Zawadi Hotel, Zanzibar

Zawadi was incredible! It was how we ended our safari honeymoon, and it was such a relaxing way to do so. Incredible staff, food, and views. The rooms were clean with the best look out into the ocean! We even had some monkey visitors in the morning which was a delight. Every meal is 5-course with the freshest ingredients. We were blown away! We really enjoyed spending the days with the same team and felt sad leaving knowing we would miss many of them! We would recommend it to anyone looking for a gorgeous, private retreat.

We have just returned from a 12 night stay at the hotel . We seemed to be an exception in that most couples were staying for a few days at the end of safaris on the mainland. We visited for a beach and relaxing holiday trying somewhere new on the recommendation of friends. We travelled with no great expectation as Zanzibar had not been on our radar but what a great choice it was . It’s about an hour and a half from the airport and tucked in behind gates just off the main road.It is a short drive to reception and the first view is the Indian Ocean , it was a great start with a warm greeting from Des after such a long journey. Everywhere has spectacular views of the ocean, from your villa, the bar, reception and all dining areas. We have been to some memorable resorts across the world and Zawadi is one of our new favourites. The grounds are so well maintained with beautiful flowers everywhere with such a relaxed atmosphere. The staff here are exceptional, nothing is too much trouble for them and they are all so friendly and polite but also extremely professional. There were so many extras that made our stay so memorable. You’d be on the sunbed in the morning and you’d be brought a fruit juice drink and fruit skewer or if in the pool one of the waiters would bring you a cocktail they’d just put together. We had a surprise dinner with flowers and lights in the breakfast dining area and with only 3 couples for our last few days there was a surprise dinner set up by the pool. The only concerns which might be an issue for some is that the pool , beach area is in shade just after 4 and though swimming is easy at high tide, it is not the easiest at other times though the concrete causeway helps. The food and drink was outstanding, 3 course lunches and 5 course dinners from a daily changing menu with many fish choices which I appreciated. If that wasn’t enough, there was afternoon tea and one of the staff would come around with “sundowners” a mini cocktail of the day and an amuse bouche while you chose your evening meal. Several times during our stay there was live music from traditional musicians and a jazz trio. It was all extremely classy and tranquil. The wonderful Bernard would recommend his evening choice of good South African wines and invariably found us something we liked, there was quite an extensive range. Just a mention to some of the excellent staff, Bernard , the Food and Beverage manager, Razza, Iddy,Ali, Mr M, Innocent Hussain and Mambula on the beach, Des and Isaac In reception and all the other staff who cleaned, maintained the grounds and prepared the food to such an excellent standard. We met William the executive chef one evening to compliment him on his work which I think he appreciated. Evelyne and Noa , the management staff were constantly checking that we were enjoying our stay and again were so keen that we enjoyed our holiday Though this trip was about relaxation, we also took tours to Stonetown, a spice farm, the butterfly