The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

4.0 star property
Dongwe beachfront hotel with spa and outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

On the beach, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels
Standard Bungalow | Egyptian cotton sheets, minibar, in-room safe, blackout drapes
Outdoor pool, sun loungers
Food court
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Escape to The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar, where upscale charm meets island vibes. Unwind with a beachfront breakfast buffet, bask in the sun on the outdoor pool's sun loungers, or indulge in spa treatments like a manicure/pedicure and facial. With free WiFi and helpful staff that guests rave about you'll feel right at home.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • 24/7 front desk

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • On the beach
  • Restaurant and 2 bars/lounges
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Room service
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour front desk

Feel at home (6)

  • Separate bedroom
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
The current price is $186
$226 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2

Why we love this property

Coastal sandy hideaway
This hotel sits right on the sandy beach. Free beach towels, umbrellas, and loungers await for a perfect day. Snorkeling and windsurfing are nearby.
Spa sanctuary
The full-service spa offers daily treatments, including facials, massages, and body scrubs. Manicures and in-room services complement the serene garden setting.
Taste-tempting food and drink
Experience international cuisine at the hotel's restaurant alongside free buffet breakfast. After dining, patrons can relax at 2 bars.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

Standard Bungalow

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Egyptian cotton linens
Separate bedroom
Bidet
Hair dryer
  • 33 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Luxury Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Private Pool

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Egyptian cotton linens
  • 200 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Luxury Villa, 1 Bedroom, Sea View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Egyptian cotton linens
Separate bedroom
  • 140 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Villa, Multiple Beds

Highlights

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

Standard Twin Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Egyptian cotton linens
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Bidet
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

Map
Dongwe Beach, Pingwe, Dongwe

What's nearby

  • Dongwe Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Pingwe Beach - 4 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Bwejuu Beach - 5 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Michamvi Kae Beach - 10 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Paje Beach - 11 min drive - 11.2 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 59 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Shanga Paje - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Mapacha - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Kiddo’s Rooftop Restaurant - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Ndame Beach Bar - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Zanzibarista - ‬9 min drive

About this property

The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar

At The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Paje Beach. You can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant and visit the spa to be pampered with massages, facials, or mani/pedis. Other highlights include 2 bars/lounges, an outdoor pool, and a snack bar/deli. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 20 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Early check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age: 15
    • Check-out time is 11:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
    • Late check-out subject to availability
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • The property charges 3 percent for credit card payments
    • Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
    • To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
    • The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 15
DONE

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast each morning 7:00 AM–10 AM
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • Restaurant
  • Barbecue grills
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Snack bar/deli

What to do

  • On the beach
  • Scuba diving
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Luggage storage
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Pool loungers

Facilities

  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Mosquito nets
  • An outdoor pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Massage/treatment rooms

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Minibar
  • Electric kettle

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Turndown service
  • Egyptian cotton sheets

What to enjoy

  • In-room massage
  • Balcony or patio

Freshen up

  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the onsite spa, which has 1 treatment room. Services include facials, body scrubs, and manicures and pedicures. The spa is open daily.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 60 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 5)
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 50 (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 3 percent

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for USD 80.00 per night

Policies

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express

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

Does The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool.

Are pets allowed at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

Yes, there's free self parking.

Is airport shuttle service offered by The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 60 per vehicle one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of USD 50 (subject to availability). Contactless check-out is available.

What is there to do at The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar and nearby?

Have fun during the warmer months with activities such as scuba diving. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar also has 2 bars and a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant that offers international cuisine.

Does The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.

What's the area around The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar like?

The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar is located a short 8-minute walk from Dongwe Beach.

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The Sands Beach Resort Zanzibar Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Popular mentions

Food
Service staff
Beach
Room
Villa
Restaurant
Drinks
Quiet - room
Beach bar
Breakfast

What guests liked

  • The beach at this property was beautiful, clean, and safe with great facilities and friendly staff. (11 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

NO ES DE 5 ⭐️ PERO SI PERSONAL LO HACE 5 🌟

EXTRAORDINARIO Simplemente así Todos sin excepción te atienden con una sonrisa, amables, acomedidos Nos la pasamos súper padrísimo los tres días que estuvimos ahí GRACIAS
Enoch Fernando, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Relaxing on the beach

Quite good stay Excellent food and location on the ocean side Optimum service and very kind personnel
antonio, 5-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very nice, quiet place with a lovely beach and excellent staff. Very good food, too.
Edward, 7-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

We had such a Wonderful stay at the Sands. Great service and premises!
Elias, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

We hebben een heerlijk verblijf gehad. Het is schoon en fris, mooie tuin, direct aan zee. Huisjes zijn echt bizar groot/ruim. Het personeel is werkelijk altijd vriendelijk en correct. Een aanrader.
Remie, 10-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Top Hotel

Schöne Anlage, europäische Standart betr.Ausstattung,Sauberkeit, Komfort Überdurchschn.freundl.Personal Sehr schöner Strand, beachbar mit lunch und genügend liegen am Schatten. Einzig Ebbe und Flut beinträchtigen das Badevergnügen keine Strandverkäufer! Insgesamt ein wunderschöner Urlaub!
Markzs, 10-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The staff at this hotel were incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our stay. The rooms were immaculate and very comfortable. We also enjoyed the delicious dinner every night.
Artur, 6-night trip

8/10 Very good

Great hotel to stay to escape the busy hustle and bustle lifestyle. It is beautiful and quiet. Food is great. The only crtique i have is there are frequent power outages in the evening. Overall I would visit again.
Jermaine, 5-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect place to relax

Our villa was super spacious, it was cleaned regularly, and it was nice to wake up in that beautiful garden. Service was very good, Mr. Ally and the team made us feel welcome and helped us with the early check out and late check out because of our flight times.
8-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The service was excellent. Everyone was very friendly and courteous. We really enjoyed our stay here
Shari, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Wunderschönes Ambiente und Service war excellent! Sehr empfehlenswert!
Valton, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

We had a marvelous stay. Incredible beach staff went the extra mile always. We cant recommend this destination enough. 5 stars all the way.
Kelly, 7-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The Sands was amazing! It was an oasis of beautiful beaches, a large pool, and great food. Highly recommend!
Meagan, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Absolutely stunning. Service beyond amazing. Quiet with gorgeous gardens and beach. Easy access for SCuBA diving. Incredibly friendly staff and felt completely safe with masai warriors guarding the hotel. Food was phenomenal Would absolutely go back.
Kara, 5-night trip

8/10 Very good

Nice big villa

We did book a villa with an ocean view. And we got a very nice villa, clean and very comfortable. I would say it’s a bit of wasted money for the ocean view, because the villas are a bit behind the palm trees. But in general very beautiful and nice. Staff is very polite and friendly. Was a good experience.
Oliver, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing!!! All was perfect!!!

All more perfect and better than we can expected! Thanks a lot for making our honeymoon a reality!
Benjamin, 6-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

It's a great hotel, with great staff. Very simple, yet clean and well kept. No TV in the rooms which could be nice as the evenings are quiet with not much activity around the area
Nasser, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

La gentillesse du personnel Notre villa vue sur mer
jean-claude, 14-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Regresaría definitivamente Es un hotel pequeño, estilo boutique, súper tranquilo y seguro. Nuestra habitación quedaba frente a la playa, la cual es preciosa. Lo mejor del hotel fue la atención personalizada y todo el Staff siempre tenía una sonrisa en su rostro, trasmitiendo el lema de la isla Hakuna Matata
EMILIO, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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 Exceptional

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 !
Vincent, 6-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Location was tranquil and just what we were looking for at the start of our Zanzibar holiday. All the staff were amazingly welcoming and friendly. The team led by Ally are a credit to the hotel. The dining experience was quite special and we very much enjoyed the fresh barbecued fish at night, especially the huge tuna that a slice and thickness of your liking was cooked there and then and served to your table….in fact the staff even do your toast for you in the morning ! Overall hotel was perfect for our family of 4 including teenagers - if staying I would recommend a rental car to explore the local area, good deals can be found on arrival at the airport, we paid $30 USD a day and rental car company collected from hotel anywhere on the island for $20 USD.
Mark, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Abbiamo prenotato senza conoscere la struttura. Una bellissima sorpresa. Personale puntuale e preciso. Unica cosa, forse, la poca varietà nei cibi alla colazione. Grazie a tutti, da Ally ad Isaac!
lorenzo, 13-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Das komplette Personal inklusive dem Manager waren unheimlich freundlich und aufmerksam, alles ist sehr persönlich. Ein kleines ruhiges, weitläufiges Paradies mit weißem Strand und Palmen und gemütlicher Bar direkt am Strand. Die Bungalows sind funktional und sauber und wir hatten Meerblick, sehr idyllisch! Essen und Getränke sind sehr lecker - es gibt als erwähnenswertes Zuckerl sogar Sekt zum Frühstück, toll! Leider ist das Baden nur während der Flut möglich wie fast überall auf Zanzibar, dafür sind tolle Strandspaziergänge eine Alternative. An der Unterkunft selber gibt es absolut nichts auszusetzen!
5-night trip

8/10 Very good

Il Sand beach resort è una bellissima struttura gestita con molta cura dal suo staff, sempre gentilissimo e pronto a soddisfare ogni tuo bisogno. A nostro giudizio anche la cena è sempre stata ottima, forse la colazione potrebbe essere un po’ arricchita ma nel complesso direi che si mangia molto bene. Quello che mi sento di segnalare è che il posto è molto distante dai luoghi di partenza di tutti i tour principali e quindi ogni volta è necessario fare 1 ora circa di taxi per raggiungerli. Altra annotazione importante è che, sebbene la spiaggia sia molto bella e ben curata, il mare non è assolutamente all’altezza degli standard dell’isola. In una settimana qui non abbiamo mai fatto il bagno, indipendentemente dalle maree che anche condizionano fortemente questo pezzo di costa. Insomma se come noi intendete usare il resort come base di appoggio per girare direi che è un posto magnifico, ma se l’idea è quella di restare nel resort dimenticate il mare azzurro cristallino di Zanzibar, dovrete accontentarvi decisamente. Concludo ringraziando nuovamente tutto lo staff del resort che è davvero eccellente.
Alessandro, 7-night trip