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Villa bedroom at Zawadi, Zanzibar Island

Zawadi

Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar Archipelago

Built on a clifftop with far-reaching Indian Ocean views, Zawadi is a beautiful boutique option that’s perfect for a romantic retreat. Bougainvillea and lush greenery line the pathways and a short staircase takes you down from the gardens via a raised sunbathing area to a secluded white sand beach.

There are just 12 spacious air-conditioned villas in muted gray and white tones, each facing the ocean with a private plunge pool, terrace, and sun loungers. As well as the beautiful central pool, it’s possible to swim from the beach at both high and low tide. The snorkeling is particularly good in the offshore 'lagoon' formed by the reefs to the front of the property.

OUR OPINION:

Zawadi is a wonderful addition to the Zanzibar Collection portfolio, especially for those looking for real seclusion or some romantic luxury. We love the minimalistic style of the rooms and decks, perfectly offset by the bright tropical gardens and sparkling azure waters.

OUR RATING: Deluxe

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Rooms

There are just 12 spacious villas, all with wonderful ocean views. Each villa boasts a private plunge pool and large outdoor patio as well as huge double beds. The bathrooms each have a separate bath and walk in shower and double sinks.

Location

Located on Zanzibar’s east coast and surrounded by tropical gardens, Zawadi is a beautiful spot to unwind. Stone Town is around an hour and fifteen minutes’ drive away.

Food and drink

Dining is very relaxed at Zawadi, simple lunches can be enjoyed at the Mswakini Beach Bar and evening meals at the Drift Wood Dining Room, each restaurant serving the freshest local produce and featuring the famous Zanzibar spices. The Mali Mali Lounge and Bar is a great place to enjoy a cocktail, soaking up the spectacular views as the sun sets, or enjoy a sundowner and selection of canapes brought to your room each afternoon.

Facilities and activities

If you wish to do more than simply relax on your terrace or by the pool, the hotel provides snorkels, masks and fins as well as reef shoes (essential here) and you can take a scheduled boat trip or simply snorkel from the shore. There is also a 900 m jogging route through the property’s beautiful tropical gardens. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore by boat and on foot in the nearby mangrove forests.

A shuttle service runs between the Zanzibar Collection sister properties; Baraza, The Palms and Breezes, which you can visit to use the extensive spa facilities, tennis courts or arrange motorized water sports. Scuba diving is also available (all payable locally).

Tour ideas in Zanzibar Island

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Zawadi as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Zanzibar Island and nearby places