Zanbluu Beach Hotel
4.5
Excellent(712 Reviews)Nature lodge in Unguja North Region
Reasons to book
Includes essentialsGarden, Pool, Kitchen or Kitchenette and more
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About this nature lodge rental
Located on the coast of Kiwengwa, Zanbluu Beach Hotel offers ocean and garden views. The property offers an infinity pool with views of the ocean, as well as a pool bar. Some rooms have a private swimming pool.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Smoking allowed
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Hot tub or spa
TV
Beachfront or waterfront
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Unguja North Region
Available Rooms
1 King • 592 ft²
Sleeps 3
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 645 ft²
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 592 ft²
Sleeps 3
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
2 Single • 1 King • 861 ft²
Sleeps 4
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
$$$$
Reviews
4.5
Excellent(712 Reviews)100% verified reviews
4.5
Localização
Atendimento
Refeições
Sossego
Instalações
4.5
Hospitality
No beach
4.5
I walked into this place and felt immediate zen. Martin the manager was so lovely and responsive and just willing to do whatever it takes to ensure all round joy. His literal response to everything was "We are here to solve problems"... Not that there were problems even, but I really appreciated that energy from him.
I loved that upon check-in, the AC in the room had already been turned on the room was cool and so when I walked into the room (coming from the heat outside and one hour travel), I immediately felt peace and zen.
I also really loved that there is a morning and evening room prep. I am scared of creepy crawlies and these can be inevitable at resorts, so having the staff come around every evening to clean again, make up bed, set the sleeping nets and spray some bug repellent ... just wonderful!
Every evening at dinner, we got some type of performance - ranging from the Maasai dancers to the impromptu staff birthday performance for guests, such a nice touch.
The views of this place is just surreal and STUNNING! Not one photo needed any tweaking, it was just so effortlessly picturesque. The pool was gorgeous and had the ocean as backdrop...
Lastly (but not least), as a solo traveller, security is a big thing for me and not once did I feel unsafe here. I'd sometimes even hear the nigh time patrol guys just walking around outside making small talk and I appreciated that.
When I was searching for a place to stay in Zanzibar, my preference was for a quaint/cute/personal resort and Zanbluu delivered all plus more. I will highly recommend it and will be a returning customer for sure.
As much as I loved this place overall, some things can be better:
1. The shower and water pressure is not strong and it was sometimes frustrating to stand under the shower head just waiting for the low water pressure to pick up intermittently. Made bath time not so fun and too slow.
2. I always find it odd when there's only an overhead shower installed in a space where black women exist. Most of us don't just pour water over our heads everyday so having a flexi-shower head that allows us set the water to "neck-down" works best (and no shower caps are not the solution because they're usually so small, our hair cant fit in it and stay dry)
3. There wasn't any intercom/phone in my room and so any communication with the staff and team meant physically walking back to the reception which was sometimes inconvenient especially at night.
4. The breakfast menu was limiting and the same everyday.
4.5
The property is as beautiful as the pictures make you believe and everything is clean and well appointed. In addition the staff are friendly, kind and Samson makes a mean cocktail!
As with everything in Zanzibar service can sometimes be a bit "pole pole" buy you're not there to be in a rush anyway.
4.5
Easy to organise excursions
Delicious meals and drinks
Super helpful staff
Cultural dancer (male) got a bit too close to our dining table with vigorous and provocative dancing, and made us feel uncomfortable
4.5
We stayed at Zanbluu for 5 wonderful nights during our honeymoon. The whole complex is very welcoming and pleasant with beautiful gardens and an epic view from the restaurant(which is at the top) on the ocean bellow. We had a villa number 5 with an amazing ocean view and great comfort. The room and balcony were both spacious and we loved the comfortable large bed as well as TV. It is not true as other reviews said that the beach isn't nice and you can't swim. During low tide the beach is vast and you can walk far and during high tide it is great for swimming. We loved it(been to high class beaches in Philippines, Mexico, Egypt etc.) What we enjoyed the most was the all inclusive package with variety of choices for smoothies and alcoholic coctails and the best food! The local chef is very talented and we loved the lunches by the pool and 4 course dinners. The biggest thank you though goes to the staff. We would like to say a special thank you to Charles(working at pool bar) for being extremely kind, friendly, helpful and always brightening our day. His coctails were always spot on, no matter what funny combinations we asked for! We hope very much, that the management acknowledges him for the valuable part of the team he is! Also thank you to all female waitresses who were always smiling.
Apart from having to leave back home, the only downside was a small maintainance needed in the bathroom and service being slow due to high ammount of guests and not enough staff.
4.5
the view, the pool, the staffs promptness and attitude.
It was one of the best vacations I had. We Did not even leave the place.
Exceeded expectations.
The food was delicious and fresh, we almost tried the whole menu. There was not a single disappointment.
That we had to leave..
4.5
We loved the serenity of the location and the superb staff. You will enjoy gorgeous views and have exqusite dinners for a very reasonable price. Quiet location, perfect for a couple's getaway.
4.5
Great place, perfect team, they make you feel like at home
4.5
Elisha was a gem; nothing was too much of an ask for him. Baked an impromptu birthday cake for my niece and I with whom I share a birthday and proceeded with organising a local dance group to perform some extra for us. What a team. Martin the manager was equally as good.
Nothing. All was perfect
4.5
We were so sad to leave for another more luxurious property that we considered coming back and losing our money for the second location. There is something truly special about Zanbluu: first, you can't deny that the view as you arrive and stare above the property, pool and ocean is exceptional. Then, the staff, all of them, make your stay truly special. Third, the food, fantastic (make yourself a favor and have the shrimps for lunch, yum). We stayed on an all inclusive basis and had great food, cocktails and drinks. The pool is out of this world with shallow edges overlooking all the shades of blue of the ocean and a very deep (3 meters) part in which we experienced learning how to dive with Moha who comes to the hotel to teach you the basics in the pool before taking you for a dive in the ocean the next day. We strongly advise staying in a sea front bungalow: the bungalows are simple but we found them very pleasant and there is everything you might need : great air-conditioning, very comfy bed, safe, small but lovely outside private bathing area, magnificent view, drinking water. The place is spotless. THANK YOU ALL, NICKSON, ABDUL and the lovely staff who made our stay truly memorable. Thank you for the surprise birthday cake, song for Tess's 13th birthday. We had a ball and can't wait to come back! Tessi Mama, Tessi and Christophe.
4.5
From the moment we arrived at Zanbluu the staff and setting were phenomenal. The rooms are amazing and sit beautifully against the backdrop of the property. The staff were so attentive and nothing was ever too much. They made our stay and we will definitely be revisiting and recommending Zanbluu to everyone we know.
4.5
This hotel could score 10/10 just for the rooms and the beautiful pool alone, but what makes it truly stand out special is the staff. I have stayed in hotels around the world and have never encountered service as good as what I received here at Zanbluu, from the moment I stepped foot in the hotel I felt so welcomed and I cannot thank them enough! The manager, the waiters and waitresses, security guards, spa therapists, security, cleaners… EVERYONE was so wonderful and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble and they went out of their way to greet you and help you. I stayed half board and wasn’t expecting the food to be of a high standard, as half board options are usually limited and often you have to pay extra for the “good stuff”but every meal was restaurant quality and some of the nicest food I had whilst in Zanzibar! The menu changed every day and there were vegetarian options too. I can’t praise this place high enough. Thank you Zanbluu, I can’t wait to return one day!
Nothing!
4.5
The attention to detail at this boutique hotel was amazing. Everything is very nicely done, with local décor and furniture that adds the local feel to your stay. Food in the evening and at the pool was great and felt like fine-dinning experience. Portions are not big, bit if you go with full set (soup, starter, main, dessert) then it is more than enough even for a big eaters. Pool and the views were fantastic! Greetings to Charles at he pool bar and a shout out to Latvian/British/Finish GM! :)
There were some small things that could be improved:
- pool/beach towels were never changed
- staff while friendly are extremely slow! You would need to wait 20 minutes for a coffee. Or 20 min for a drink with your dinner. Sometimes they would forget what you ordered or which part of your dinner they need to serve.
- some locally baked croissants with breakfast would be great :)
not hotel's fault, but there is virtually no beach - big tides and a lot of seaweed. Also the moment you step on the beach 5 guys would jump and start offering you trips, souvenirs, etc. And would follow and bother you all the time.
4.5
Everything was great, rooms were lovely, staff very friendly and food excellent. The views are amazing as is the pool!
Nothing
4.5
little paradise: great food, friendly staff, amazing place - everything was perfect
nothing
4.5
love everything, pool was amazing and rooms were so lovely
location but its fine tbh
4.5
the Ocean front Villa with private pool, stunning and unique.
The Manager Martin was always accomodationg and ensured all our requests were met. Really made us feel special.
There isn't a beach front
4.5
The swimming pool
Lack of garlic on the food
4.5
staff, service, peacefulness, view
no beach
4.5
An oasis of tranquility. The staff were incredibly personable and went out their way a number of times to make our experience the best it could be. they arranged laundry, money and even excursions for us to make our experience the best it could be.They were always checking in to see how things were and always enquired if we needed or wanted anything extra.
Food was exceptional with evening meals changing each night we went. Fantastic, local entertainment organised that was flavourful and exciting. Christmas eve was made special with Christmas songs and traditional Christmas Turkey.
Rooms were endearing and well maintained to the highest standard. Staff would visit twice a day, first to clean and tidy, the second to put mosquito nets down and spray the room.
Pool was exquisite and views were simply devine.
Simple and tasteful done extremely well.
Excursions were wonderful. We saw whale sharks in Mafia Island, swim with turtles, went to see monkeys at Jozani Forest and snorkelled while we were there. We also went to Ponge island for lunch which was heavenly. So many things to do that we would definitely return!
Thank you to the team at Zanbluu.
Nothing we could critique, just now proving difficult for us to book elsewhere.
4.5
It’s beautiful and peaceful.
Nothing
4.5
Zanbluu was absolutely amazing, we loved the food, the cocktails, the staff and the vibe.
4.5
The pool was fantastic! the rooms were clean and spacious and the property was well
maintained. The staff were really helpful and the food on the all inclusive option was delicious and plentiful. Thoughtful entertainment in the evenings and lovely chill out music during the day. the massages were great as well. will be coming back!
perhaps location was a bit quiet but perfect for a short break. would have preferred the dinner menu to be a la carte rather than a set menu
4.5
This place is truly beautiful, the view from the restaurant is magnificent and our private villa at the beach was fantastic. In the morning you can choose your breakfast menu (fruit platter - 1 out of 3 main dishes - 1 out of 3 sweet dishes and fresh juice as well as coffee), the dinner menu (for us included) changed every day with 4 courses. We enjoyed every minute of our stay.
4.5
stunning, romantic, boutique
4.5
Superb food
Lovely staff
Chill and quiet atmosphere
The beach is not so great for swimming
4.5
The hotel like a paradise. Everything was on point from the time we arrived to the time we left everything was exceptional. The villa is perfect, clean, amazing view and high privacy. The staff is super friendly, nice, supportive and they always ready to help and satisfy you. The chef is cooking delicious food from all cuisines. The area of the hotel is quite and safe.
Nothing.
4.5
We stayed at this property for a couple of nights during our honeymoon. It was a nice hotel to stay at. The staff were nice and accommodating. We had issues with our AC and they sent their mechanic to come check it right away. Although the issue wasn't entirely resolved ( AC in our room was still rather weak ), we appreciated their promptness with trying to resolve it for us. The room was also beautiful and the balcony lead to some decent views of the ocean. We really enjoyed the pool area. The food here was good but we dined out from time to time because we wanted to explore more local options.
The shower was nice but the design of it wasn't practical. The water collects in the holes and it causes mold and dark spots. Also you have to be careful as the water can pass through the holes and enter the bedroom on the other side. Another thing to note is that I encountered a couple of weird instances where I was trying to sit at a table by the edge overlooking the beach/pool below during breakfast/dinner and I was asked to move both times since they said they were not serving that area. And then 10 minutes later during our dinner, I saw another couple allowed to sit at the table I was told not to sit at which was very bizarre. It would have been nice if this hotel has a nicer beach front. There is a drop from the hotel to the ocean where the low/high tide are so there isnt a long stretch of beach you can walk through.
4.5
The staff in the hotel were extremely friendly and would greet us each morning/ evening on first name terms. Elisha in particular was fantastic and went above and beyond for us.. getting us a super late check out on our day of leaving!
nothing it was perfect for a relaxing stay
4.5
The staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Martin in particular went above and beyond to help us and make sure we had a great stay. The rooms were lovely, clean and had everything you could want. The food was delicious and varied. The pool area was relaxing and beautiful. Amazing property! We had the best time!
The AC in the room was not great but not really bad.
4.5
We booked an ocean view villa and are very happy we did. The view is absolutely stunning when the tide is in, and when it's not, it makes for a pleasant walk.
The staff are super lovely and eager to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The hotel is even lovelier in person than in the photos - the pool near the restaurant area was STUNNING.
Because the hotel is on the outskirts and has its own beach, the beach is very quite and serene. You can spend the day watching the seaweed farmers harvest seaweed, and enjoy the evening sea.
Food was quite average, and we didnt quite feel like we got value for money. You're also charged an added 10% to your bill for paying by card which was a bit strange for us.
Although the villas are private, staff walk through on a daily basis to water plants. Also would be helpful to coordinate the room services so that the cleaning lady, pool cleaner and gardener all come at the same time.
FAQs
How much does this nature lodge cost compared to others in Unguja North Region?
The average price for a rental in Unguja North Region is $149 per night. This rental is $20 above the average.
Is parking included with this nature lodge?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Zanbluu Beach Hotel. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this nature lodge?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Zanbluu Beach Hotel. Enjoy the water!
Is Zanbluu Beach Hotel pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this nature lodge is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Zanbluu Beach Hotel?
We found 13 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and smoking allowed.
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