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Pongwe Bay Resort

4.5 star property
Luxury hotel on the beach, with outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Pongwe Bay Resort

Exterior
Creator video
2 bars/lounges, poolside bar
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • On private beach
  • Pool
  • All-inclusive
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
10 Pongwe Road, Pongwe, Unguja North Region, 0581
  • Place, Pongwe Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Nungwi Beach
  • Place, Kiwengwa Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bungalow

Bungalow

Bungalow

  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Junior Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite, Beach View

Junior Suite, Beach View

Junior Suite, Beach View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 85 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite (Master)

Suite (Master)

Suite (Master)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sea view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Suite, Garden View

Family Suite, Garden View

Family Suite, Garden View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 92 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Suite, Beachfront

Family Suite, Beachfront

Family Suite, Beachfront

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

About the area

Pongwe

A luxury stay in Pongwe awaits you at Pongwe Bay Resort. You'll be 0.3 km (0.2 mi) from Pongwe Beach and 5.9 km (3.7 mi) from Uroa Beach. Highlights at this beachfront hotel include 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and a full-service spa. .A day of pampering can include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages and detox wraps along with aromatherapy and Ayurvedic treatments. The fine-dining restaurant, The Club, serves international cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. The Club is the hotel's own bar. Spend the day at the private beach where you'll find sunloungers, and enjoy the on-site outdoor swimming pool and gym. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a free manager's reception and a snack bar/deli. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Within a 30-minute drive of this 4.5-property class Pongwe hotel, attractions include Kiwengwa Beach and Muyuni Beach.

What's nearby

  • Pongwe Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Kiwengwa Beach - 8 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Muyuni Beach - 27 min drive - 22.3 km
  • Nakupenda Beach - 54 min drive - 40.6 km
  • Forodhani Gardens - 55 min drive - 41.0 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.) - 76 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Wok - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Yako - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Gabi Beach - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Yoga Bar Zanzibar - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Level Restaurant - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Pongwe Bay Resort

Luxury hotel on the beach, with outdoor pool
Some rates at Pongwe Bay Resort are all-inclusive. These rates include on-site meals and beverages, and may include taxes and gratuities. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Step outside to unwind on the sandy beach. Spend the day at the beach and work on your tan in the sunloungers (chaise longues) or kick back in the shade with free beach club on site and umbrellas. At Pongwe Bay Resort, pamper yourself with a treatment at the full-service spa or have fun in the sun with activities such as snorkelling and kayaking.

A free manager's reception is offered daily. There are 2 restaurants and 2 coffee shops/cafes, as well as a nearby snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. WiFi is free in public spaces. This luxury hotel also offers an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a garden. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4.5-star Pongwe hotel.

  • 26 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 dining venues
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • 2 coffee shops
  • Manager's reception (free)
  • Deli
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Games room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Television in lobby
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar by the pool
Pongwe Bay Resort offers 26 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and a safe. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Beds feature premium bedding. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Massages are available on the beach and in the spa. Other services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages and sports massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic and reflexology.

The spa is open selected days. Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Similar properties

Outdoor pool
White Paradise Zanzibar
  • On private beach
  • Pool
  • All-inclusive
  • Spa
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 42 reviews
The price is NZ$187
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
White Paradise Zanzibar

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 coffee shops/cafes
  • 2 restaurants
  • A poolside bar
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Free daily manager's reception
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • The Club
  • The Club

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Beach volleyball
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Canoeing
  • Free beach club
  • Full-service spa
  • Games
  • Gym
  • Kayaking
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snorkelling
  • TV in common areas
  • Water sports equipment

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Baby toys
  • Children's games
  • High chair
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On a private beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Body scrubs
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Detox wraps
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Reflexology
  • Spa open select days
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages
  • Thai massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways (100 centimetre high)
  • No lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 2 floors
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • Traditional architecture
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Late 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
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 5 per cent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 5:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 80
  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per child: USD 40 (from 6 to 10 years old)
  • New Year's Eve (31 December) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 100
  • New Year's Eve (31 December) Gala Dinner per child: USD 50 (from 6 to 10 years old)
  • 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.

  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 5 per cent

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
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Pongwe Bay Resort
Pongwe Bay Resort Zanzibar Island
Pongwe Bay Resort Hotel
Pongwe Bay Resort Pongwe
Pongwe Bay Resort Hotel Pongwe

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Pongwe Bay Resort?

Pongwe Bay Resort offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Pongwe Bay Resort?

Yep, Pongwe Bay Resort has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Pongwe Bay Resort?

Yep, Pongwe Bay Resort is a short 4-minute walk from Pongwe Beach. Fun beach activities include volleyball, snorkelling and scuba diving. You can also find water sports equipment and boat tours.

Is there a spa on site at Pongwe Bay Resort?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Pongwe Bay Resort. You'll enjoy heaps of services like detox wraps, body scrubs and facials, as well as beachside massages.

Does Pongwe Bay Resort have a pool?

Pongwe Bay Resort has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella and with a coldie from the bar. The pool is open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

What luxury perks are available at Pongwe Bay Resort?

Pongwe Bay Resort features a private beach, a full-service spa and an outdoor pool.

What makes Pongwe Bay Resort a romantic place to stay?

Beachfront dining and a private beach, as well as premium bedding and private balconies in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Pongwe Bay Resort.

Is Pongwe Bay Resort family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as children's meals and an arcade, as well as highchairs in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Pongwe Bay Resort is a hit with families.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Pongwe Bay Resort?

No, but there's an airport shuttle for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Pongwe Bay Resort?

Yep, they've got a poolside bar and 2 restaurants. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Pongwe Bay Resort?

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

Are pets allowed at Pongwe Bay Resort?

No, pets are not allowed.

Pongwe Bay Resort Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 96 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 96 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 96 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 96 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 96 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Saleem

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

waleed

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Worst hotel i have seen in zanzibar Not clean Very old No water in the room Extremely expensive pricses
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marquisette

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The resort is quiet and an escape to relax and renew.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hitendra

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Disliked: Room comfort

Finns mer prisvärda

Boendet var okej, väldigt lyhört och otroligt hårda sängar. Förutom de så sprang de runt katter på hotellområdet, de satt vid borden i restaurangen och även på ens grejer runt solstolarna. Skulle jag rekommendera det till vänner och familj? Mest troligt inte, då vi besökt bättre hotell under resan. Däremot var piren väldigt uppskattat av vårt sällskap och vi hängde där mest hela tiden.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Genci

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay at Pongwe Bay Resort! As soon as we arrived we felt taken care of and comfortable. We got to Zanzibar quite late but when we arrived we were welcomed with cool hand towels, our luggage was carried to our room for us, and our bed had beautiful hibiscus flowers laid on it. It was the perfect relaxing getaway! Prices were really reasonable, AC in the room was strong, and they arranged airport transfers for us which was convenient. WiFi was a bit of an issue- we had to go to the front desk in the morning most days and ask for the new password as they had to keep resetting it due to poor connection. The WiFi didn't seem to work in our room either so when we sent messages we had to go the main communal areas. Another small concern was when we wanted to explore the beach during low tide, as there were quite a few locals who would come up to us and try to take us on "tours" to find sea creatures or monkeys etc. They were always friendly and listened once we said we were not interested, but we felt bad always turning them all down. I didn't think it would be an issue since the resort has a "private beach," but we didn't like being followed around so it kept us close to the resort pool most days. Other than that though, we had an excellent time and would be back! :)
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ed

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay at Pongwe Bay Resort. The beach is beautiful, the gardens are so beautiful and the staff is amazing. The east side of the island is so calm and quite which was exactly what we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Hanif

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our first experience staying on Pongwe beach. The beach isn't comparable to what one gets at Nungwi or similar. It is quite rocky and the tide stays receeded most of the day. The resort was sparsely occupied and therefore very quiet and peaceful apart from Wednesday night when there was loud music until past 3AM at an adjacent property. The service staff were terrrific and catered for every need of ours without complaint or delay. Upendo, Abdallah, Leila and their teams were excellent with their service. The spa on the site is middling and could be much better in terms of the setup, ambiance and hygiene. One peculiar annoyance was that the resort leaves ALL their outdoor lights on at night including the half a kilometre long pier which causes unnecessary light polution which totally washes out the otherwise spectacular skies of East Coast Zanzibar. Even The Club, which is the restaurant on the pier, keeps all its inside lights on all night! That is a waste of power for an island that struggles with its power supply. Food was OK at the resort and we mostly ate at a local shack called Shashas Restaurant a kilometre down the beach. They were reasonably priced but be prepared to pay tourist prices for all food and drinks on this coast.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Pole pole

The atmosphere was grear and all the staff was friedly, excellent. 👍👍👍👍👍
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My wife and I spent eight nights in August and enjoyed our stay at the resort. Our bungalow was very comfortable, and if you're looking for a quiet location where you can walk without sandals directly onto the beach, this is the place. The resort does not have fridges or TVs in the rooms to add to the laidback experience. The staff was very professional and assisted us with offsite trips, shopping areas, and arranging transportation. There are two restaurants; both are very good, but our favorite was the one situated on a pier overlooking the water.  Located on the east side of the island, low tide occurs every six hours, meaning you can't swim but can safely walk out almost a mile. The resort has sunbeds on the beach and next to the beautiful pool.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alfred

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was fabulous love every moment of it
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alfred

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was fabulous 👌 love it
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

nadia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderfull place ! Clean and quiet.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect holiday
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous hotel, super relaxing, delicious pool. Staff super nice and helpful. Activities on certain days. Be aware of tide changes but that's across all the island.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Miriam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent

It was excellent vacation, the staff was very friendly and helpful. Everything was good, the room was very clean. Be sure we will return
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Andrea

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maricela

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed my stay. The staff were courteous and professional. Attentive and were approachable. I enjoyed the atmosphere. The bed was uncomfortable but everything else was wonderful
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vilde

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Viljar

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Paseka

Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2023