Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Beautiful location
Cons:
Food variety
Renovation needs in rooms

Categories

Cleanliness
8.49
The rooms were lovely and very clean, signifying good cleanliness. However, some guests highlighted a lack of variety in food, indicating potential issues with hygiene in food preparation.
Service
8.96
Staff was consistently mentioned as friendly and helpful, contributing positively to the service rating. Many reviews highlighted staff attentiveness.
Location
9
Several guests praised the peaceful beach location, indicating it's an ideal retreat away from the city.
Room Quality
8.45
Rooms were described as spacious and well-equipped, although some noted they could benefit from renovation.
Amenities
8.48
Generally good amenities were mentioned, but there were suggestions for improvements, such as more shade at the pool.
Value for Money
8.44
Prices for food and drinks were considered reasonable, but some guests expected more variety for the cost.
Food and Beverage
7.99
Food received praise for quality and local offerings, though a lack of variety was frequently cited by guests.
Overall Experience
8.96
Many guests left with a positive impression of their stay, suggesting a strong overall experience.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-08 18:24

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodations with Stunning Views
Experience comfort and elegance at The Sands Beach Resort in Dongwe, Zanzibar. Each air-conditioned room and villa features a terrace with breathtaking ocean or garden views. Indulge in amenities like a mini bar, safe, and en suite bathroom. For the ultimate luxury, select a villa with a private pool.

Exciting Activities for Every Guest
From volleyball to snorkeling, there's never a dull moment at our resort. Dive into our 25-metre outdoor pool, explore the depths with our dive center, or catch the waves at our surfing school. For land adventures, take advantage of our bike and car hire services.

Convenience and Relaxation Combined
Conveniently located near Stone Town and Zanzibar International Airport, The Sands offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Unwind at the on-site beach bar with a refreshing drink, and enjoy complimentary WiFi and private parking throughout your stay.

Ready to elevate your vacation experience? Book your stay at The Sands Beach Resort today.

Important information:

Please note that children are only allowed in the Family Villa.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for US$40 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    People 13 years old and over stay for US$80 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.6
Based on 137 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.49
Service: 8.96
Location: 9
Room Quality: 8.45
Amenities: 8.48
Value for Money: 8.44
Food and Beverage: 7.99
Overall Experience: 8.96
K
karine • family_with_children • fr
10
parfait
Pros:

Personnels très à l'écoute

Cons:

le petit déjeuner

2026-03-06 • via Nuitee
_
_ZEA • solo_traveller • pl
10
2026-03-02 • via Nuitee
M
Maida • family_with_children • cz
10
Wonderfull vacation combined with lesure and , daily trips and friendly local culture.
Pros:

The overall resort is located at a beautiful beach surrounded with palms and natural shadow. all the stuff is super friendly and ready to help and address all of your questions immediately. The hotel manager is is a excellent host super friendly and well English speaking. we stayed 10 nights in a family villa with a private pool. The villa has been cleaned twice per day , the private pool each morning normally while we ware at the breakfast. The breakfast had variety for everyone , European kitchen with local infusion amazing fresh fruits. we had dinner included in our package and ware each evening enjoying fresh sea food , local cuisine however pizza and pasta ware also on daily menu.

Cons:

There was nothing to dislike - it was a wonderful vacation.

2026-03-01 • via Nuitee
A
Anton • couple • at
10
Fantastic hotel complex! Fantastic bungalows, the rooms are extremely comfortable and clean, a wonderful garden with poo
Pros:

The Sands Beach Resort is secluded from the major tourist spots, which is exactly what we chose, making the location perfect for us! The hotel is simply wonderful! A very small hotel for about 40 guests with a dreamily large and beautiful garden area with a palm-lined pool and beach! The staff, from reception to the chef, waiters, chefs, and even the chambermaid, were incredibly friendly and helpful, and always in good spirits! The beach is equally stunning! The buffet breakfast and dinner were also exceptionally well-prepared. Many thanks to the Sands Beach team; we had a fantastic stay! We will definitely be back!

2026-02-24 • via Nuitee
M
Massimo • extended_group • it
10
Se vuoi fare 10 giorni di relax completo questo è il posto giusto . Ne avevamo bisogno!!! Avevamo un villino a disposizi
Pros:

La pace e il relax

2026-02-12 • via Nuitee
M
Marek • couple • pl
9
Pros:

Doskonały kucharz - kolacje , kameralny hotel ,rozległy zadbany teren i mało gości z uwagi na ograniczoną liczbę willi

Cons:

Wiffi- do poprawy

2026-01-27 • via Nuitee
J
Juerg • extended_group • ch
9
Gemütliche und grosszügige Anlage an schönem Strand
Pros:

Sehr schöne, ruhige Anlage mit grosszügigen Bungalows in klassischem Design. Liegt an einem kilometerlangen Sandstrand. Sehr freundliches Personal!

Cons:

Bei Ebbe ist das Baden im Meer schwierig

2026-01-21 • via Nuitee
I
Ilkova • couple • bg
10
Amazing vacation at the best resort in Zanzibar with delicious food and the friendliest employees
Pros:

We enjoyed our stay very much - everything from the food, to the beach and the staff. The resort has an amazing location with great view of the ocean, beautiful nature with all kinds of flowers, trees and fresh coconuts from the palm trees. The food is excellent, a big variety of different food each day and vegetarian options. The staff was extraordinary - they somehow always managed to find a great solution to all our questions, needs and requests and even managed to surprise us with the result.
It was truly the best vacation we have ever been on - the atmosphere is relaxing, the food is amazing and everyone helps you have the best time. We would like to thank all the amazing and very friendly people we met, who work at the resort, for making our trip even more memorable and especially John for his everyday jokes, conversations and quality time spent with us. It was a pleasure for us and we hope to see you all again!

Cons:

The worst part was when we had to leave. The place felt like a home to us and the staff felt like family at the end. We were so sad on our last day and we did't want to leave the resort and the island.

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
E
Emmanuel • family_with_children • ch
10
Merveilleux séjour, nous y retournerons !
Pros:

Très bon restaurant, plage de rêve, bar de plage sympa (tranquille sans musique). Très grande maison bien équipée, très grande piscine commune plus piscine privée. Jardins luxuriants. Très calme

Cons:

Un peu isolé, il faut prendre un taxi pour sortir de l'hôtel et voir d'autres choses.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
D
DONG MEI • extended_group • tz
4
有点失望
Cons:

酒店价位跟设施 餐 不匹配，海滩海草太多 退潮后显得很脏，餐品类太少，味道不行 出行很不方便！

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
A
Ashjan • extended_group • sa
10
Pros:

الموظفون

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
F
FABIAN • couple • fr
10
Pros:

Very clean
Excellent food and service
Amazing location

Cons:

Nothing. We loved it

2026-01-17 • via Nuitee
L
Laura • extended_group • it
8
2026-01-14 • via Nuitee
G
GIuseppe Filippo • couple • it
10
Un'esperienza unica, ci siamo lasciati coccolare dallo staff e dalla comodità della struttura.
Pros:

Organizzazione, pulizia e ottima cucina. Ma il punto di forza sono la riservatezza e l'ampiezza degli spazi che consentono una gradevole conoscenza degli altri ospiti senza però essere obbligati nel farlo.

Cons:

Per me è stato tutto perfetto, se proprio volessimo parlare di qualcosa che manca, forse una palestra e un bel campo da tennis

2026-01-08 • via Nuitee
L
Laura • couple • gb
10
Paradise!
Pros:

Everything was magical and completely faultless. The location is right on the beach front, villas are spacious with stunning views of the beautifully manicured gardens and of the sand and sea. The staff are just incredible - John in particular is wonderful. Everyone is joyful and friendly and could not do more to help. Food is absolutely delicious. The entertainment (Maasai, local bands, etc.) just adds to an already perfect place. Massage blissful. Day trips organised with ease. Absolutely faultless, it was a wrench to leave - we will be back. Thank you for everything.

2026-01-03 • via Nuitee
V
Vlada • extended_group • lv
8
Nice boutique hotel
Pros:

Very nice boutique hotel. Clean, spacious villas, beautiful surroundings, very beautiful beach area, nice beach bar, not a lot of people. Very nice, friendly and helpful personnel, special thanks to John who went out of his way to entertain us. Not very wide choice of foods at breakfast, but you can still find something to eat. Nice meals at lunch at dinner. Area was really quiet.

Cons:

A lot of mosquitos that make you stressed. The road to the hotel is really bumpy. The sea is not very swimmable in front of the hotel. But the biggest frustration is sellers at the beach who are extremely annoying. Don't even think of strolling alongside the beach, taking in beautiful views, they will be coming from all sides. No chance for quiet walks. This was very disappointing. They even constantly disturbed our kids. And if you are lying on the sunbed, one of them will be standing right in front of you and waiting when you'll brong your foot outside of the hotel zone.
Another thing that was really disappointing - there is no coffee machine at the breakfast. There's only instant coffee which tastes awful. It's strange that the hotel cannot proveide decent coffee for breakfast. We had to go to thw beqch bar to get more or less decent coffee, but to get proper cappuccino we went to another hotel.

2025-12-31 • via Nuitee
I
IBRAHIM • couple • ke
10
2025-12-30 • via Nuitee
V
Vincenzo • family_with_children • sc
10
2025-12-20 • via Nuitee
J
Jessica • solo_traveller • se
8
Overall I had a great couple of days.
Pros:

Great location, nice staff and good food.

Cons:

The bed was a bit to hard, not that comfortable.

2025-12-09 • via Nuitee
M
Marko • family_with_children • si
10
Pros:

Top place

2025-11-08 • via Nuitee