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
ExteriorCredit: Serena HotelsZanzibar Serena Hotel's exterior is an enchanting blend of restored 19th-century and 18th-century buildings, carefully preserved and restored to reflect the Swahili and Arabic influences typical of the Sultans of Zanzibar. The hotel's seafront location in Stone Town, flanked by sultan's palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, and bright bazaars, adds to its allure.
Entrance
Reception
TerraceCredit: Serena HotelsZanzibar Serena Hotel's rooftop terrace offers extraordinary views of the bay and a tranquil setting to unwind and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Baharia RestaurantCredit: Serena HotelsWith 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
Beach dining
ConferenceCredit: Serena HotelsZanzibar 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.
PoolCredit: Serena HotelsZanzibar 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.
Swimming pool
Poolside entertainment
EntertainmentCredit: Serena HotelsZanzibar 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.
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.
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.
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.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Wheelchair Friendly
Special Interests: Beach / Coastal, History & Culture, Leisure, Relaxation
Mnemba Island Lodge | Mnemba Island
Exclusive yet unpretentious, Mnemba Island is an award-winning private beach paradise just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar. Ten beachside bandas overlook a pristine coral reef (a scuba diver’s delight) at this romantic, private hideaway. From snorkelling, swimming and kayaking to massages on the beach and simply doing nothing at all, andBeyond Mnemba has something for everyone.
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Activities and Services
andBeyond Mnemba Island
andBeyond Mnemba Island
andBeyond Mnemba Island
andBeyond Mnemba Island
andBeyond Mnemba Island
andBeyond Mnemba Island
andBeyond Mnemba Island
andBeyond Mnemba Island
andBeyond Mnemba Island
andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge
The island offers 12 rustic palm-frond Bandas tucked into a tropical forest fringe by a white coral sand beach. Relax andunwind on your own stretch of beachfront.
Mirroring the spiraling form of the nautilus seashell, each Banda enthuses tranquility. Opalescent colours with dusty pink hues are elegantly framed, paying homage to the ocean’s precious coral. Cultural traditions infuse understated luxury, with locally sourced brass, marble, ceramics, and Omani antiques, creating a vibrant space immersed in natural elegance.
Mirroring the spiraling form of the nautilus seashell, each Banda enthuses tranquility. Opalescent colours with dusty pink hues are elegantly framed, paying homage to the ocean’s precious coral. Cultural traditions infuse understated luxury, with locally sourced brass, marble, ceramics, and Omani antiques, creating a vibrant space immersed in natural elegance.
Alongside the comforts and elegance of a regular Banda, the Family Banda boasts an additional smaller ensuite room perfect for children. Curated as the ideal space for an unforgettable family island escape, this spacious haven offers the perfect balance between shared bonding moments and essential privacy.
*Maximum 2 adults and 2 children
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Sala, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Armed with a snorkel, mask, and fins, step directly from your Banda into the ocean to explore the vibrant coral reefs encircling the island. With the added option of full-face masks, you can fully immerse yourself in this underwater world, taking your snorkelling fishing experience to new depths.
Highly regarded as one of the best waters to explore, it comes as no surprise that the glorious diving spots in and around &Beyond Mnemba Island have been included in many top dive site lists across the globe. Catering for every diver, from novice to experienced, Mnemba Island’s dive sites vary in topography, substrate and marine life, making for an exclusive and varied underwater adventure like no other.
With most dive sites a short 10 to 20-minute boat ride from the island – a few of which can even be dived directly from shore; our PADI-certified dive masters and instructors know the reefs around Mnemba Island intimately and take divers to sites best suited to their specific interests. For non-divers, an introductory PADI Discover Scuba Diving course is available, providing the incredible opportunity to see the vast majority of what the islet has to offer in the first 12 m (39 ft) of water. Other PADI-certified experiences and courses for divers from ages eight and up are also on offer.
The shallow sea grass patches, sandy slopes and coral reefs just off the beach are a haven for critters. Robust ghost pipe fish, leaf fish, harlequin crabs and even zebra snout seahorses are just a few of the incredible oceanic beings to be seen, as well as various eels, shrimp, scorpion fish and octopus. Further from shore, coral walls drop drastically from the surface into the depths. While Mnemba Island is not commonly known for larger sea creatures, lucky divers may catch a glimpse of grey reef shark, giant grouper or other denizens of the deep on occasion.
A combination of wild naval landscapes, the bounty of sultry ocean currents, and an abundance of aquatic life, makes Mnemba Island a truly world-class scuba diving destination.
The Dive Centres at Mnemba Island offers a full range of PADI-accredited courses for those looking to advance their diving qualifications.
PADI BUBBLEMAKER & DISCOVER SCUBA This introductory diving course is perfect for little ones or adults who are keen to explore the fascinating underwater world of diving, facilitated by experienced, multilingual professionals.
MANDATORY REFRESHER DIVER COURSE This course is mandatory for any diver with less than 25 dives, who has not logged a dive in the last six-months, or any diver with 26 – 100 dives, who has not logged a dive in the last year (12-months).
PADI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE Learn to scuba dive independently in buddy teams to a depth of 18 m (59 ft). This four-dive course takes three to four days, where upon conclusion, guests will receive a lifetime global certification.
PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE This dive course only applies to already certified Open Water divers. After successfully completing five dives, the course will certify divers to dive down to a maximum depth of 30 m (98 ft).
SINGLE TRAINING DIVE & ADVENTURE TEST This is ideal for those who would like to try specialised dives, such as deep dives and drift dives. This course will be credited towards your Adventure Diver or Advanced Open Water diver certification.
Explore the warm Indian Ocean waves in utter tranquility in a tandem deep-sea glassbottom kayak. Ask one of Mnemba’s Dive Instructors for a quick tutorial session or set off with your partner on the quiet waters protected by the island’s surrounding reefs. Paddle along the shoreline, admiring its shifting features, or venture farther into the ocean's depths in hopes of encountering dolphins or sea turtles. Combine exercise with underwater marvels, offering a unique perspective of the island.
Experience an exhilarating aqua tic adventure aboard an inflatable stand-up paddle board (SUP).
Glide gracefully on tranquil waters as you master the art of balance and exploration. Whether you're a beginner seeking leisure or an enthusiast craving a workout, SUPing offers a unique perspective and connection to the sea. Perfect for the calm waters off Mnemba Island, this activity immerses you in your surroundings, providing exceptional views of the ocean waters and the Mnemba horizon.
Channel your energy, balance your chakras, and increase your self-awareness against the backdrop of the pristine ocean during a yoga class. Skillfully adapted to accommodate all levels of experience, daily group yoga classes can be enjoyed in the Wellness Banda on the yoga deck, along with other restorative healing sessions such as singing bowl meditation.
*Private yoga sessions can be arranged at an additional cost.
From daily yoga classes and sound bath therapy to specialised alternative therapeutic methods and meditative practices, Mnemba Island seeks to provide a holistic healing experience. Using only 100% natural Healing Earth products, pamper yourself with a soul-soothing massage in the Wellness Banda or book a private in-room wellness treatment in the comfort of your Beach Banda.
Healing Earth Signature Massage Melt away your worries & float away into island bliss. This holistic massage will release tension & toxins from your aching muscles and assist your body to restore its wellbeing. Choose from a selection of nourishing & balancing Healing Earth oils.
30min | 60min 45min | 90min
The Zanzi-Spice Journey Experience Aromatherapy with a powerful blend of coffee, cinnamon, cloves, and orange floats you through a memorable Zanzi-spice journey. Beginning with an energizing body polish, followed by blissful spice oil massage that will delight your skin, body, mind and soul.
30min | 60min 45min | 90min
Healing Earth After-Sun Treatment After a long day in the sun, the soothing Aloe Vera Gel body mask will cool you down. Then African Potato Balm will be applied to nourish and repair the skin, assisting in its recovery.
30min | 60min 45min | 90min
Head, Neck & Shoulder Relief For headaches, neck tension, stiff shoulders and stubborn stress, allow this pressure point and tension release massage to melt away all your worries magically.
30min | 60min 45min | 90min
Please chat to your therapist to find out more. This treatment also needs to be booked in advance
Give in to the lure of total isolation and pretend that you are marooned on a deserted island, albeit one where your personal butler is perpetually on hand to cater to your every desire! You may catch a fleeting glimpse of your fellow guests as you lounge in the tropical sunshine in your private beach sala or take a leisurely walk around the island. But you can also choose to make the most of your solitude with a private dinner in a secluded forest clearing or enjoy the light-hearted intimacy of a sandcastle dinner set to the sound of the waves gently sighing on the shore.
Families and groups will fall in love with the tranquility of the island. We will only accommodate a maximum of two children under 12-years at Mnemba Island at any given time. Travel to Zanzibar is recommended for children eight-years or older.
ACTIVITIES Children visiting the lodge can take advantage of the fun-filled and interactive WILDchild programme thatoffers various activities such as: • Morning walks with turtle monitors to observe turtle nests • Assist with replanting trees in the island indigenous tree nursery, learning about the various vegetation types that grow in and around the island • Join the lodge chefs to welcome the local fishermen onshore and check where the catch-of-the day is on the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) List • Assist the Community and Conservation (CNC) Rangers with building coral bases to plant coral • Learn about the incredible impact initiatives in and around the Mnemba Atoll in the Ocean Without Border’s (OWB) interactive centre • Get involved in the dive centres helping the OWB staff • Go snorkelling along the coral reef • Help in the OWB staff input new and exciting sightings in the Beyond Sightings platform, while learning about the various sea creatures • Go on beach and nature walks around the island • Hand-line fishing from a dhow or the beach • Enjoy sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding • Bake turtle biscuits with the lodge chef
CHILDMINDING While we don’t have trained childminders, we can offer the services of certain staff members who are wonderful with children. This will be at an additional cost.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
