Riu Palace Swahili - All Inclusive - Adults Only

Hotels
RIU Hotels & Resorts
Nungwi , Nungwi , tz

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly, professional and named staff
Excellent beachfront location
Clean facilities
Comfortable beds and modern rooms (for many guests)
Great pools, spa and resort facilities
Very good food and dining options
Generally high overall guest satisfaction ('perfect', 'superb')
Cons:
Room/key card malfunctions and related security inconvenience
WiFi outage reported for extended night
In-room drink policy issues (gendered drink availability)
Very large distances across the property requiring a lot of walking
Lack of African entertainment / limited animation
Slow bartenders and occasional slow beach service
Difficulty booking restaurant tables
Some rooms described as not cozy; grounds lacking greenery in places

Categories

Cleanliness
1
Multiple reviewers explicitly praised cleanliness (words like 'clean', 'good renhold', 'pulita'). Overall sentiment is positive but not emphasized as exceptional across all reviews.
Service
1
Service is frequently highlighted as a strong point (friendly, professional, named staff praised). However there are occasional service lapses reported (slow bartenders, slow beach service, in-room drink policy issues), so score reflects generally very positive but imperfect service.
Location
1
Location is repeatedly praised (beachfront, excellent setting, great beliggenhet). One review noted the grounds lacked greenery, but overall location sentiment is strongly positive.
Room Quality
1
Mixed to negative sentiment: some guests praised comfortable beds and modern, clean rooms, but there are concrete problems reported (cards not opening, security concern of leaving doors open, descriptions of rooms as 'not cozy'). These operational and comfort issues drive a negative score.
Amenities
1
Amenities have polarised feedback: pools, spa and facilities are praised, yet several reviewers mention significant negatives (very large distances around the hotel, difficulty booking restaurants, lack of daytime animation/entertainment, missing African entertainment) and slow bar service. Net sentiment here is negative.
Value for Money
1
Standard quality for this hotel tier
Food and Beverage
1
Food is often commended (excellent cuisine, praised buffet and restaurant staff). Some service issues (slow bartenders, missing beach orders) were noted, so overall positive but not perfect.
Overall Experience
1
Many guests describe the stay as superb/perfect with excellent staff, ambiance and facilities; a minority of operational/service issues temper the experience but overall sentiment is positive.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-03-30 22:00

Property Description

Experience paradise at Riu Palace Swahili - All Inclusive - Adults Only, where luxury meets tranquility just a 3-minute stroll from the stunning Kendwa Beach.

Exquisite Dining
Savor authentic Italian and pizza delicacies at our on-site restaurant, complemented by refreshing cocktails at the bar, offering a delightful culinary journey overlooking the serene landscape.

Luxurious Accommodations
Relax in our elegantly designed air-conditioned rooms, featuring complimentary WiFi, private bathrooms, and a safety deposit box. Some rooms boast captivating sea views or charming balconies perfect for your morning coffee.

Thrilling Activities
Unleash your adventurous spirit with exciting snorkeling and canoeing opportunities nearby, or take advantage of our car rental service to explore the beautiful surroundings of Nungwi.

Indulge in the ultimate getaway experience and immerse yourself in luxury; book your stay today!

Important information:

Please note:
- When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
- In the event of an early departure, the property will charge you the full amount for your stay.
- All guests, including adults, children and babies, must be included when making the booking to be shown the right room and rates. All guests not included will be charged at the hotel, during check-in time.This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Location

Guest Reviews

Cleanliness: 1
Service: 1
Location: 1
Room Quality: 1
Amenities: 1
Value for Money: 1
Food and Beverage: 1
Overall Experience: 1
R
Roni couple il
9
Pros:

מקום מאוד יפה, אנשים וצוות נחמדים, מיקום טוב, הרבה פעילויות בבריכה ופעילויות נוספות , אווירה טובה . לאחותי היה יום הולדת והם סידרו יפה את החדר והביאו לה עוגה ושרו לה בחדר אוכל- ממש נחמד מצידם

Cons:

מלון קצת הומה, גם החוף. יש כביכול 7 מסעות במלון אבל כשמנסים לתפוס מקום מראש אין באמת מקום.

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
N
Noa couple il
10
An unforgettable stay. We can’t wait to come back!
Pros:

Everything was perfect! The hotel is beautiful, the staff was incredibly kind and welcoming, the food was delicious with a great variety, the rooms were spotless, and the atmosphere was relaxing. We had an amazing honeymoon and enjoyed every moment. Thank you for making our stay so special!

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
M
maeva couple fr
10
Génial, un bon hôtel tout inclus sur une très belle plage de Zanzibar
Pros:

Le personnel est incroyable toujours à votre disposition pour vous faire passer des vacances de rêves

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
E
eric muthui solo_traveller ke
10
2026-07-03 via Nuitee
E
Evans Nfor couple cm
10
My stay was marvelous
Pros:

The staffs are nice, the environment very clean, variety of food to select from. And there are games and parties

Cons:

I do not think there is something I hated about the place

2026-07-02 via Nuitee
E
Emmanuel solo_traveller hk
10
2026-07-02 via Nuitee
T
Tamaraulayefa couple ng
8
2026-07-02 via Nuitee
K
Kengonzi extended_group ug
10
This place was absolutely worth every penny! 10s across the board!
Pros:

RIU exceeded our expectations by far! This place is over stimulation central in the best way possible, it feels like a town of it's own where you have lots of things to explore and can't figure out where to start. Loved the buffet, the food was tasty and loved the 24hr bar, the bartender Hassan was very lovely. The rooms are beautiful and well thought out, the bed was super comfortable, it felt like sleeping on a cloud lol! We absolutely enjoyed the pools with the built in pool beds, 10/10! The ocean was just magnificent, we spent hours there, just enjoying the water, and walking by the beach. I think you can tell by now that I loved this place, book it!

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
H
Hedva Shloosh couple il
6
אכזבה
Pros:

סטנדרטי היה מבחר אבל כל יום אותו הדבר.
העובדים בחדר האוכל נהדרים מסבירי פנים

Cons:

שירותי הקבלה
הגענו בערב מאוחר וכשעשינו צ'ק אין כנראה הייתה החלפת משמרת בחורה אחת התחילה וגבר המשיך ששאלתי אותו על החדר אם הוא פונה לים אז אמר שלא כל כך.
ביקשנו לשדרג מול הים ואז הוא התחיל להתלוצץ עם עובד אחר בקבלה בשפה שלהם והרגשנו שצוחקים עלינו.
שילמנו כסף לשידרוג לקחו אותנו לחדר וריח ביוב נוראי ביקשנו מהאיש קבלה שיביא לנו מבשם או משהו עד הבוקר כי היינו עייפים מאוד וגם לא היה במיני בר מים הוא הבטיח להביא אבל לא חזר
למחרת התקשרנו לקבלה לקבל מים ושישלחו מישהו לבדוק את הריח במשך יומיים אף אחד לא הגיע עד שהלכתי חקבלה ואז אמרו לי שיחליפו לי חדר .
איש הקבלה אידי שכל כך רצה לעזור לקח אותנו לקומה מתחת ואז החדרנית אמרה שבכל הבניין זה הריח.
3 שעןת עברנו בחדרים כדי למצוא חדר ראוי שלא עמד בקריטריונים של השדרוג אבל כבר לא היה לנו כח.
אנחנו הגענו לחופשה כי בעלי חולה בסרטן ובאנו לנפוש לפני הטיפולים.
עליי לציין את צוות חדר האוכל שהיו נהדרים מסבירי פנים צוות הבריכה ובארים גם ראויים לשבח
המלון בכללי נקי מאוד וחדש אבל יש ריח ביוב
האוכל בחדר האוכל מזכיר מסעדת פועלים עם מגוון רחב

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
M
Matlhogonolo couple za
10
2026-07-01 via Nuitee
M
Mahir couple gb
10
Perfect all inclusive hotel in a great location
Pros:

Everything. The decor, the location, the staff, the food, the beach. I haven’t had an all inclusive in a while and was skeptic all about whether this would be worth the money but it definitely is.

Cons:

If I had to be really nit-picky, some of the entertainment shows weren’t always the strongest. But who goes for those anyways?

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
A
Antoinette couple za
9
Memorable.
Pros:

The service from the staff was excellent. There was such a variety of food every day and good quality.

Cons:

Small things really. Not always received enough towels when towels were replaced.

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
I
Idris solo_traveller za
8
Pros:

A good new hotel with beautiful beaches.

Cons:

Food at the restaurant was contaminated with pork.
The pork food should be kept completely one side.
The restaurant can go out of their way to accommodate kosher/halal visitors.
Staff to be educated wrt these religious needs and the use of utensils, etc.

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
L
Larry couple gb
7
Amazing hotel loved my stay
Pros:

Drinks in the room

Cons:

The stairs

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
G
Grace solo_traveller tz
9
Best experience ever
Pros:

Everything was wonderful great staff,entertainment, food just beautiful

Cons:

there are no windows in the toilets which makes the smell to transfer in the room side.plus when it rains some water stack ...my advice when building another Riu it should be rain accomodative for it not to make the environment uncomfortable

2026-06-30 via Nuitee
M
Maryam couple ae
5
Pros:

All included

Cons:

The restaurants needs reservations 7 days in advance which means if I book for restaurant I will be able to find booking when I am back which is not helpful at all. Second thing we were not able to go to any restaurants in the other Riu hotels which is same group and same owner I will be fantastic if we could have an access to all. Some of the reception stuff need more training about customer service instead of keen for money they need to know the hospitality first.

2026-06-30 via Nuitee
E
Eldad extended_group il
8
נחמד ..
Pros:

החוף מאוד יפה , המלון נקי ונעים

Cons:

אוכל זהה כל בוקר צהריים וערב, כמעט ללא גיוון . בחדר היה ריח מוזר, WIFI הכי גרוע שפגשנו בזנזיבר. מלון די המוני .

2026-06-30 via Nuitee
N
Naideen solo_traveller zm
10
Everything was excellent
2026-06-30 via Nuitee
M
Matilda couple de
10
2026-06-30 via Nuitee
L
Lindah extended_group ug
10
If you're looking for Heaven, visit Riu Palace Swahili
Pros:

I've always believed that there's heaven on earth and Rui Palace Swahili gave us exactly that. We had booked 8 rooms for 2 nights but ended up booking a third night because this resort was too good to be true. The food was fresh, very tasty and the variety was to die for. If one is not careful, one can gain weight in just 2 days. The restaurants are big enough to accommodate the big no of guests at all times. If you love luxury, you can even join the Elite Club, as this gives you a private experience, i.e. private beach, restaurants, etc.
I was lucky to be upgraded to the sea-view room on the third night and my oh my......the views form my balcony were breath-taking. The pools were sparkling clean, the spa was overwhelmingly beautiful with very good services provided.
The rooms are very big in size. I loved that the bathroom is separate from the toilet. All the linen was white, with no single stain. Check-in process was very smooth. What totally blew my mind was the fact that the rooms were sound-proof. Imagine being in your room and you have no idea that there's a big party going on outside.
There's a snack restaurant called Pepe's Foods that serves snacks from 10am to 6pm. So if you miss any main meal before 6pm, you can always walk to Pepe's Foods and pick some savoury foods, make yourself a burger, etc. This blew me away.
When it comes to drinks, you have access to all the bars. I have been to All-inclusive resorts before and the drinks served were always basic. At Riu, it was different. We had access to cocktails, mocktails, premium wines, beers, etc, without any limit. I got to drink exactly what I wanted at any time. One of the bars operates 24hrs a day.
The front desk team is very responsive. When a call is made, it is picked up immediately and the request is attended to promptly.
I can't praise the staff enough. They were very committed, gave consistent service and were always available to serve.

Cons:

I Loved the while experience at the Resort / Hotel.
My only complaint is about Booking.com that charged me city tax ($5 per room per night), only to be charged again at the resort. I have not been refunded a total of $80, which makes me very sad.

2026-06-29 via Nuitee