Pongwe Bay Resort is the only resort In Zanzibar built and projected following the principles of Bare-Footing Philosophy.
It’s a way of living that has the lightest impact, removing the barrier between us and nature.You can avoid to use shoes everywhere, even in the common aerea or at the restaurant.
Pongwe Bay Resort is around forty minutes by car from Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, a place that is truly magical, where different cultures mix; African, Arabic and western, embellished by historical buildings such as the Old Dispensary and House of Wonders.
The atmosphere is even more magical at sunset, when, as the call of the Muezzin can be heard, preparations get under way for the fascinating evening gathering at the Forodhani Gardens, the gardens overlooking the sea built by the Sultan. Dozens of small kiosks are set up in terraces overlooking the sea, and an extraordinary show of local cuisine is staged amongst the motley crowd gathered for an evening chat, immersed in the scents and flavors of spicy Swahili cuisine.
Van18 February 202510 ☺Alles, zodra je aankomt waan je jezelf in paradijselijke sfeer, het is waanzinnig mooi en het personeel is ontzettend gastvrij en behulpzaam, het eten in beide restaurants fantastisch! Opnieuw naar Zanzibar zouden we hier zeker weer verblijven, het was ook voor onze kinderen onvergetelijk. Karolina17 February 202510 We spend wonderful time here. ☺ Pongwe Bay is a small haven❤️ Maria15 February 202510 ☺Resort ideale per una vacanza all’ insegna del relax. Lo staff e il direttore sono stati sempre a disposizione per esaudire ogni mia richiesta. Camere pulite, molto grandi, e curate in stile swahili . Bellissima la piscina circondata da un giardino tropicale . Cibo eccellente, un mix di sapori locali e internazionali. Al pontile potete ammirare il tramonto al bar-ristorante o rilassarvi al solarium . L’atmosfera che ci si aspetta di trovare in Africa! Stéphane15 February 20259.0 Wonderful Bulchenkov14 February 202510 Perfect ☺ I’ve stayed in many beachfront and boutique hotels in Zanzibar, but this place is truly a hidden gem. It offers great value for money, and the staff is exceptionally flexible and welcoming. The hotel features two restaurants, one of which is located on a pier, providing an amazing dining experience with ocean views. The food quality exceeds expectations, especially compared to other hotels in the same category. The rooms are spacious, impeccably clean, and well-designed, with large balconies where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect place to unwind and escape the noise of daily life. As a bonus, the hotel even has a tropical beachside gym, which is a rare find in Zanzibar. Highly recommended for those seeking a balance of comfort, nature, and great hospitality! Kamilla13 February 202510 Jeg vil klart anbefale dette sted til andre, hvis man kan lide luksus, ro og afslapning på sin ferie ☺Fantastisk stort luksusværelse og balkon med udsigt over havet. Dejlig beliggenhed, lækker mad, pool, personale og strand. Luksus med den lange badebro, så man nemt kunne bade ved lavvande. ☹Der var ikke noget at sætte fingeren på! Monica11 February 202510 My stay at Pongwe was very very nice, I tottaly recommend the place. The staff is really friendly. ☹ I had a bad experience with the agency that was responsable for the tours and extra activities.(to be more explicit: I booked safari for my son and I, I payed, the agency confirmed the plane tickets, and after one hour they told me that the price has increased... I was forced to pay extra only because I didn't want to dissapoint my son who was very enthusiastic.... the agency is doing varoius staff to exploit your financial possibilities....) I understand that the agency for touring is a different entity then the Pongwe Bay Resort which was helpful in my dispute with the touring agency. Maciej10 February 202510 Exceptional Attila10 February 202510 A tranquile resort in the most picturesque bay of Zanzibar with a beautiful garden! Staff extremely friendly! Also a goo Luise9 February 202510 To Short Stay ....we need more ☺ We stop for one night, before going to safari and will be back after our trip. We were sorry about the wifi but we found a good connection to have a video conference
A Happy Place - My husband and I stayed here for our honeymoon, which we took on our 1yr anniversary. We were welcomed so well there by the team. They helped arrange EVERYTHING... read more for us.
Our arrival was splendid. They welcomed us with this very tasty homemade passion fruit juice.
Our first dinner was amazing, the portions were bigger than we'd anticipated. Their lobster pasta? In fact their whole seafood dishes!
Every morning at breakfast, they had the freshest selection of fruits. We really loved our stay here and will definitely go back on our next trip to Zanzibar.
Second visit to Pongwe Bay resort - This was our second visit to Pongwe Bay resort. It still is a beautiful resort, with fantastic staff. A few points of attention: the food in both restaurants. We... read more had hoped that there would be a little more variety, especially in the jetty restaurant. But there is a small menu. Which means that vegetarians and meat eaters in particular don't have much choice.
Loud guests: there was large group they were loud. There were shouts and yelling at each other from a great distance. There was so much commotion that we thought something was going on, that we even went to the manager. But this group was not held accountable for their behavior. Very unfortunate because all that shouting meant that other guests couldn't really relax.
I would like to end on a positive note by saying that we really appreciated being allowed to check out late without any extra charges.
RACIST HOTEL STAFF & GENRAL MANAGER (Marcus) Aunts covering the bed sheets and pillows - RACIST HOTEL STAFF & GENRAL MANAGER (Marcus)
I am writing to express my disappointment with the
poor customer service and overall experience. There were numerous aunts and insects... read more on the premises and bed sheets which made our stay uncomfortable and unpleasant and wanted to leave hotel earlier in which they confirmed to us that refund for the rest of the stay will be completed upon check out .however later we received email that no refund The experience was extremely frustrating as as When we tried to communicate with the General manager (Marcus), which eventually learned that he is so Racist against arabs; he yelled at us and refused to make any refund as promised upon check out ! And hung up the phone as soon as he found out we were Arab as his behavior became blatantly disrespectful. He began to mock us by using Arabic words in a rude and sarcastic manner, as if he was making fun of our identity and culture. This conduct was not only unprofessional but also deeply discriminatory.
Based on this experience, I would not recommend this place to anyone. The lack of hygiene and professionalism, poor service, and disregard and for customer satisfaction were beyond disappointing.
Luxurious feel with a great value for money, kind people and amazing food - We loved our stay at Pongwe Bay Resort from the first second. We arrived way before check-in time, at 9:30am. Without any hesitation, the hotel manager immediately offered us to... read more have breakfast and a coffee before commencing with administrative stuff and check in - such a small gesture, but how welcome it makes you feel! The kindness of the staff was present during our entire stay and is something that makes Pongwe Bay Resort definitely stand out. The room (we had a Junior Suite) was absolutely huge and gorgeous, so spacious and in a lovely design. Everything is well thought-out and the service is definitely on 5*-hotel level. Housekeeping will come in the evening to prepare the bed and mosquito nets as well as the lights for when you come back after dinner. The beach with its sunbeds as well as the pool area and its garden are just beautiful and a joy to look at. As the hotel has a jetty, you'll be able to get into the water even during low tide. We did enjoy food at The Club specifically. Overall we can only recommend this resort! Do know that there is not much to do around Pongwe, but the hotel is very helpful in offering excursions. The only thing I didn't enjoy was my nail appointment at the Spa, as the quality of the nail polish was so bad that it didn't dry for two hours and I had to have it taken off (wasting almost 3 hours of my holiday!) They did take it off my room bill, but I feel like you shouldn't offer services if you cannot perform them well.
Nice setting and great food - Beautiful resort set right on the beach. Their club restaurant jets out in the sea. It was nice and windy when we went. We ordered lobster linguine , T bone... read more steak, grilled octopus n grilled lobster. Everything was fine except for the lobster that was very dry . The staff need more training as half the table was not set properly. Also very forgetful bar staff. Overall it was a nice experience. We also had 2 pinacolados and a bottle of white wine and the bill came to $ 165, which is very reasonable
Wonderful boutique hotel - Small and perfectly formed. My husband and I stayed for 10 days in June and had a fabulous time.
Gardens and pool area are stunning and immaculately maintained. The Club... read more jetty is a lovely recent addition giving an additional bar and restaurant.
The staff are genuinely friendly and can’t do enough for you.
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel for a relaxing stay, I’d recommend Pongwe Bay Resort to anyone.
Paradise Found at Pongwe Bay Resort, But Avoid Mr. Zanzibar's Tours - We had an unforgettable stay at Pongwe Bay Resort! This hidden gem offers a truly tranquil escape with its stunning swimming pool and beautiful surroundings. Our room was spacious, clean,... read more and cozy, decorated with elegance for ultimate comfort.
The staff at Pongwe Bay Resort were exceptionally friendly and went above and beyond to ensure our stay was enjoyable. The beachfront location was picturesque and serene, ideal for leisurely walks and sunbathing. While swimming in the sea was affected by the tide, the resort compensated with a fantastic pool and water sports.
Dining at the on-site restaurant was a highlight, especially the unique experience at the pier restaurant with breathtaking ocean views. The food was delicious, though some prices, like for beer, were a bit high.
The resort's traditional architecture and well-maintained gardens added to its charm. Despite limited internet access in rooms, this minor drawback was overshadowed by the resort's many positive attributes. Go check the fitness center on the beach that’s a must see.
For anyone seeking a peaceful and authentic getaway with excellent service and stunning scenery after a safari or Kilimanjaro climb, Pongwe Bay Resort is an excellent choice. We can't wait to return!
On the contrary, steer clear of activities promoted by Mr. Zanzibar at the resort, claiming to be 'the most affordable travel agency in Zanzibar.' Despite their low prices, they offer nothing but disappointment. Opting for their Silver package Safari Blue, we were greeted by a dilapidated boat with a dysfunctional sail, barely holding together with patches. Snorkeling in deep waters was lackluster, with only a few fish lured by chunks of watermelon, amidst the constant risk of being squeezed between other boats. The sandbank resembled a chaotic parking lot with over 40 vessels, and the nearby island coerced visitors into pricey souvenir shops, even charging for basic amenities like toilets ($1).
While reputable agencies like Safari Blue offer genuine adventures and quality experiences, Mr. Zanzibar provides a dismal imitation at best. Expect dolphin encounters overshadowed by noisy boats and a relentless focus on extracting money from unsuspecting tourists, rather than delivering promised adventures.
Amazing staff and nice water bridge - We stayed at Pongwe for 5 nights in our trip to Zanzibar.
ROOM: was quite old I would say (both bed, sheets and bathroom), but pretty well maintained in terms... read more of cleanliness.
FACILITIES: the hotel has a very nice white and wide sandy beach, with an amazing bridge towards a restaurant on the sea (similar to what Melia has).
LOCATION: I would not recommend due to the fact that you have frequent cycles of low-high tide. Therefore, the water will not be available every time for swimming and also it is full of algae.
STAFF: Amazing staff, friendly, helpful and polite all the time (I would like to mention here Gladie). The restaurant also offers a variety of food options.
Perfect experience - The best accomodation in my life the resort was excellent, the staff absolutely perfect, very king and very implicated. Also, the managers are doing their job very very good,... read more all the staff deserve a raise in thei sallary!! I will for certain come back!
Great experience - Beautiful and peaceful place , the staff are amazing, rooms are big and clean.
The managers are not friendly it’s a shame the staff are the ones make more effort... read more with the guests
We went to Toa hotel next door to Pongwe bay resort the manager great us from the door and offer us to stay for the music. Very friendly and welcoming.That is what’s lacking in Pongwe that warm welcome !! While Toe were full booked.
Other than that our stay was special
We had the best stay! Great room, great food, peaceful and beautiful location and the personal were very kind and charming. We had an incident with an aggressive guest and... read more the hotel managed it very well. We were two women travelling together and an aggressive man acted up and played his own music by the pool even though the resort played nice music. This guy started threatening us, but luckily the resort personal stepped in making us feel very safe and relaxed to enjoy this beautiful place. We really want to go back and I give my highest recommendation!
highly recommended - would highly recommend.
Very friendly management who went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. Carlo what a wonderful guy
The beach view and pool are very well... read more looked after. Room was very clean and spacious. Great location too. Close to the Beach.
We loved every minute and will definitely go back.
Worse experience I ever had.
101% BAD LOCATION for the next reasons:
- food is terrible and the portions are very small / the price doesn't fit with the quality... read more / drinks are very expensive ( ex a 0.33 beer is 5$ when nearby resorts sells 0.5 for 3$) / found maggots in the salt
- serving is also insanely bad and slow ( ex I ordered chicken fingers and they bring fish fingers) / waiters barely understand what you want
- the place is like a library, you can t listen music at the pool, you can't walk in swimsuit in the restaurant, you are warned for absolutely everything
- the owner is a very annoying person because he is warning everyone for absolutely anything ( most of them being stupid reasons)
I highly don't recommend it, this resort is a big waste of cash.
All the staff are really friendly and caring. Cuisine out of the world. Just for swimming in the sea, north of Zanzibar is more convenient, however, even if I... read more am sea-swimming lover, I wouldn't exchange nothern deeper sea for peace and quiet and perfect service of that resort.
Exotic Christmas in a paradise location - The resort is cozy with all huts facing the pool, with very good amenities. Almost every night there is an event arranged, from traditional dances to acrobatic shows. The breakfast... read more is plentiful and tasty and the entire staff is very attentive, starting with the Italian owner who visits every table at least once a day. It is located less than one hour away, with the resort arranging for taxi at only $50 one way.
It was an amazing experience in a quiet area! The resort it was fantastic over our expectations the staff the food the pool too! I would suggest it for sure... read more We stayed for 3 nights but we wish to be more! The only thing that I would like to see the next time is an outdoor gym.
This hotel have overall a great and lovely personnel. Starting with the Manager up to the guys who playing volleyball or being the service personnel in the restaurant.
The service... read more was great and always friendly and asking for your need.
The rooms were very clean.
The food was very good and had a compressive offer of different causes.
We can recommend this hotel in any question and in any topic. Thank you so much.
The hotel is wounderfull. Exatly as in the fotos. Good breakfast. Expensive meals and not that great. We had much better meals in the beach in a small restaurant with... read more a wounderfull chef and payed half the price. The main problem is the beach. At low tide its impossible to go to the sea so we had to go to other beaches. Everything else is great.
Pongwe Bay is the perfect spot to relax. We came here after a busy week on safari and exploring Stone Town and it was perfect. It’s quiet and calm, with... read more an amazing pool area and private beach with plenty of loungers, hammocks and places to relax. The staff are extremely kind and attended to our every request. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, although I did have to ask for another pillow as we only had one small pillow each. There is a few restaurants a short walk away which you can visit and the food on offer at Pongwe Bay was also sensational. Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a relaxing stay in paradise. More
Pongwe Bay Resort is a fairly large resort in the Pongwe area. The room is great but no TV. Television is not needed on this kind of holiday.... read more The breakfast very good. The staff is very kind and the hotel is spotlessly clean. Dinner quite good although a bit pricey. We also had a dinner buffet day which was really great and only cost $25 per person. The only negative that another couple staying at the hotel found was the local Massai people working at the hotel who were constantly standing up for no real reason. Please don't have the hotel staff standing for so many hours. You might think that this action pleases the hotel patrons but in reality it is brutal and distressing. The beach in front of the hotel is wonderful but not for swimming in the sea. The pool is amazing. The hotel has friend volleyball, rackets, ball, board, canoe. The area is for relaxation only. It doesn't have anything nearby for activity. More
First time to visit Zanzibar. I've always wanted to and glad that we finally did it. Boy, it's all the patient needed. Simply the best. It's worth all the cents.... read more The cleanliness of the place, the professional staff, the rooms are simply amazing.
The resort facility is located on a white sand beach. One of many in Zanzibar. At low tide the sea can reseed several hundred meters. This is when you... read more really appreciate the pool, perhaps with some shade from a PalmTree. Very nice staff. Some of the perks include High Tea, and apritiefs. The vegetarian pizza was excellent.
Pongwe Bay Resort was really the best choice we've made in the matter of accommodation. It is an amazing ocean front resort, with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, a... read more corner of paradise. Everything was just perfect, we've spent 3 incredible and quiet weeks in paradise. Special thanks to Riccardo (the general manager) and Sara for their hospitality and for everything they've done for us, we had the time of our lives! "Asante sana" to all the staff, you were all great!
Excellent choice.We did our safari&Zanzibar with "Time For African Adventures" and this was one of the hotels they choose for us, it was excellent, this space is very good,from the... read more rooms to the staff...it was very worth it.I recommend staying here...it is beautiful!!!!
great hotel. the comfort is perfect, the staff are smiling and very professional, the setting is magnificent, the cleanliness is impeccable, the restaurant is very good there are local dishes... read more every evening with aperitif toasts offered by the hotel. finally the guide Amani is extraordinary, he does everything to organize great outings and satisfy us, he explains very well, he adapts to our needs and he is very friendly. we recommend this hotel 200%.
Short 10 days vacation in real paradise! Kind reception, friendly service on every step. Relaxing atmosphere, comfortable rooms and common areas. Can not imagine more I could get from paradise.... read more Looks much better than on any picture.
It is a place broken from paradise, peace, cleanliness, exceptional staff and excellent conditions. The kindness and smiles of everyone beautify your holiday and you want to come back as... read more soon as possible. They went out of their way to make sure we didn't miss anything, and the room was in perfect cleanliness, the food excellent and varied. I must mention that the design is one of great quality and good taste. The management team did everything possible to make our vacation unforgettable.
It was like a family. Everybody so caring, kind and ready to help. We want to send warm greetings to all from management Riccardo, Sarah to trip organiser Amani, waiter... read more John, driver Issac and everybody who make our vacation unforgettable.
We have spent 2 lovely weeks at the Pongve bay resort end of June, beginning of July with our 2 little kids.
A friendly place, clean, nice personal.
Food and... read more the spa was excellent.
It looks much nicer then in the pictures.
The only minus it was that they didn't clean the beach otherwise it was perfect.
The place is clean, food is good. The staff are friendly and always keen to help. The only issue the low tide for the ocean that some time... read more becomes frustrating.
The rooms are clean and neat. Pool has clean water and one should not need to go outside the hotel
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |