Zawadi Hotel, Zanzibar

一直相信貴總是好的，找了這家，總經理一個加拿大女生，傲慢，虛偽，無理的，後來才知道來自北部對華人是極其不友好的，被浴缸龍頭熱水燙傷，竟然被這個女的教育應該如何洗澡，被蚊子咬的滿身包，一路在非洲都沒被咬，要驅蚊劑她們還要收錢，這麼貴的酒店不做驅蚊的？！出去回來還不開門，讓你門口站很久，餐食也是很差的，一個加拿大人生活在非洲這樣的地方，可想而知她奇怪的態度了

Zawadi is the most stunning hotel, set in a truly beautiful location by the bright blue ocean with private beach. It is very quiet and peaceful making it the ideal place to relax. The food is incredible, as is the service, and I was very touched by all the alcohol-free options. All of the staff (Evelyn, Noa, Iddy, Innocent, Raza and so many more to name!) were unbelievably attentive all week and we experienced some of the best attention to detail we’ve ever had. Thank you. Thank you for a beautiful stay, we hope to be back again one day! Hattie and Lucinda (Sisters) x

After 4 days of pre 5am wake ups and a lot of travelling I’m glad I had booked to hop (1hr 40mins on a prop plane) across to Zanzibar for a few days of relaxation. So many hotels to choose from on the island but I opted for Zawadi, a 12 villa luxury resort on the East coast of Zanzibar, therefore on the Indian Ocean. I have quite specific criteria when I solo travel as I don’t like big resorts where I feel out of place. I normally plump for smaller resorts in a villa with a pool so I don’t have to really venture out if I don’t want to (which I didn’t for about 36 hours but that was because I was a poorly traveller - and not due to anything at the hotel I may add!). Zawadi is simply stunning. It’s an hour from the airport and they organised transfers for me. The fixtures and fittings, communal areas and the villas are exceptional with thatched roofs and grey / white tones throughout. There is a main pool that overlooks the Indian Ocean, a restaurant for breakfast/lunch/drinks and a separate restaurant for dinner as well as an evening bar area. There is a massage room which I took full advantage of by having a 75min full body massage. Zawadi also have snorkelling equipment you can borrow as well as hopping on a daily boat to a good snorkel spot. There is also an on site spice garden and farm but I didn’t get chance to visit these. The villa itself has everything you could want in terms of amenities plus a daily ‘sundowner’ and thorough turndown. Every night they leave a note giving details on the tides for the following day! The 12 villas are all the same with views over the Indian Ocean and a plunge pool on the spacious terrace. I felt like a duchess! The food was excellent with choices of local cuisine or more western based. It can be paired with tasty wines, soft drinks, a cocktail off the list or the waiters will make you a bespoke cocktail based on your mood and what you like! But the real gem of Zawadi are the staff. 100% attentive to your individual needs and genuinely care about each guest, who they always address by name. I was greeted with “welcome home” and I think that sums it up. Evelyn, the manager, is always present along with Bernard (food and beverage manager), Noa, Mr M, Iddy, Innocent, Isaack and the other housekeeping and reception staff. They are not intrusive but wait quietly, anticipating your every need. A real credit, all of them! When I was poorly and hadn’t made an appearance for most of the day, I had a couple of phone calls to the room to check I was ok and if there was anything I needed; doctor, food etc. When I did surface, they asked how I was feeling … very thoughtful. Correspondence with the team before travelling was also excellent. Would I return? Absolutely I would and I would recommend them to anyone wanting a quiet luxury break in paradise.

We loved the resort, room, staff, and the food. Lunches and dinners were like eating at a five star restaurant, with new menu choices every day. Every meal was excellent. Great service from all the friendly staff. Our room had a private plunge pool. There is a low-key, quiet vibe at Zawadi, which was nice for relaxing after our safari in Kenya. There is some awesome snorkeling on a reef just a few minutes down the beach. We agreed it was some of the best snorkeling we have experienced, with many colorful fish.

I have traveled the world and have never experienced such a personalized experience in a hotel. From the management to the gardeners every staff member is so friendly and helpful. They are constantly on the watch on how they could be helpful or just even to offer a smile. You feel like you are such a special person in their care. I asked if I could get a product in their store for my son but they didn’t have it available. That night when I returned to my room I found the product in my room with a note saying that they hoped my son enjoyed this product and that it would help him to cook the magic of Zanzibar at home!!! The food there is magical so I hope that any small piece of it could be reproduced. After 12 days of safari this indulgence in friendly pampering was just what we needed. I would not hesitate to offer this recommendation to any one ever!

This hotel is the definition of 5 stars. The customer service was unlike anything I have experienced in prior travels. The staff was committed to our comfort and happiness. We felt pampered and spoiled. The accommodations were roomy and comfy. We loved having our own mini pool, mini fridge and deck. The food was amazing. Different dishes and themes daily. It was hard to make a choice. We will definitely be back to this hotel and it should be a must stay on your travel list.

What an incredible experience! Zawadi has done a remarkable job creating a beautiful oasis with the most wonderful staff. Evelyn, the manager greeted us and gave us a run down of the facility and schedules. She took note of any dietary preferences/restrictions and from then on everyone on staff was diligent about our meal selections. I am rather picky and a pescatarian so it was great not to have to worry about meals. The chefs prepared requisite cuisine for every meal. They even went beyond and baked me a birthday cake and helped me celebrate with a special song. The villas are gorgeous and quite spacious. The patio is lovely with a sunning area and a splash pool. We took advantage of their little gym and the games in the library. The people were simply what makes this hotel a very special place. Ally, Raza, Iddy, Noa, and Bernard were wonderful. We arrived after eight days at safari, so we wanted to relax and enjoy the hotel rather than travel around. We enjoyed snorkeling in the nearby lagoon that’s filled with so many schools of beautiful fish. That can be arranged with reception. Kayaking is also a must. We were able to see a number of fish in the clear kayak. They also have an amazing garden and farm that is a must see. Zawadi is wonderful! They put a personal touch on everything and their service is absolutely impeccable. I not only recommend them. I’ll be back!

Absolutely amazing experience - from the very moment we arrived to the warmest welcome possible from manager Evelyn we knew we had hit the jackpot. Warm and friendly service staff made the luxurious stay even more pleasant, just as the exquisite culinary offerings. Thanks Noa, Innocent, Ally, Iddy, Hamad, Bernard to name some of the staff. Beautiful views, nice gym and pool area. Great for a private couple holiday. Definitely would come here again

Truly one of the best ways to spend a couple of nights in route to the Serengeti. My wife and I fell in love with this place! Location and grounds are beautifully decorated and manicured. The staff are some of the most welcoming and friendly staff I’ve ever met around the world. They take Hakuna Matata to a new level. Villas are well appointed …. We stayed in the Jodari Villa. Highly recommend Zawadi for a relaxing getaway….My wife and I will indeed be back!