Marumbi Beach

Booked the place for a honeymoon, spent quite a considerable amount of money. The lagoon room we booked was absolutely amazing, loved this experience very much, scenery was immaculate. Was let down by the overall quality of everything else unfortunately. Just as a comparison to other all inclusive’s in Zanzibar which offered much more for a fraction of the price. Overall quality of the product to its value was poor all things considered. Would unlikely stay again. Some nice touches for sure like being greeted at the port. Staff are friendly and kind and try to accommodate but service feels like it’s new and a work in progress rather than a finished article. Menu for food isn’t very deep, quality was good on the whole but variety and quantity of the food and drinks was lacking. Simple requests like water bottles on our exit or fresh juices at breakfast not available some days, pastries running out. Some days the menu was restrictive and one day felt like we were given yesterday’s left overs. Gym, sport activities, bikes are included which was nice. Atmosphere and entertainment at meal times were a nice touch. Attempts were made to accommodate us and make the experience nice was appreciated such as the honeymoon welcome. Overall it’s feels marketed and priced as super luxury but on ground doesn’t meet those same standards, somehow feels as though you have to pay even more to get things that would otherwise be included in other places despite the higher cost.

We had a lovely and memorable stay at Upendo Beach Boutique Hotel. The location is simply beautiful, with breathtaking views and a peaceful ambiance. The staff were exceptional—especially Theo, who was incredibly helpful and welcoming throughout our stay. Although I made an error in my booking by reserving the two-bedroom villa for only two adults, the hotel management showed great understanding. They kindly offered a generous solution by asking us to cover only 50% of the additional amount, which we truly appreciated. The villa itself was spacious, clean, and beautifully designed. The entire property is well-maintained and provides a wonderful boutique experience. One recommendation: it would be great if a pool heater could be added, as the water can be quite chilly in July. Overall, we enjoyed our time very much and thank the team for their hospitality!

🌿 A Hidden Paradise: Xanadu Villas, Zanzibar After exploring countless options across Zanzibar, my husband and I ultimately chose Xanadu Villas to celebrate my birthday — and it turned out to be one of the best travel decisions we’ve ever made. We’ve traveled extensively around the world, always seeking privacy, personalized service, and genuine luxury rather than large, impersonal resorts. Xanadu Villas exceeded every expectation. From the very moment they picked us up at the airport, the experience began — and it was nothing short of amazing. Every detail, from the warm welcome letter to the effortless transfer to the villa, made us feel that something truly special awaited us at Xanadu. When we arrived, it felt like stepping into a secluded dream — intimate, elegant, and perfectly curated. Our private butler, Thomas, was exceptional. His attentiveness, professionalism, and kindness elevated the entire experience. Every detail — from the candlelit dinners to the spontaneous, thoughtful touches throughout our stay — reflected an impeccable standard of hospitality. And the food — truly unforgettable. I can confidently say it’s among the best I’ve ever had in my life. Each dish was beautifully presented, bursting with flavor and freshness. We’ve found ourselves craving those meals ever since — so much that we’re already planning another trip just to relive them. Another thing that stood out was the flawless attention to detail. Every time we left our villa for breakfas