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The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

4.0 star property
Beachfront hotel in Dongwe with spa and outdoor pool

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

On the beach, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels
Front of property - evening/night
Luxury Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Private Pool | Egyptian cotton sheets, minibar, in-room safe, blackout drapes
Poolside bar
Outdoor pool, sun loungers
VIP Access

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    Bar
  • Airport transfer
    Airport transfer
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Spa
    Spa
  • Free breakfast
    Free breakfast
  • 24/7 front desk
    24/7 front desk
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • On the beach
  • Restaurant and 2 bars/lounges
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Room service
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour front desk
Feel at home
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bedroom
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Luxury Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Private Pool

Luxury Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Private Pool | Egyptian cotton sheets, minibar, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Luxury Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Private Pool

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Egyptian cotton linens
  • 2152 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Family Villa, Multiple Beds

Family Villa, Multiple Beds | Egyptian cotton sheets, minibar, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Family Villa, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Egyptian cotton linens
Separate bedroom
  • 1506 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Luxury Villa, 1 Bedroom, Sea View

Egyptian cotton sheets, minibar, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Luxury Villa, 1 Bedroom, Sea View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Egyptian cotton linens
Separate bedroom
  • 1507 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Bungalow

Standard Bungalow | Egyptian cotton sheets, minibar, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Standard Bungalow

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Egyptian cotton linens
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
Dongwe Beach, Pingwe, Dongwe

What's nearby

  • Dongwe Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Pingwe Beach - 4 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Bwejuu Beach - 4 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Paje Beach - 13 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Jambiani Beach - 18 min drive - 11.9 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 59 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Mapacha - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Rock - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Oxygen - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪African Bbq - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Mr. Kahawa - ‬10 min drive

About this property

The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

At The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Paje Beach. You can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant and visit the spa to be pampered with massages, facials, or mani/pedis. Other highlights include 2 bars/lounges, an outdoor pool, and a snack bar/deli. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff.

Languages

English, Italian, Swahili

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 20 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
  • Early check-in subject to availability
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
  • Check-out time is 11:00 AM
  • Contactless check-out available
  • Late check-out subject to availability

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions.

Special check-in instructions

  • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
  • Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
  • To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

  • Pets not allowed

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas

Parking

  • Free onsite self parking

Transfers

  • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*

Other information

  • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast each morning 7:00 AM–10 AM
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • Restaurant
  • Barbecue grills
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Snack bar/deli

What to do

  • On the beach
  • Scuba diving
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Luggage storage
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Pool loungers

Facilities

  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Mosquito nets
  • An outdoor pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Massage/treatment rooms

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Minibar
  • Electric kettle

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Turndown service
  • Egyptian cotton sheets

What to enjoy

  • In-room massage
  • Balcony or patio

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the onsite spa, which has 1 treatment room. Services include facials, body scrubs, and manicures and pedicures. The spa is open daily.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 50 (one-way)
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 50 (subject to availability)

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for USD 80.00 per night
  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds and rollaway/extra beds

Policies

This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.

Also known as

Dongwe Beach Bungalows Hotel Bwejuu
Dongwe Beach Bungalows Hotel
The Sands Zanzibar Dongwe
The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar Hotel
The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar Dongwe
The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar Hotel Dongwe

Frequently asked questions

Does The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is airport shuttle service offered by The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 50 one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of USD 50 (subject to availability). Contactless check-out is available.
What is there to do at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities such as scuba diving. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar also has 2 bars and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant that offers international cuisine.
Does The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.
What's the area around The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar like?
The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar is located a short 8-minute walk from Dongwe Beach.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Very Good

Nice big villa
We did book a villa with an ocean view. And we got a very nice villa, clean and very comfortable. I would say it’s a bit of wasted money for the ocean view, because the villas are a bit behind the palm trees. But in general very beautiful and nice. Staff is very polite and friendly. Was a good experience.
Oliver, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We had such a Wonderful stay at the Sands. Great service and premises!
Elias, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

Relaxing on the beach
Quite good stay Excellent food and location on the ocean side Optimum service and very kind personnel
antonio, 5-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Very nice, quiet place with a lovely beach and excellent staff. Very good food, too.
Edward, 7-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Cinzia, 5-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Kelly A, 9-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Absolutely stunning. Service beyond amazing. Quiet with gorgeous gardens and beach. Easy access for SCuBA diving. Incredibly friendly staff and felt completely safe with masai warriors guarding the hotel. Food was phenomenal Would absolutely go back.
Kara, 5-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Ahmed, 6-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The service was excellent. Everyone was very friendly and courteous. We really enjoyed our stay here
Shari, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Location was tranquil and just what we were looking for at the start of our Zanzibar holiday. All the staff were amazingly welcoming and friendly. The team led by Ally are a credit to the hotel. The dining experience was quite special and we very much enjoyed the fresh barbecued fish at night, especially the huge tuna that a slice and thickness of your liking was cooked there and then and served to your table….in fact the staff even do your toast for you in the morning ! Overall hotel was perfect for our family of 4 including teenagers - if staying I would recommend a rental car to explore the local area, good deals can be found on arrival at the airport, we paid $30 USD a day and rental car company collected from hotel anywhere on the island for $20 USD.
Mark, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

It's a great hotel, with great staff. Very simple, yet clean and well kept. No TV in the rooms which could be nice as the evenings are quiet with not much activity around the area
Nasser, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We had a marvelous stay. Incredible beach staff went the extra mile always. We cant recommend this destination enough. 5 stars all the way.
Kelly, 7-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We had a great stay at the Sands. The staff were amazing, from Mr. Ally the GM to the executive chef and the cooks like Thomas who took care of us. The food was first class - this goes for breakfast right through to dinner. Amazing food and fantastic service. The beach was beautiful, clean and safe. We could not have asked for more. Even the Masai security guards were great! We loved it. Would definitely recommend the Sands in Zanzibar. We'll be back.
Philip, 5-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Ernst, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Mavis, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The resort was 5 star! The staff was so helpful and attentive.. Ally the manager made sure everything was perfect! No only would I recommend this resort … we are going back! The perfect place to kick back a d get away from the hustle and bustle. Stone town is not far and a flight to Dar es Salaam was on 34 Dollars !!Just go and relax !
Vincent, 6-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The Sands is a terrific resort, located on a beautiful beach, with incredible facilities, terrific food, and an amazing staff. Highly recommended. Go Deeper: The Sands Zanzibar Beach Resort is amazing. We stayed here with our two daughters in July 2023 and had an incredible time. This followed a safari on the mainland and then two nights in Stone Town at which point we were ready to relax and enjoy the beach. The Sands was exactly what we needed
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The Sands was amazing! It was an oasis of beautiful beaches, a large pool, and great food. Highly recommend!
Meagan, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

We recently spent 10 days at The Sands Beach resort. If you want entertainment, night life and things to do this isn’t the place for you. There doesn’t appear to be much on the main road leading to the hotel and the nearest town of any note is Paje a 15 min drive away (taxi $25 return) Here there are lots of bars and restaurants. There was a slight mix up with the transfer the hotel arranged but this was quickly sorted out. We were met with drinks on our arrival and cold towels. Much appreciated as we had 2 long flights. We arrived at the hotel early 10am and were shown straight to our room by Ally, the guest relations manager who goes out of his way to ensure that you have a great stay. The hotel was very quiet probably no more than 5-6 rooms occupancy out of 20 rooms for most of our stay. Our room had been upgraded to a sea view. The rooms themselves are basic but huge. The bedroom consists of a comfortable king size bed with mosquito nets and crisp white sheets, a chair, desk and luggage storage bench. A separate area had a wardrobe, shelf space and a safe. The bathroom was huge, with shower and one sink. There is a water heater but this only sufficient for one shower. The soft furnishings in the rooms need updating they are dingy and old fashioned, plain brown curtains and brown light shades with tassels on. This could easily be improved with some bright colours. Outside you have 2 chairs and a table on the veranda. The rooms are cleaned daily to a good standard. Isaya a
Amanda, 10-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We visited Sands Beach resort in mid-June for three nights. On the plus side, the staff (including Ally, guest relations manager) was consistently friendly, welcoming, and aimed to please. They were VERY accommodating, allowing a very late checkout with no additional charge, since our unit was not booked the evening of our checkout. The grounds of the resort were quite beautiful too. As was the beautiful pool area. Also the villas were very spacious. The meals were great and the servers were very attentive. They "hovered" a bit too much, but I'm sure they were trained this way. Americans may not appreciate "hovering" quite as much as Europeans. Not sure. Beach bartenders were also wonderful: Hassan and Isaya. Even the massage therapist was terrific! On the negative side: Our villa (and most others, we were told) had no WiFi. This was only available at the pool, restaurant or beach. The villa had very low lighting. Ally did offer to change to brighter bulbs but we opted not to bother them. Also the cabinet doors in the kitchen were all broken. We didn't need these cabinets but this issue was easy to spot by routine housekeeping, so they may have a limited repair budget. Finally, the resort would occasionally have power issues. They have their own generator when the local utility goes out, but if it ran too long, they might need to shut down ALL the WiFi. This happened just once or twice. Normally, the WiFi in the public areas was great.
Daniel, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Ramon, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

Melinda, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Felicia Denise, 5-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Marcus, 5-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Outstanding staff and spacious accommodations
Outstanding resort in Nungwi. From the time I arrived until my departure the service was top notch. If there was an issue it was resolved quickly to ensure you had the best possible time at The Sands resort. The gentleman named Ally was like having a vacation angel watching over you to make sure you were enjoying your time there. He constantly checked on us and other guest. We appreciate him for doing so. The food was delicious and each day a different selection of items. There were 2 chefs and both visited out table after dinner on various days. They did a great job. On separate days there was the whole tuna carving station one day and dorado carving stations another day, delicious as well. One of the chefs tried out his recipe for American pancakes on us Sunday morning and this recipe definitely needs to be a permanent part of Sunday breakfast, they were so good. The wait staff was great we had one gentleman a few times and he was great at anticipating our need’s and making dinner a pleasant experience. The beach bartenders were funny and great with the drinks and food service for lunch. The housekeeping staff was also excellent. I had to do some work one day and observed them cleaning the room. I doubt there was a spot missed as they were very focused on making sure the room was refreshed properly. When I return to Zanzibar I’ll split my time between Nungwi and Kendwa. I will definitely revisit The Sands resort in Nungwi. I wish all the staff the very best.
Wayne, 4-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review