Sunset Kendwa

The evening meals were a highlight, with a choice of buffet or à la carte and enough variety that we enjoyed something different each night. The beach is beautiful, and the Kendwa sunsets are the sort you find yourself planning the evening around. Staff were friendly and helpful, the rooms clean and comfortable, and getting around felt easy and safe. It's relaxed rather than formal, which worked well for a beach holiday. Families may find the beach rooms near the pool especially convenient. Kids can swim and play while adults keep an eye on them, and on their cocktails too. Breakfast was good as well. We'd happily return.

That beach view is stunning, and it's easy to lose track of time there. We didn't stay at the hotel, so I can't speak to the rooms or hotel staff. You can arrange sunbeds with the staff, but do it a day ahead or you might be doing towel yoga on the sand. The nearby restaurant has lots of choices, though service runs on island time, so order before you're starving. The bar offers fresh-squeezed juice, beers from around the world, and classic cocktails that do the job. The view alone is worth it. 🌅🍹

The resort has a lot of potential, but I found the rooms dreary and the AC barely functional, which is a real problem in Zanzibar's heat. The location and restaurant were about the only things I liked. Reception staff were the most nonchalant I've experienced among the Zanzibar hotels we stayed in. They also hustle you off the loungers before sunset, even though watching the sunset is the whole point of this location. I'd stay elsewhere and maybe come here to dine once or twice.

We didn't stay at the hotel, but renting three sunbeds for $30 made for one of our best beach days in Zanzibar. The beach was gorgeous, with soft sand, clear water, and one of the best sunsets we saw. Staff and security kept the sunbed area comfortable and vendors at a respectful distance, so we could relax without constant approaches. The $30 could also go toward food and drinks, which seemed like very good value. Everything we ordered was fresh, tasty, and generous. A small improvement would be to bring the drinks closer to the food: on a hot day ours came well before the meal, and the ice had melted by the time we ate. We also left a slice of pizza under a towel on our sunbed while swimming. The local crows managed to uncover it and fly off with it, which was impressive and frustrating. The staff were attentive and the atmosphere relaxed. Even without staying at the hotel, we had an excellent time using the beach facilities at Sunset Kendwa Beach.