and the sounds of the cean. The most amazing bathroom and massive shower. The outside area with the private pool is an absolute plus.
We went for lunch at the Barazza just to get the feel of the Zanzibar collection. Being 12 villas, I favoured Zawadi due to less activity, it is more intimate and love the idea of an adults only resort. We happen to love peace and quiet and this resort absolutely offered this. It does not mean that we did not like the live music on a couple of occasions.
The interest and concern from the management staff is above expectation.
It is unfair to mention individual names, as they all excelled
- W2531XIsarahb (10/5): The Perfect Retreat - Zawadi is a haven of luxury with amazing views of the ocean. The staff couldn't do enough for us and our suite was simply wonderful with a terrace overlooking the ocean and our own pool to keep cool. It would be easy to spend the day doing absolutely nothing other than admiring the view and enjoying the delicious food but fortunately there are plenty of water sports on offer, providing just the right balance of total relaxation and activities. We're not usually fans of eating in the same place every day but the food was excellent and varied and the hotel organises live music every few evenings so every night felt like a different experience. If you want a change of scenery you can walk along the beach to one of the sister hotels where you will be welcomed as if you were a guest, and can enjoy lunch or dinner or just relax by a different pool! We thoroughly recommend Zawadi and hope to go back.
- Z9270BTgaryn (10/5): Cant wait to return - Z = Zen Like creating a calmness & quiet environment
A = Amazing staff from front desk to the gardeners
W = World Class Service
A = Twelve awesome villas fitted out to a high standard and a view over the reef to die
for
D = Delicious food and variety. Perhaps too much
I = Idyllic without being pretentious
- SheezaCrumpet (10/5): 15 out of 10 - I have spent 50 years travelling the world on business and on family holidays - I had never been to Tanzania or Zanzibar before.
I am struggling to think of a more beautiful place to stay than Zawadi or more naturally friendly staff. Bernard and Isaac stood out.
This despite the tail of a Cyclone when we arrived and the obvious low per capita income visible on the roads from the airport - think Indian countryside and Mombasa suburbs. - the Tanzanian people seem genuinely happier than in most African countries I have been to.
- Sonia (10/5): - This is my second time staying at Zawadi and every time I feel at home. The service is always great, the staff is friendly and the villas are amazing.
- samanthajF1270PE (10/5): Zawadi is superb! - The Zawadi Hotel was terrific! The whole staff, Manager and Assistant Manager are highly motivated. All personnel we met were gracious, generous and made us feel very comfortable. The room was very clean and comfortable with attention to the details. The food was outstanding and plentiful, superb service and drinks were excellent. There is full time security to ensure safety. The Zawadi makes a lasting positive impression. We highly recommend Zawadi!!!
- AndRoTraveller (10/5): Perfectly Managed Hotel with a Feel-Good Guarantee - We had a fantastic stay at this excellently managed hotel. The location is stunning, and the villas are extremely well-maintained, spacious, and offer a high level of privacy. We especially loved the private garden and the large covered terrace – perfect for relaxation.
The management and staff were always friendly, courteous, and attentive. The cuisine was an absolute highlight: top-notch dishes complemented by exquisite wines. Another great feature was the opportunity to go swimming at any time, at high tide as well as at low tide. Free snorkeling equipment and water shoes are available for guests at the reception, and a boat is ready for guests to use.
A perfectly enjoyable stay – we’d love to come back! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Heather (10/5): - Zawadi is the true definition of private luxury! Everything was pristine: staff, property, drinks/food, views, villa, bed comfort, bath products, water pressure, hospitality, etc.
The service & staff was incredible- Iddy, Mr M, Innocent, Bernard & Ally were amazing and truly caterered to my husband and I. Mary & Tatu did a superb job maintaining our villa.
Noa, Isaak & Evelyn were lovely hosts, always checking on us and ensuring a pleasant experience.
Live music is brought in for dinner 3x a week. Snorkeling, clear kayak & paddle boarding are available & included on site. You can also visit the small farm & garden onsite to see where most of your meals/food is grown. Everything is incredibly fresh!
Extra activities are available such as a sunset cruise, however it is quite pricey ($450usd) so we chose a local tour operator on a traditional dhow boat that was a lovely experience for just $60usd. It seemed a bit frowned upon by the hotel staff to book w/outside/local tour operators (multiple comments were made). If you’re well-traveled & cautious like we are & want to support the locals, you’ll be fine. Don’t let the staff scare you away from an authentic experience. :)
In conclusion, this is a property my husband and I would absolutely return & visit yearly, and as a travel advisor- it is most definitely one I’ll recommend to my luxury vip clients.
- sjoeche (6/5): Hotel amazing, food mediocre, room for improvement. - We stayed in Zawadi for three nights and I have to say the place is amazing. Especially the villas are stunning. Service by the managers is excellent. Very attentive and keen on making sure that guests are having a wonderful time.
There are two restaurants, one for breakfast and lunch and one for dinner, a but more formal.
Service is good, but quite often waiters forget things, or it takes a long time for them to attend you. We sat down in the bar after dinner and waited for 20 minutes to be attended. After we got a drink, all staff disappeared. We wanted a refill, but there was no staff. After 10 minutes, I pored ourselves a drink and we left for the room.
Foodwise, there is really room for improvement. Food is not so good at sometimes.
Breakfast is mediocre. Muesli was a bowl of tasteless dust. (Why not make granola)
Strange combinations, attempting to make a classic European dish, but really have no knowledge.
Fish and chips for lunch. Fish was not fresh from the deep fryer but made before. Dry, overdone, lukewarm, not nice. Chips not crispy. Asked for mayonnaise, that came 30 minutes later.
Cakes that were served for dessert, not home made, bone dry, tasteless.
Dinner was okay, but some of the dishes not on point. Serving mashed potatoes with lumps and bits of uncooked vegies? Why?
Lamb was raw and needed to be sent back.
Overall, accommodation is amazing. Foodwise, and for these prizes, not good.
- mariamA7833NP (10/5): Just the BEST! - Zawadi Hotel was an amazing experience - from the time we arrived until the moment we left, we enjoyed every second of our stay! All the staff greeted us by name, with a smile and "welcome home!" The food was incredible, as I was concerned being vegetarian, but they had plenty of tasty choices for me, as well as fish for my pescetarian husband. The chef even went out of his way to make a whole fish for my husband - something he is use to eating being from the Carribean.
We hope to be able to go back to Zawadi as we just enjoyed it more than any place we have ever stayed. Don't hesitate to go - you will love it!
- DAVID (10/5): - Best hotel we have ever stayed in around the world. Flawless.
- Sabine (10/5): Ruhe und Erholung - Alles war Perfekt
- Sabine (10/5): Traumhaft - Ein perfekter Urlaub.
Es war alles sehr gut.
Danke an das gesamte Team für diesen wunderschönen Urlaub.
Man fühlt sich herzlich Willkommen und wie in einer Familie.
Die Privatsphäre und Ruhe die man hier hat haben wir sehr genossen.
- Harpreet (10/5): - Exceptional property, spacious water facing villas, stupendous views, attentive and smiling staff
- ghada (10/5): - Amazing experience thanks to all the team member.
- Richard (10/5): Bestes Kleinhotel auf Sansibar - Zum Abschluss von unserer Safaritour durch Tansania wollten wir noch ein paar Tage am Meer geniessen. Bei der Auswahl vom Hotel sind wir auf das Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar gestossen. Wir wollte nicht in einem grossen Hotelbunker übernachten. Was wir dann angetroffen haben hat alle unsere Erwartungen übertroffen. Wir möchten sogar behaupten, dass das Hotel das beste Kleinhotel von Sansibar und Tansania sein wird. Noch besser kann man es nämlich nicht machen. Service, Unterkunft, Anlage, Strand, Essen und Personal. Einfach topp!!! Es besonderes Kompliment gehört dem Management rund um Evelyne. Anders lässt es sich nicht erklären, wieso jeder Mitarbeiter höchst professionell arbeitet mit einem stetigen Lächeln im Gesicht.
- Shafiq (10/5): Enjoyable stay - Serene place with excellent view from the room. The staff were great, friendly and attentive. Enjoyable time.
- Mohammad (10/5): Wonderful place - Amazing hotel and service. The hotel manager and the team were so friendly, polite, and very welcoming.
The villa was super clean, great view.
The restaurant served great food.
The sunrise from the villa is breathtaking.
The beach and the farm are very unique.
All in all , we had a pleasant and a very relaxing stay.
- Ygor (10/5): Estadia memorável. - Tudo perfeito. Espero conseguir voltar mais vezes. Agradeço a toda equipe por terem tornado a minha estadia memorável.
- Sara (10/5): Back to paradise again and again - Amazing amazing amazing, will keep going back and staying in facility again and again. Absloutly no flaws, i am a regular guest and thats explains it all, thanks to the great staff for thier warmth and hospitality it feels like home to us. Always lovong the experience, feel like in real mental and phyical vacation where you are worry free.
- Dacy (10/5): - Zawadi feels like Heaven on Earth, from the food to the staff to the location. Very private and intimate with staff who will make sure you are taken care of. We were originally booked for a different property but Expedia switched us since the other property was overbooked and we were so lucky to stay for the Christmas holiday. Our only wish was that we could have stayed longer!
- Makine (10/5): Exceptionnel - Exceptionnel! Nous ne pouvons que recommander chaleureusement le Zawadi, sans doute l’une des manilleurs expérience en hôtel que nous ayons eu l’occasion de vivre.
Notre séjour était juste parfait : le cadre et la vue exceptionnels, les chambres immenses et décorées avec goût, le service incroyable, le personnel très attentionné et les repas raffinés.
Un hôtel all inclusive de grande qualité dans lequel nous reviendrons certainement.
Un grand merci à Noa et Evelyne anisi qu’´à tout l’équipe : Ali, Msegeju, Iddy, Innocent, Hamad, Raza, Walter, Desdery, Mabula … (on a certainement oublié d’autres) qui ont fait de notre séjour un souvenir inoubliable.
- Sara (10/5): Gem!!! - Amazing facility, felt in Paradise so heavenly nice with no flaws. Very special customized service, cant be any better will ve coming again and again, the staff is so friendly, would like to extend my thanks to every single person at the facility specially Ali our waiter that really paid good attentions to details. Cant wait to be back again
- Thomas (10/5): - Wie im letzten Jahr war alles zur vollsten Zufriedenheit.
- Johnny (8/5): - Très bon séjour, hôtel magnifique , personnel très agréable
- davide (10/5): Perfect - 10/10.
Not always easy to find perfection, Zawadi is perfect in everything. Location, view, villas, restaurant, staff, service...
Big thanks to Evelyne, Tammy and the entire crew for this short but amazing stay.
- Terence (10/5): A week in paradise 😍 - Our most beautiful holidays ever (and we’re used to 5 stars & exotic venues, but this was outstanding in every aspect). Zawadi is completely self sufficient and you won’t need to leave the hotel during your whole stay - the food is amazing, you can snorkel right in front of the hotel, paddle, kayak, chill in your plunge pool and drink amazing cocktails all day - there is even a petting zoo and, if you’re lucky, some wild monkeys will be visiting in the morning.
I proposed to my fiancée there and Evelyn helped me to organise the most beautiful setup. We felt like we were alone during the whole holiday and we already miss the cleanliness and comfort of the villas.
Thank you for this paradise and congrats to the whole Zawadi team for making this place such a wonderful venue. We’ll be back for the honeymoon :)
- Daniel (10/5): - Exzellentes Ressort! Uns wurde jeder Wunsch von den Augen abgelesen.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Wunderbar! - Es war wunderbar, traumhaft schön und sauber mit gutes Essen und toller Personal! Absolut zu empfehlen!
- Richard (10/5): - Great place
- Yvan (10/5): - Best experience in an hotel worldwide... Perfect from a to z...
- Amy (10/5): Amazing experience! - We could not say better things about Zawadi - we stayed here for our honeymoon and everything about our stay was perfect, from the villa to the service to the food and the amenities. The food was incredible and we got to try so much with multiple courses at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to appetizers and drinks delivered to us at sundown every night! The service was so great; we didn't even need to ask for anything as it seemed like everything we could have wanted was provided before we asked! They even set up a private dinner on a patio overlooking the ocean for us for our honeymoon. Additionally, we were able to snorkel using the resort's equipment, which was great, and enjoyed the lovely infinity pool and our villa's own pool, touring the on-site farm, and feeding the turtles that live at the resort! All in all, we left saying this was the best place we've ever stayed!
- Natasha (10/5): Just book it...NOW - It’s hard to review this amazing place without it sounding like a string of cliches. But it is truly amazing from every angle. As a solo traveler places like these can make you feel a little weird - it’s so romantic and honeymooney. But at no point did the friendly and attentive staff make me feel weird being alone, nor did they try to befriend me and interrupt my “me” time which I really appreciated.
It was the little touches to detail that made it so relaxing. They remembered quickly that I prefer sparking water to still water, and that’s what I was offered at every meal without having to ask for it. And my post-dinner sambuca was brought to my room, again without me having to ask for it.
The villas are beautiful, each with their own little pool, amazing view and the biggest most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in. If I knew where they bought their pillows I would order some immediately.
No review would be complete without mentioning the food. There is a small kitchen farm at the back and much of the fresh produce comes from there. It’s also a great place to visit - there’s a cute goat and as of June 2021 a baby cow. The food is wonderful - I had fresh lobster, crab, giant shrimp every night. And amazing avocado salads. The lobster ravioli served one night was possibly the best meal I have ever had.
For those of you looking at the price…Yes, it’s not cheap, and was kind of out of my price range. But I wanted to spoil myself and don’t regret a single penny I spent. In fa
- Verified traveler (10/5): Resort so good I spent the whole time there - Great small boutique resort perfect for a quick romantic/relaxing getaway. I had originally planned to explore the whole island of Zanzibar, but after a few hours at this resort I cancelled all my plans and decided to have a lazy and relaxing vacation. The hotel is so accommodating to all our needs and with spacious rooms and a private plunge pool there is no need to leave. The resort is also located in a low density area, so the beach front is almost completely empty, which makes long walks really enjoyable.
One thing to note about Zanzibar in general is the "Hakunah Matata" lifestyle. Everyone is so laid back, so make sure you plan ahead and order everything way before you need it. A 5 minute request usually takes 30 minutes, so order food way before you're hungry, and relax until it arrives.
If you are planning to stay in this part of Zanzibar, I would highly recommend Zawadi.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Honestly, my fiance and I just got back home and I am a little concerned I may fall into a depression lol. My stay at Zawadi Hotel was so beyond perfect for our honeymoon and my 30th birthday I almost cried when leaving. The hotel is breathtaking, the area is so perfect, you can visit the sister property and other tourist activites in the area. The hotel set everything up for us. They were so helpful. Omg the staff, the nicest people I ever met. Seriously. By the end of the week it felt like we had family. Everyone was so genuine and generous. Our room was an oasis, I love a hotel where you can enjoy the room just as much as the public areas. The food, I mean wow. I looked forward to each breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cocktails were marvelous. I have nothing negative to say, nothing. I will be back, very very very soon. Ive traveled to many places and this was one of the best vacations I have ever had. 5 stars well deserved.
- Murielle (10/5): - Amazing little resort of 12 individuals house/rooms, very spacious with incredible view.
Evelyne the hostess is really making your stay unforgettable and the all staff is always making you feel very special.
Without forgetting the delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner all inclusives.
As well as amazing snorkeling just down the cliff...
- Verified traveler (10/5): Amazing hotel - One of the most amazing hotels ever. They are so accommodating and very personal. The views are the best on the island from your bed, the rooms are HUGE and beautifully decorated. Would highly recommend.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Absolutely amazing - One of the best hotels I ever stayed at. The facilities are fantastic but what makes this place exceptional is the attention to detail and the amazing staff
- Richard (8/5): - Very friendly and helpful staff and lovely rooms and outlook. Bar/lounge was sterile and not very conducive to spending much time there. Swimming pool was too small and too shallow for 50% of its length. Room plunge pools could not be controlled by guests, only by staff rummaging in adjacent bushes. Limited supply of premium spirits and wine. Desserts and soups all very similar and often food delivered did not appear to match menu description.
- CF (10/5): - Absolute serenity....total bliss.the food was exceptional.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Lo que esperábamos de un pequeño hotel de lujo. Excelente
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Great resort, peaceful, great ocean view, very clean, wonderful design
- Rachel (10/5): - Magical in every way and would very highly recommend.
- Jeff (10/5): Awesome stay - Amazing stay for proposal! Very small resort as such was very intimate and private. Room was fanstastic with own plunge pool and massive balcony. Manager was excellent couldn’t be more helpful in any way!
- Lynn (10/5): Una settimana da sogno! - Tant hanno già menzionato il fantastico staff, la splendida vista, le deliziose suite - è tutto vero. Siamo stati 6 notti e abbiamo mangiato solo le opzioni di pesce/frutti di mar su entrambi i menu per il pranzo e la cena - erano tutti freschi e gustosi e non c'era nessuna ripetizione in 6 giorni! Una sera ci hanno servito (su richiesta) un pasto di piatti locali ed erano molto buoni. Anche la colazione era interessante - mi è piaciuto molto il french toast con salsa di cocco e lo yogurt con meusli fatti in casa era anche buonissimo. Lo staff è molto attento ma mai invadente, il giusto equilibrio quando si vuole allontanarsi da tutto ma sentirsi comunque coccolato. L'hotel ha organizzato i nostri trasferimenti aeroportuali oltre che massaggi, un tour di Stone Town e un pomeriggio al loro "resort gemello" Barazas (una piacevole passeggiata lungo la spiaggia da Zawadi) dove ci siamo rilassati in una cabana a bordo piscina e ci siamo goduti il loro pranzo a buffet. Stavamo cercando un lusso appartato e Zawadi era il posto perfetto. Grazie a Evelyne, Victor e tutto lo staff per aver reso la nostra settimana così speciale!
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Einfach super. Eine wunderschöne Anlage mit viel Ruhe und Privatsphäre. Der Strand ist klein aber wunderschön. Und keine beachboys oder Motorräder. Das Essen ist erstklassig und bietet seafood Freunden viel Freude. Es wird immer in Menü Form serviert.
Es gibt insgesamt 9 Villen.
Das Personal ist sehr freundlich und hat immer ein Lächeln für uns gehabt.
Das Preis Leistungsverhältnis stimmt.
Wir hoffen dass wir eines Tages wieder Gast sein dürfen.
Danke an das ganze Team.
- Markus (10/5): Traumhaftes Hideway Resort - Kleines feines Resort mit ganz hohem individuellen Service. Wer Ruhe und Erholung bei exzellentem Service und traumhaften Villen sucht ist hier richtig. Die 9 Villen machen es übersichtlich und sehr privat. Wer es größer mag hat jederzeit Gelegenheit den Shuttleservice in eines der Nachbarhotels der Zanzibar Collection zu nutzen.
Ganz tolles Personal und top Management!
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