Sultan Sands Island Resort  

On Zanzibar’s east coast, beachfront in Kiwengwa on a wide, sparkling stretch of sand. Set amid 25 acres of gardens and over 1,000 palm trees, the resort shares a 500m beach strip with the Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa. Address: Kiwengwa North Coast, Zanzibar.

A quirky blend of Swahili and Arab architecture, with 76 single-storey African-style rondavels. Rooms are ocean-facing and feature hand-carved Zanzibari furniture, verandahs or balconies, memory-foam beds, minibars and rainfall showers. Simple modern comforts include air conditioning, ceiling fans, satellite TV and in-room safes.

Three outdoor pools (plus an indoor pool), a spa and the famous Oasis Spa shared with the sister property. Play tennis, rent bicycles, dive with the on-site One Ocean Dive Centre, or sweat it out in the gym. Family-friendly extras include a kids’ club, playroom and arcade; social spots include a bar/lounge and two beach bars. Free on-site parking and an airport shuttle are available (shuttle for a surcharge).

Conference and meeting rooms with a business center. Complimentary wired and wireless internet and 24-hour reception keep things running smooth for work and events.

Mwambao restaurant serves local Zanzibari specialities alongside Far-Eastern and European favourites. There’s also a snack bar/deli, bar/lounge and two beach bars. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.