Upendo Beach Boutique Hotel Zanzibar

Incredibly unique and special paradise
I love this place and would love to come back again. I highly recommend coming here however there’s some things to take into consideration before you come here to stay.

We stayed in the downstairs room in the villa which is stunning. We had a magical time but there are somethings that need pointing out.

Pros:
1) incredible view and surroundings
2) wonderful chill beds with options to hang in the pool or lounge in total luxurious style.
3) fantastic service
4) great yummy food that all rocked !!
5) stylish and cool
6) some great art (accept in our room which didn’t really sit with the other fantastic photos and paintings featured in both Upendo locations)
7) the restaurant is super cool and the staff are very very nice people.
8) everyone makes you feel very welcome

Cons:
1) the bedroom has blackout curtains accept for the window which is right next to the bed where you have a spotlight shining in all night.

2) the room air condition is loud and hard to control, seems no matter what setting (I think due to power differences) it oscillates enough to wake my wife and I up a lot throughout the night.

3) there is no privacy, staff come in and out all the time from 7am. They’re amazing and are working hard to make it clean and remain that way, however you’re on holiday and would hope for a little downtime and to sleep in if you want.

4) there a small maasai market right beside the bedroom which can be noisy.

5) somethings need an update, the toilet is loose, the bathroom is open to the outside which is great accept if you have a shower and then need another one when you’re finished because of the humidity. The staff cleaned windows all the time accept the ones in our room (sadly), so looking out at the outstanding view wasn’t very nice. The curtains are hard to move and a tad granny like (down to taste of course)

These are small yet important details and as I’m somebody who’s spent 30 years of being a DJ, living in hotels globally, I felt this place really stands out.

In general, amazing and would recommend but truly hope that the team read this and consider it as constructive feedback to perhaps look at improving.

It’s a wonderful place, but if a few small kinks were ironed out it would make it 5 star all the way.

While eating here, this place has cozy atmosphere, great view, white warm sandy beaches. When the water resides, alots of places to explore or relax on the beach. Wortha visit.

The Upendo is truly a gem of a luxury boutique hotel on Michamvi beach. The entire team is wonderful and Geof went above and beyond to arrange any requests. The rooms are beautiful, spacious, and well appointed with amenities. The pools are lovely with plenty of day beds over looking the beach. The food at the restaurant was quite nice. The beach is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike and it’s pleasant to swim during high tide and walk down the beach during low tide. The hotel is directly across from the Rock restaurant and there are a few other restaurants and hotels along the beach. It’s also about a 30 minute drive from Paje, which has a more lively vibe if you feel like venturing out. I did a snorkeling excursion arranged by the hotel and they prepared a lovely basket with fruits, snorkeling equipment, and towels. The boat leaves from the beach area beside the hotel so makes for an enjoyable morning excursion. Highly recommend Upendo if you’re looking for laidback luxury!

Best sushi ever! The food was delicious and what a dreamy setting. Our kids loved running around in the sand, on the beach, in the sea without any problems. Nice dogs too! We’ll be back.

Our stay at Upendo Beach Hotel was fantastic! The sea view room in the villa offered stunning views of the ocean and The Rock Restaurant. The amenities were excellent and the food and drinks were great. Claudia and Geoff were exceptionally kind and helpful. A perfect spot for a relaxing and memorable getaway!

We came here on our honeymoon and it’s been an absolutely fantastic experience. We’ve been brilliantly looked after throughout. We arrived at midnight to a cool, clean and gorgeous room (with excellent anti mosquito defences!). The food, team looking after us and location have been out of this world! My only complaint is about the amount of weight I’ve gained…!