The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

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

Choose dates to view prices

Escape to The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar, where upscale charm meets island vibes. Unwind with a beachfront breakfast buffet, bask in the sun on the outdoor pool's sun loungers, or indulge in spa treatments like a manicure/pedicure and facial. With free WiFi and helpful staff that guests rave about you'll feel right at home.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (12)

  • 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 (6)

  • Separate bedroom
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
$168 nightly
The total price is $204
Dec 17 - Dec 18
Total with taxes and fees

Why we love this property

Coastal sandy hideaway
This hotel sits right on the sandy beach. Free beach towels, umbrellas, and loungers await for a perfect day. Snorkeling and windsurfing are nearby.
Spa sanctuary
The full-service spa offers daily treatments, including facials, massages, and body scrubs. Manicures and in-room services complement the serene garden setting.
Taste-tempting food and drink
Experience international cuisine at the hotel's restaurant alongside free buffet breakfast. After dining, patrons can relax at 2 bars.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

Standard Bungalow

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

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

Luxury Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Private Pool

Highlights

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

Luxury Villa, 1 Bedroom, Sea View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

Family Villa, Multiple Beds

Highlights

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

Standard Twin Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Egyptian cotton linens
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Bidet
Hair dryer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

Map
Dongwe Beach, Pingwe, Dongwe

What's nearby

  • Dongwe Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Pingwe Beach - 4 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Michamvi Kae Beach - 10 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Paje Beach - 11 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Jambiani Beach - 13 min drive - 13.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Mapacha - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Shanga Paje - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Corner, Cafe And Bbq - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Kiddo’s Rooftop Restaurant - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Zanzibarista - ‬9 min drive

About this property

The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar puts you 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.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 20 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Early check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age: 15
    • Check-out time is 11:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
    • Late check-out subject to availability
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • The property charges 3 percent for credit card payments
    • Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
    • To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
    • The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE

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 15
DONE

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE

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

  • 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 60 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 5)
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 50 (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 3 percent

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for USD 80.00 per night

Policies

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
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.
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express

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 60 per vehicle 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.

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Reviews

The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

8.2

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.2

Eco-friendliness

9.2

Property conditions & facilities

What guests liked

  • The beach at this property was beautiful, clean, and safe with great facilities and friendly staff. (11 reviews)
  • Breakfast was delicious with a variety of made-to-order items and fresh ingredients. (3 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

Food
Service staff
Beach
Room
Restaurant
Villa
Beach bar
Quiet - room
Breakfast
Drinks

Reviews

6/10 Good

for the price charged the stay was considered okay as far as F&B was concerned. Food menu was fixed and basic with no nothing remarkable for both breakfast and dinner. rooms were decent and resort was nice otherwise. staff were also polite but language understanding needs more training.
Arshad, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Quiet and relaxing
Pat, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Overall this is the perfect getaway! No distractions just the sounds of the ocean and the amazing staff! This is perfect if you want to getaway and truly relax! Options to explore are available. The pool is large and clean. The rooms get serviced twice a day. The bar was definitely my favorite spot!
Beach bar
Outside of room
Beach
Cassandra, 10-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Fabulous stay at this very quiet, clean, secure resort. Very comfortable room. Staff are very attentive. Beautiful beach. Highly relaxing! Really enjoyed the Swahili buffet and music!
Janet, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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

10/10 Exceptional

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

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

10/10 Exceptional

The staff at this hotel were incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our stay. The rooms were immaculate and very comfortable. We also enjoyed the delicious dinner every night.
Artur, 6-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect place to relax

Our villa was super spacious, it was cleaned regularly, and it was nice to wake up in that beautiful garden. Service was very good, Mr. Ally and the team made us feel welcome and helped us with the early check out and late check out because of our flight times.
8-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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

8/10 Very good

Great hotel to stay to escape the busy hustle and bustle lifestyle. It is beautiful and quiet. Food is great. The only crtique i have is there are frequent power outages in the evening. Overall I would visit again.
Jermaine, 5-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

You will be treated with warm, welcoming service from the moment you arrive and throughout your stay. The food included with the half board is very good with quite a few made to order items including omelets, waffles, and crepes at breakfast and fresh catch of the day fish and pasta at dinner. The rooms are glorious! We had the ocean view villa and it was HUGE!!! It was easy to find lounge chairs by the beach, and they all have shade umbrellas. It was so peaceful and beautiful out there. Warning: I did get sunburned even in the shade on the last day!! The beach does have a pretty varied tide, and the hotel provides reef shoes for low tide, which I recommend because there are sea urchins. There is also seaweed in the water near the shore. You will be provided with 2.5 liters of purified water in your room each day, and water is included at breakfast and dinner. Outlets are all British style 3 prongs, no USB. Power did go out intermittently but never interfered with anything. WiFi is good out at the beach, pool, and lobby but was spotty in the room. This is a quiet area north of Paje, so no other restaurants other than the resort. It was more reasonably priced than our American resorts with $15 pool drinks. They do use purified water for the ice in the drinks and the ChatGPT says they use purified water for all food prep too.
Amy, 3-night trip

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 trip

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 trip

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

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

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent experience. Small boutique like hotel with super friendly staff. Thanks Ally & team!
Esa, 5-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

This is by far the best hotel we've stayed in in a long time, probably best ever. The rooms are spacious and spotless clean. Every little detail is thought of. The beds are very comfortable and room service pass by twice a day to clean the room and for turn down. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. Especially Khamis and John who went our of their way to make sure we are comfortable. Food at the restaurant was also lovely and service there amazing. Staff are constantly keeping an eye on the tables, plates are removed the second they're empty, water refilled immediately after drinking etc. Downside here was the entertainment on the Swahili night, the guys were playing more western music. The beach is very pretty, even at low tide which didn't impact our stay much. We swam 2 or 3 times in the ocean. Its not crystal clear water though, expect some sea weed. We weren't disturbed by any beach sellers like we saw on some of the other beaches. Only slight down side is that there isn't much to do nearby at night. We drove one day to Paje and that was fun.
Omar, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing!!! All was perfect!!!

All more perfect and better than we can expected! Thanks a lot for making our honeymoon a reality!
Benjamin, 6-night trip

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

10/10 Exceptional

a wonderful place to relaxe. we stil had low season and allmost the whole place for us, fantastic. The best stuff on the island, helpfull, nice, allways trying to forfill every whish. The Sands and the whole team made our vacations to what it was, a dream. Looking forward to be back.
Bernhard, 18-night trip

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

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 trip

10/10 Exceptional

We had a great stay here. Loved this quiet place, the friendly employees, the lovely beach and the pool. Our daughter got sick but we got so much help from the staff. We are very greatful! One thing they could do better was the food. Other than that everything was great! Thanks to everyone, especially mr. Ally and the friendly guys in the beach bar.
Miriam, 4-night trip

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