The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

4.0 star property
Beachfront hotel with calming spa services

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Photo gallery for The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

On the beach, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels
Standard Bungalow
Luxury Villa, 1 Bedroom, Sea View
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Family Villa, Multiple Beds | Bathroom
Reviews
9.6

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • SpaSpaSpa
  • PoolPoolPool
  • LaundryLaundryLaundry
  • RestaurantRestaurantRestaurant
  • BarBarBar
  • Room serviceRoom serviceRoom service

Explore the area

Map
Dongwe Beach, Pingwe, Dongwe
  • Popular LocationDongwe Beach8 min walk
  • Popular LocationPingwe Beach4 min drive
  • Popular LocationBwejuu Beach15 min drive
  • AirportZanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)59 min drive

Room options

Luxury Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Private Pool

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
  • 200 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Family Villa, Multiple Beds

10/10 Exceptional

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Separate bedroom
  • 140 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds

Luxury Villa, 1 Bedroom, Sea View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Separate bedroom
  • 140.0 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Bungalow

9.6/10 Exceptional

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Dongwe

At The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Dongwe Beach and 3.6 km (2.3 mi) from Bwejuu Beach. Highlights at this beachfront hotel include 2 bars/lounges, a full-service spa and a restaurant. .A day of pampering can include massages, body scrubs and mani/pedis. Spend the day at the beach where you'll find sunloungers, and enjoy the on-site outdoor swimming pool and pool loungers. Plus you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. Each morning free buffet breakfast is offered between 7:00 AM and 10 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Attractions within a 20-minute drive of this 4-property class Dongwe hotel include Paje Beach and Jambiani Beach.

What's nearby

  • Dongwe Beach - 8 min walk
  • Pingwe Beach - 4 min drive
  • Bwejuu Beach - 15 min drive
  • Paje Beach - 21 min drive
  • Jambiani Beach - 22 min drive

Getting around

  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Rock - 4 min drive
  • African Bbq - 9 min drive
  • Mr. Kahawa - 10 min drive
  • B4 Beach Club - 10 min drive
  • Bar of Breezes - 14 min walk

About this property

The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

Beachfront hotel with calming spa services
Spend the day at the beach and work on your tan with sunloungers (chaise longues) or relax in the shade with umbrellas. At The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar, pamper yourself with a treatment at the full-service spa or have fun in the sun with activities such as scuba diving.

Free breakfast is available daily. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. Public spaces have free WiFi. This beach hotel also offers an outdoor pool, a garden and a terrace. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Dongwe hotel.

  • 20 guestrooms or units
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Dining venue
The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar offers 20 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and a safe. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets. Bathrooms include bidets, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottles of water and a ceiling fan. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis. Amenities available on request include in-room massages.
Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the on-site spa, which has 1 treatment room. Services include facials, body scrubs and manicures and pedicures. The spa is open daily.

Languages

English, Italian, Swahili

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10 AM
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Full-service spa
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Scuba diving

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Separate bedroom
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Facials
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Spa open daily
  • Treatment room

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Egyptian-cotton sheets

Bathroom

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

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

Outdoor space

  • Balcony/patio

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 80.00 per night.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 50 (one-way)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 80.00 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cots/infant beds and rollaway/extra beds
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cots/infant beds and rollaway/extra beds. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Contactless check-out is available.

Property is 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

What is the cancellation policy at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

Yep, The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

Yep, The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar is a short 8-minute walk from Dongwe Beach. Fun beach activities include snorkelling, scuba diving and windsurfing.

Is there a spa on site at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body scrubs and facials.

Does The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar have a pool?

The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger.

What luxury perks are available at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar features a full-service spa, an outdoor pool and 2 bars.

Does The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar serve breakfast?

You bet, complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

Yep, you can grab a meal at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar's onsite restaurant that serves international cuisine.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

No, pets are not allowed.

The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 69 out of 92 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 92 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 92 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 92 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 92 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ernst

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mavis

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vincent

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 !
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shaarik

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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 Excellent

Meagan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Sands was amazing! It was an oasis of beautiful beaches, a large pool, and great food. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel, Chicago

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ramon

Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Melinda

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023