Azao Resort & Spa

View over Indian Ocean was magnificent, but no beach was disappointing.

The value and experience per price paid is unmatched.

Our room as facing the ocean. We were sleeping with the sound of waves and it was fantastic. In one of the evenings the electricity was cutting off - the restaurant had us placed on the artificial beach, with live music, eating under the stars.

I think that the hotel can do better buy giving written offers for the spa to the groups. I really wanted to do it but there were no prices and I didn't feel like haggling for an experience that is supposed to relax me.

Every evening we had some form of entertainment. Apparently all the other hotels in the area have the same entertainment. Now, the music was a bit too loud for my taste and was clashing with the dinner experience. However, the entertainment was unique and african and it's worth the shot.

At the entrance of the hotel there is a tour agency representative. We will definitely use them next time. The prices were quite reasonable.

What I really loved during our stay was - we had our own hot water heater and we did have hot water whenever we want. The internet was with a truly good signal everywhere on the property so technically you can watch the sea from the wood cabin and surf the internet.

I did ask the front desk for assistance with every little thing I needed - the kids channel not working, wanting additional sugar and milk, wanting room service, or a separate cot for the baby. The front desk were cordial and quick to assist. I absolutely loved that.

The absolute jewel of this hotel is: we had our own tiny house meters from the ocean and we were sleeping and waking up with the waves, while in a nicely cold with the AC room. At night the pools were not closed. So when it was not hot hot hot we could play a little in the pool with my child and he absolutely loved it.

Also, it may seem like a little thing - but one of the evenings they made a tiramisu. I love tiramisu. I am a tiramisu connoisseur and that was one delectably prepared tiramisu.

I went with my family of 12 people to Azao Resort, the hotel was abserloutly beautiful, clean, and well maintained. The hotel had a lot of entertainment stuff, and the pools are huge. The staff was abserloutly amazing - so friendly , so helpful and very polite. The food (from breakfast, lunch & dinner) was so tasty, and food was plentiful. They even had a barbeque evening over looking the beach. They had 2 guys that's danced almost every night for dinner and had the crowd going. The rooms were very nice and clean. If you want a quiet, tranquil holiday, I will definitely recommend Azao to you. Thank you

Worst experience ever, upon arrival at Azao Resort on the first night, we were placed in an old room that seemed either under renovation or unused. It had a terrible smell, and there were no towels or gowns available. When we raised our concerns, we were assured it would be addressed the next day, but we struggled to get a good night’s sleep, having to run the air conditioning at maximum to mitigate the odor.
The following day, we were moved to a better room, but our experience was already marred.
The dining experience was just as bad, to make matters worse, the hotel was not prepared for our arrival regarding meals. We arrived just after 9 PM, only to find that dinner service had ended, and there was no food available for us. We were offered leftovers, and I, in particular, only received rice. The hotel did not cater to my vegan diet, and when I requested a simple vegetable dish, I was informed that you hadn’t communicated my dietary needs. I was even told that if I wasn’t happy, I could move to another hotel. As a result, I went without proper nutrition during our stay, which is unacceptable for a holiday.

My friend and I booked a full package massage on our last day at the resort, and it turned out to be a huge disappointment. I was completely baffled by what the older lady was doing—she was rubbing my body so quickly, it felt like she was in a rush. At one point, she even laid her body on mine while aggressively rubbing me. It didn’t feel like a massage; it felt more like torture. It was such a waste of money and a really upsetting experience.

When booking this trip (our 2nd to Zanzibar) with my bestie, our aim was 100% relaxation. We were overworked, grumpy and needed a giant hug from the Indian Ocean. And, 2 days after our return, I can confidently say - we achieved our goal!

Transfer from the airport to Azao is approx 1,5 hours (worst case).

Arrival: Hot, irritable and tired, we were dropped off by our transfer and stepped into a visually impressive reception entrance and welcoming staff offering a cold face towel and cold hibiscus tea drink. A fairly quick check-in (we'd booked 7 nights all-inclusive through Africa Stay - 2 rooms) and then walked to our rooms which were next to each other, with our luggage, by the staff Maasai men who provide both valet services and property security.

The property: The resort has about 50 rooms - all spread out over the property and divided by neat walking paths. A variety of room options ... some family rooms too. The gardens are well maintained and very lush. Frangipani trees flowering, palms laden with coconuts ... luscious and tropical. There's various easily accessible areas designated for play, chill, recreation etc.

The rooms: Our garden rooms were spacious and comfortable with a small sea-view. There's a front outside area with chairs and a side table for morning coffee. Air-conditioner was a bit loud, but worked well. Mosquito net over the bed. Kettle (with cups/coffee/tea etc, glasses) and bar fridge in each room).
Complimentary bottled water provided each day.
Bathroom was large with a good functional shower, large basin area, toilet and bidet. Sufficient wardrobe space. Wifi was available and consistent - but limited and a bit slow. There are TV's in the rooms - but we did not turn them on, so can't comment on the viewing offerings.

The pool: A large pool (with a small adjacent kiddie pool) with salt-water chlorination and a swim-up bar.

The beach: Main access is down a short flight of stairs. It's not a "let's go for a walk" beach. It's a very small cove of sand that is only exposed at low tide. So - if you want a long expansive stretch of beach - then Azao is not for you. However, if want magical high tide swims, or a time exploring the puddles of a vast low tide - this is the place!!
I could go on and on about the sea swimming ... but rest assured - the water is spectacular in colour, warm, calm and inviting. We were surprised at how few of our fellow guests ventured into the sea - but, I guess they had other priorities.

The food: We had 3 meals a day with our package. A decent variety of buffet options for all meals. And - surprisingly - a lot of fresh vegetables. Our previous visit 5 years ago to another resort had us (weirdly) wishing for a fresh lettuce leaf... But at Azao - freshness abounds. They procure fresh veg from a local farm and you can see/taste that it's FRESH! There's not a huge abundance of random food offerings, but what they do serve is tasty, considered and well prepared. We did not leave any meal under-nourished. There's a bit of a Mediterranean/North African influence in the food (falafel, baba ganoush, tomato & cucumber salad, tzatziki, kebabs etc), but also regional offerings. All meals offered a selection of fresh cut local fruit (mango, watermelon, papaya, banana, pineapple, jackfruit) Yum! One note .. the coffee served at breakfast is average - Azao could definitely improve on the coffee served.

The staff: I can mostly only comment on the restaurant & bar staff with whom we had the majority of our interactions. They were SO kind, attentive and caring. Really lovely people who very quickly learnt their guests likes and needs - and catered to them accordingly. English is very much a second language to most of the staff - but they all tried very hard to communicate and translate effectively. The adjacent staff (housekeeping/reception/groundskeepers/maintenance) all seemed to be on it and working hard to provide a great guest experience. It was a sad farewell when we left .. which says it all. We'd all become close in our short 7 days.

The guests: During our stay - a mostly South African crowd. We bonded with countrymen and danced/laughed/sang/drank together. The few non-SA guests seemed to have fitted in quite well.

The management: I need to specifically mention Khaled, the GM. He was omnipresent and his availability to both the guests and staff was obvious and effective.

The add-ons: We did none of them. But there is snorkelling, boat trips, sun-set cruises, turtles, dolphins etc. The hotel also has a spa which offer massages etc.

Negatives: As of Oct 1st, there is a new compulsory Zanzibar travel insurance ($44) that is required to gain entry to the country and a $5 per night charge for "tourism levy" to be paid to the resort/hotel that won't be included in your hotel booking fee .. so I suggest you budget accordingly

tl;dr ... Go to Azao if you need a reasonably priced, tropical holiday at a clean, well-managed, not fussy resort. You won't regret it. We definitely hope to return.

Bad experience from day 1
Spent an aweful lot of money. PAID FOR 4 Star got 2 Star facilities, food and location / accommodation.
DIRTY AND POOR maintained resort, including entertainment area, games rooms. Little or no hot water to shower.
Hated the place. Overrated and Overpriced.
Had to pay extra than quoted for levy also.
BAD.. BAD .. BAD

DONT GO THERE!

Staff were very friendly, welcoming and attentive. Especially Baraka, Hawa and Awhadi. Rooms were great with a nice comfy king size bed and the view of the reef, water and boma was awesome. Had a great time.

Although the food was lovely and delicious I would suggest maybe adding a bit more variety to the menu offering on maybe alternating days.

Staff, accomodation and amenities are great but buffet was very disappointing...same bland breakfast for 8 days is really unpalatable. The general manager attended hand and foot to the owner who was visiting from Dubai and ignored the guests..

The rooms are beautiful and very clean. The house keeping staff is very professional and caring. It's a place I recommend those going to Zanzibar to stay. I enjoyed the swimming pool as it had warm water. Very beautiful place.

Beautiful relaxing holiday. Definitely worth a stay if you want to be away from the crowds. Resort is clean and staff are very friendly and always helpful. Not a swimming beach, but pool is awesome. If you can, do the all inclusive as small water is $1. Small glass pineapple juice $3.....(also check all that the travel agent tells you....get everything in writing). Enjoy your holiday....

what an amazing experience i had at Azao hotel, front desk team work and always smiling, amazing food, the hotel is clean, the rooms are so nice swimming pool is amazing, staff restaurant are very friendly.
would definitely recommend every one. see you next time

Sincere appreciation to every staff member at Azao resort. You all truly epitomize Zanzibarian culture and hospitality. The service, location, beauty and friendliness was beyond our expectation.
To the General Manager, Mr Khaled Mahdy, your patience, assistance and understanding during our stay at Azao Resort, will be etched in our hearts forever.

If ever we return to beautiful Zanzibar... We Shall again return to Azao Resort and Spa.

ZANZIBAR has won over our Soul,
AZAO RESORT has won over our Hearts !

Mr Vimal Mothilal
South Africa

Truly an amazing stay. On the waters edge, with all you could ask for - divine pool with bar, spa, friendly staff, lovely swimming beach, quiet and peaceful. Our room was on the waters edge with only sounds of the sea and wildlife. Well done Azao

Over promise and under deliver! Dirty Resort with bare basics. Far from everything. Mediocre food. Not at all what the website looks like. Bathrooms terrible. Spa a huge dissapointment. The bikes are broken and impossible to ride. Avoid this Resort.

מלון משגע ויפה נקי ומסודר ברמה גבוהה רמת שרות הצוות אין דברים כאלה מומלץ בחום

No beach access.

Nice Hotel. Great Value. Friendly staff. Big and clean rooms

I had to think long an hard as to wheter I'd reccomend this hotel. This is a great hotel for families and couples. The pool is great and the food is good. Take advantage of the free bikes. We stayed in a beautiful oceanview bungalow but we had issues with the water working properly so we had to relocate to a villa without a view. I feel like the staff is a little lazy and there was a disconnect. The spa was under construction. I was pleasantly surprised when the staff surprised me with a birthday cake

Ho soggiornato all'Azao per 7 notti con 3 amiche, la permanenza in hotel è stata piacevole, posto molto tranquillo, indicato per chi come noi voleva rilassarsi. Forse persino troppo tranquillo però, alla sera dopo cena mancava qualsiasi tipo di intrattenimento ( musica, spettacoli o altro) per cui dopo cena non si poteva fare altro che andare subito a dormire, eventualmente con l'unica possibilità di bere qualcosa al bellissimo bar sul mare, collegato all'hotel da una passerella, molto suggestivo però appunto al meno un po di musica sarebbe stata piacevole. Personale cortese ma con tempistiche troppo lunghe nel rispondere alle nostre esigenze, nota negativa il mare impraticabile. Fondo in parte sabbioso simile a fango, ci si sprofonda dentro fino alla caviglia ed é impossibile camminare e la restante parte rocciosa molto tagliente, con la bassa mare impossibile quasi entrare. Ci siamo dovute spostare ogni giorno per cercare il mare bello. Cibo ok

Azao resort is a nice hotel but be aware, there is no beach. If your plan is to relax by the pool, this is a great resort. If you plan to swim in the ocean and relax on the beach, this might not be the best option. We were aware of it, but kinf of hope we could go swim. It was not possible during our stay. we ended up moving to another hotel. However, the resort is nice, in the nature, it's calm, the rooms are spacious and clean. The staff is extremey friendly and always ready to help. The pool is big, well maintained. We opted for the all inclusive and it was a good idea as the resort is isolated. There is not much around and if you end up paying for food at the hotel, it can be a bit expensive. The resort is quite big, there is a jetté where you can go for a drink after dinner. It's fine. Food wasgood. I feel I got what I paid for. It wasn't very expensive compared to other options, so got what I paid for. At low tide, we could go explore the beach (rocks, crabs, etc). We enjoyed it, but after a few days, we felt it was time to move elsewhere. My recommendation would be to spend a few days and move to another part of the hotel.