Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas

After a week of safari in Tanzania, we were looking forward to recovery and lazy days by the beach. We arrived at Zanzibar Sunrise and were welcomed by friendly staff, a beautiful garden with pool and peaceful background music. The breakfast alone is a reason to stay at Sunrise, choosing from fresh fruit and vegetables, egg dishes and great coffee, at any point of the day. We had a base of shakshuka all mornings, because of delicious. The staff helped us find and book activities for our stay, a private boat picked us up outside our house and took us snorkeling with fish and dolphins at the reef of Mnemba. We went reef walking with one of the hotel’s knowledgable gardeners, to see sea urchins, starfish, sea cucumber and more, the tide can be quite dramatic on this side of the island. The lovely manager Farah handled some early quirks with our stay in a swift, understanding and professional attitude, we couldn’t be more grateful for that. The entertainment manager Michael played a key part in creating a life memory of a romantic honeymoon dinner, with flowers, small lamps. white cloth and an exuberance of flowers framed the evening. This memory will be with us always. The food overall was so good and we didn’t find the need to visit other hotels for dinner. The wine list was mainly south african and somewhat scarce due to the approaching end of season, but we had some great pairings to fish and seafood. (The tiger prawn curry in papadum bowl is to die for). Thanks for making our honey moon so special, we cannot recommend this place highly enough!

We have just spent a week there and it was a great and relaxing experience!! The resort is really nice, clean and cared, and the staff is extremely friendly. They offered yoga classes during the weekdays and we got one of the best massages in our lives in their spa. The food was great and the nights of live music (Tuesdays and Fridays) were top so we really enjoyed a lot our stay there. With regards to the area (not sure if this is the same in all Zanzibar), important to know that you cannot swim in the sea during low tides as the floor is full of stones and sea urchins but it is Ok in high tides. In the beach you have a lot of people trying to sell you things. They are quite Ok when you tell them “no, thanks” but the recurrence of these interactions can be a bit annoying. Last but not least, the sound of the sea during the nights in high tides is very very loud. We got used to it but it took for us a couple of nights.

Sunrise at Bandas is a serene beachfront retreat that offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every type of traveler. With 14 cozy bungalows, 2 private pool villas, and 2 beachfront bungalows with plunge pools, guests can choose the ideal space for their stay. The property offers flexible dining options, including half-board and full-board, alongside live music nights on Tuesdays and Fridays. Guests can also explore traditional Maasai-led tours, yoga classes, kayaking, and more activities like cycling and beach walks. With its relaxed ambiance, generous meals, and attentive management, Sunrise at Bandas is a fantastic choice for those seeking an authentic Zanzibar experience. Michael, the young manager, is dedicated and personable, ensuring that every guest feels taken care of. His commitment to cleanliness and attention to detail make this an unforgettable destination.

Our stay at Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas was absolutely incredible. The food was among the best we’ve ever had; the chef must be a star chef! Each day, we were blown away by the delicious meals, especially since we had half-board and could order à la carte. The property itself is beautifully designed, creating a wonderful atmosphere that truly enhances the experience. At night, we could hear the sounds of the ocean, and our rooms were stunning, providing a perfect retreat. The yoga classes were a highlight of our stay, and the live music was truly impressive. However, what stood out the most were the incredibly attentive and dedicated staff members, who made our visit truly exceptional. I can highly recommend Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas.

A small paradise that guarantees a wonderful rest and unforgettable moments. Beautifully arranged space, cozy and tastefully furnished bungalows. Delicious food, beautifully presented. Great live music twice a week, great musicians. The wonderful atmosphere of this place is due to the staff. They are extremely helpful and friendly people. All this makes you leave this place thinking about returning as soon as possible.

An awesome resort right next to a vast beach with soft white sands. The rooms are spacious and clean. The property is beautiful. The food was great. The staff is very warm and polite. The reservation manager Farah went out of the way to make our stay memorable! Highly recommend it.