Epic Zanzibar - Serena Hotel & Thanda Island 6 night Ext

Zanzibar Serena Hotel, established in 1997, is a historical treasure born from the meticulous restoration of two iconic buildings: the 19th-century Extelcoms building and the 18th-century "Chinese doctor's residence." These structures were thoughtfully preserved, reflecting the 19th-century cultural influences of the Sultans of Zanzibar. The hotel provides an authentic connection to the rich history and culture of Zanzibar, now recognized as the "Zanzibar Style."

Situated on the Zanzibar seafront within the captivating Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the hotel offers an oceanfront setting and opulent Arabic and Swahili-inspired interiors. With 51 rooms and suites exuding coastal serenity, guests can enjoy private balconies with stunning Indian Ocean views.

The rooftop Terrace Seafood Restaurant offers fresh seafood and bay views, while Baharia Restaurant hosts weekly Swahili banquets by the pool. Masahani Bar serves signature cocktails and live Taarab band performances. Zanzibar Serena Hotel provides a blend of history, culture, and elegance in a sumptuous retreat, celebrating the grandeur of a bygone era.

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Aerial view of Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Pool Credit: Serena Hotels Zanzibar Serena Hotel features a stunning pool area surrounded by lush gardens and offering views of the Indian Ocean. The large pool is perfect for a refreshing swim or relaxing on the comfortable sun loungers.

Reception Aerial

Entrance

Terrace Credit: Serena Hotels Zanzibar Serena Hotel's rooftop terrace offers extraordinary views of the bay and a tranquil setting to unwind and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Baharia Restaurant Credit: Serena Hotels With stunning ocean views and an emphasis on using the finest local ingredients and fresh-caught seafood, the restaurants and bars at Zanzibar Serena Hotel specialise in exquisite cuisine served in extraordinary settings. From a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking bay views, to weekly Swahili banquets by the pool, to cocktails and live Taarab music, enjoy an array of tastes unlike any other.

Restaurant terrace

Balcony dining

Conference Credit: Serena Hotels Zanzibar Serena Hotel is an impressive and unique destination for hosting corporate events, whether intimate or lavish. The opulent Conference Suite can accommodate up to 40 guests, while larger events can be hosted at nearby iconic venues like Sultan Hamoud's Palace and Old Dispensary, with the help of the hotel's attentive banquets team.

Swimming pool

Poolside entertainment

Entertainment Credit: Serena Hotels Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers a range of entertainment options, including traditional Zanzibari music and dance performances, Swahili cooking classes, and guided tours of Stone Town's historic sites. These activities allow guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and create unforgettable memories during their stay.

Executive Suite Honeymoon Prime Room Prime Room Standard Room

Spacious and elegant, our Executive Suites offer a magnificent bedroom , a sumptuous bathroom (with bath and shower) and a relaxing sitting room (with TV and mini bar), which opens onto a magnificent L-shaped balcony with panoramic ocean views, its own al fresco cocktail area and a double hammock.

Zanzibar Serena Hotel's honeymoon room is a private and opulent retreat designed to celebrate the romance of newlyweds. This intimate and cozy room features a four-poster bed draped in romantic netting, as well as a private balcony with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.

Our exceptionally spacious Prime Rooms are presented in traditional Swahili style featuring traditional niches, fretwork cabinets and brightly coloured coastal cotton soft furnishings in cool blue. The four-poster beds are draped in mosquito nets and are generously king-sized.

Our 41 standard rooms are presented in traditional Swahili style featuring traditional niches, fretwork cabinets and a cool blue and white colour scheme. Each room has either a king-sized bed with mosquito netting or twin beds.

Property Facilities

Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fridge, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Wheelchair Friendly

Available Services

24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Travel Desk

Activities on Site

Beach Drop Off, Boating, Cooking Courses, Fine Dining, Fishing, Gourmet Picnic, Massages, Natural History Tours, Para Sailing, Practice Green, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing, Windsurfing

Activities Nearby

Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Beach, Boat Cruises, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cooking Courses, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Historical Tours, Jet Skis, Kite Surfing, Marine Adventures, Museums, Natural History Tours, Para Sailing, Sailing, Scenic Flights, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing, Windsurfing

Thanda Island is located off the coast of Tanzania within the pristine Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve. multi-award-winning retreat in the Indian Ocean, . Surrounded by protected coral
reefs and crystal-clear waters, this five-hectare sanctuary is designed for those seeking total seclusion and unparalleled indulgence.. At the heart of the island, a singular private villa with five sumptuous suites is complemented by two traditional Tanzanian beach chalets. Together, they form an exclusive haven, served by a discreet, dedicated team offering exceptional service and
signature warmth. This is not simply an escape; it is a rare and unforgettable encounter with barefoot luxury at its most refined.

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Thanda Island Credit: Thanda Island

Villa Credit: Hywell Waters

Bandas Credit: Hywell Waters

Lounge Credit: Hywell Waters

Libary Credit: Hywell Waters

Beach Picnic Credit: Hywell Waters

Dhow Credit: Hywell Waters

Gym Credit: Hywell Waters

Sunset Beach Bonfire Credit: Hywell Waters

Swahili Feast at Sunset Credit: Hywell Waters

Beach Dining Credit: Thanda Island

Movie night Credit: Thanda Island

Whale Shark diving Credit: Thanda Island

Boating Credit: Thanda Island

Water sports Credit: Thanda Island

Water Sports Credit: Thanda Island

Water Sports Credit: Thanda Island

Water Sports Credit: Thanda Island

Water Sports Credit: Thanda Island

Boathouse Credit: Hywell Waters

Tennis Court Credit: Hywell Waters

Tennis Court Credit: Hywell Waters

Tanzanian Banda

In addition to the main villa, the island features two traditional Tanzanian bandas, transforming the retreat into a nine-bedroom sanctuary that welcomes up to 18 guests in total comfort.
Crafted with hand-carved furnishings and artisanal textiles sourced from nearby Mafia Island, one banda is appointed with two king-sized beds, while the other offers a king bed alongside
two single beds. Each en-suite, air-conditioned banda spans 72 square metres, positioned within a gentle stroll of the main villa, and offers a tranquil, private setting with captivating sunrise views.

Banda Exterior Credit: Hywell Waters

Bnda Exterior Credit: Internal

Banda King Credit: Hywell Waters

Banda Twin Credit: Hywell Waters

Banda Twin Credit: Hywell Waters

Banda Bathroom Credit: Hywell Waters

Banda Credit: Internal

Banda View Credit: Internal

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Verandah

Villa

The five-bedroomed Villa offers comfortable living and sleeping areas, with everything you would want from an extraordinary beach house, including an indoor aquarium, a variety of musical instruments, magnificent wine collection, glass rim-flow swimming pool, air-conditioned gym, library, including an extensive Ernest Hemingway book collection, and a wraparound dining area with its 180-degree view of the ocean. All five en-suite bedrooms are air-conditioned with king-size beds and an idyllic island feel. If required, additional beds for children can be set up in the bedroom suites or library.

Villa Credit: Hywell Waters

Villa Credit: Internal

Master Suite Credit: Hywell Waters

Master Bedroom Credit: Hywell Waters

Master Ensuite Credit: Hywell Waters

Guest Bedroom Credit: Hywell Waters

Guest Bedroom Credit: Hywell Waters

Outdoor bath Guest Suite Credit: Hywell Waters

Property Facilities

Accept Credit Cards, Air conditioner, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Children Friendly, Communal Dining, Credit Card Facilities, Eco Friendly, Gym / Fitness Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kosher, Laundry Service, Library, Licensed, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Pool, Restaurant, Spa, TV Room, Vegetarian

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Heated Towel Rails, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah

Available Services

24-hour Security, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fishing, Gourmet Picnic, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Jet Skis, Kayaking, Massages, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Tennis Court, Turtle Tracking, Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing, Whale Watching, Windsurfing

Activities Nearby

Deep Sea Fishing, General Sightseeing, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Kayaking / Paddling, Marine Tidal Pool, Scuba Diving, Sea Kayaking, Snorkelling