The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

The beach was lovely even at low tide, which didn’t affect our stay much. We swam in the ocean two or three times, though the water wasn’t crystal clear and there was some seaweed. We weren’t bothered by beach sellers, unlike at some other beaches. There isn’t much to do nearby at night, but we drove to Paje one day and had fun. The restaurant food was very good and service was attentive, with plates cleared and water topped up right away. The only disappointment there was the entertainment on Swahili night, when the musicians played more Western music. The rooms were spotless and spacious, with comfortable beds and thoughtful details. Housekeeping came twice daily, including for turndown. All the staff were friendly and helpful, especially Khamis and John, who went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable. One of the best hotels we’ve stayed at in a long time, maybe the best ever.

We had a pleasant stay and I’d happily return if I come back to Zanzibar. The place felt warm and very clean, and we felt safe. The beach is private, and housekeeping came twice a day. Our room stayed clean and had no insects. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful. Mr. Khamis never hesitated to help us, and I’m very grateful to him. Thanks as well to the chefs, who made special dishes so my sister, who is vegan, could enjoy her meals. A couple of small things could be better. The Wi-Fi only works outside the rooms and the signal isn’t strong. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and slippers weren’t provided, so we had to buy them, which wasn’t cheap since we paid in dollars. Those details didn’t spoil our stay, and I’d recommend the resort.

The villas are right on the beach, and the location is fantastic. The resort is safe, well maintained, and built with high-quality materials. The restaurant food was genuinely delicious, and the service was friendly. Ali is a particularly great face for the place. There weren’t many disturbances from beach boys, and although it’s a bit far from the airport, it’s close enough to places worth seeing. Happy to return.

The staff were the heart of our stay. They made us feel like part of their family, and the kitchen team added a lovely personal touch by chatting with guests. Ally is a great example of the management behind an experience like this. The food was fantastic and felt very authentic. The Sands is laid out in a practical way while still giving you privacy. On the beach, that privacy turned out to be essential. The facilities covered what we needed for a holiday, all in one place. Our room was spacious, well kept, and had a lovely atmosphere. We hope to return, and would recommend it to anyone visiting Zanzibar.