The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

“Perfect vacation”

Perfect for people who want laying on the sandy beach. The villa that we had was spacious with a private pool that we almost didn't use as the beach was so nice. Food was excelent, people very nice and helpful.

“Fabulous hotel in a stunning setting!”

My husband and I have travelled extensively and stayed in lots of different hotels, but The Sands has to be among the loveliest that we have encountered. Situated right on the edge of a long pristine white beach (with its own private beach) on the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean, the setting c… more

My husband and I have travelled extensively and stayed in lots of different hotels, but The Sands has to be among the loveliest that we have encountered. Situated right on the edge of a long pristine white beach (with its own private beach) on the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean, the setting could not be more idyllic. The accommodation is extremely spacious (the villa that we stayed in was over 100 square meters, with an outside covered terrace and situated right on the edge of the beach, with a stunning view of the sea). Furthermore, it was immaculately clean (as other reviewers state, the cleaners come in twice daily, and the sheets and towels are replaced regularly). The gardens are also beautiful, full of a range colourful plants and trees, and kept impeccable. We opted for a half-board formula (breakfast and evening meal) and enjoyed delicious breakfasts with a selection of fresh fruit juices, fresh tropical fruits, eggs, pancakes, waffles and pastries. Food in the evenings included a variety of vegetables and salads, and as well as a selection of meat and vegetarian dishes each evening, there was almost always fresh fish being cooked on the grill, which was delicious. One of the stand-out features of this hotel is the service. The staff and management are not only very friendly and helpful - nothing is too much trouble for them - but extremely professional. As other guests have mentioned, The Sands is a small boutique hotel (there were never more than 30-40 guests there during our stay) and very quiet. This might not suit everyone, but if you want a relaxing break in a stunning setting with great food and excellent service, then this is a great find. We are already thinking of returning there!

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“The Sands got it spot on for what we wanted from our 14 days in Zanzibar. Loved it and the staff”

With a transfer of just over an hour from the airport the location was perfect for us. Overlooking the Indian Ocean the sun rise is beautiful. The bungalows are huge, with large seating area, kitchen, walk in wardrobe, bathroom with in and outside showers. We decided to go half board to cut back o… more

With a transfer of just over an hour from the airport the location was perfect for us. Overlooking the Indian Ocean the sun rise is beautiful. The bungalows are huge, with large seating area, kitchen, walk in wardrobe, bathroom with in and outside showers. We decided to go half board to cut back on cost which did suit us overall. The rooms are spotless cleaned in the morning generally fresh towels too, with a bed turn down service in the evening too with the floors again swept and tidied. The whole complex has 21 bungalows and only max 8 filled while we were there it was extremely quiet. Has limited board games, pool tale and a footie game, large TV that has sports mainly. The staff were absolutely fantastic smiling and greeting all the time waitressing where very quick to clear tables ready for the next course.The barman where very attentive and would serve at your subbed once order placed both drinks and food. A big shout out to John in guest relations, he arrange for us to visit a local restaurant one evening and another trip to watch the sunset made our trip a a tribute to the Sands team. Finally the food, not a expansive range but really great quality and well presented with fresh fish cooked to order every other night. The rustic feel to this place was second to none, will without doubt visit again !

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“Most Beautiful, Tranquil, Idyllic experience-of-a-lifetime Award!!!”

The Sands far and away provided the best resort, experience, and environs that we could have possibly hoped for in the already naturally beautiful east side of Zanzibar! It made our ‘wedddingmoon’ (private ceremony plus relaxation and adventure) perfect — really above and beyond what we even imagin… more

The Sands far and away provided the best resort, experience, and environs that we could have possibly hoped for in the already naturally beautiful east side of Zanzibar! It made our ‘wedddingmoon’ (private ceremony plus relaxation and adventure) perfect — really above and beyond what we even imagined by virtue of the beautiful grounds, the amazing staff, and the thoughtful and calmly generous spirit of the people and the place that made them go above and beyond. Thus the title of the review — if there were Nobel Prizes for resorts, it would easily receive the Most Beautiful, Tranquil, Idyllic experience-of-a-lifetime Prize!!! Here’s why: • Accommodations were beautifully designed, architecturally rich with arched column detail, and very spacious—we stayed in the two-BR villa with private plunge pool and jacuzzi. It indeed felt like a home away from home. • Cleanliness and amenities: Mariam and Afnan (servicing our villa) kept the place spotless and cozy and made it extra special on arrival and the wedding day. They decorated the bed and bathroom with fresh hibiscus flowers and made towel sculptures that just plastered smiles on our faces. And they came twice daily for cleaning turn down service. So clean you could lounge anywhere! • John, Guest Relations staff leader, extraordinaire: We also came to think of him as “the Ubiquitous John.” He simply did everything! His diligent work, warm demeanor, and high competence to engage and figure out components of our stay and wedding were the mark of some one who is thoughtful, quick-thinking, and innovative. He exhibited masterful leadership, organization, and trouble-shooting skills all with a quiet and humorous confidence that resulted in us having the stay and wedding of our dreams. He figured out building a wedding canopy, putting together a beautiful bouquet, even sang with the band at the Swahili night after the wedding. He shared with us a sense of the local culture and food, answered questions about means and amenities on the property, and even took some photos for us our last night there. He gets people and hospitality management. I wouldn’t be surprised if the owners promoted him to run one of their resorts and did what they could to ensure that his talents are put to even bigger use. He will go far, and we appreciate him. Simply above and beyond! • Food: Breakfast was uniformly delicious — with fresh omelettes, crepes, and plenty of fruit / variety of other things. Swahili night (Fridays) was my favorite — a buffet of delicious foods and freshly caught and grilled fish from the deep ocean right there! And the best buffet of local sides! The only suggestion here would be for ordinary dinner nights — a Swahili fish curry option for pescatarians like us (we found the grilled fish a bit dry), but everything else was phenomenal! We looked forward to the vegetable soups every night. Yum! • Location: Wonderfully located right next to the ocean and Dongwe pier. We were able to have lunch (but not dinner) at the next door Ocean resort, which was a boon, same owner as The Sands — they have amazing cold healthy and immune boosting smoothies. Their restaurant is right on the ocean, so nice change of pace for lunch or a snack. • Spa; This was ok—the 60 min massage was decent and relaxing. They advertised but didn’t have mani - pedis available; would be good to get someone who does them and henna on site. And 8it would be great if they were able to partner with nearby Baraza for day use of their spas (including for a fee for spas). • Overall: My husband and I feel so grateful and blessed, and would 11 out of 10 return.

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