Upendo Beach Boutique Hotel Zanzibar

Feels like home

(1) No GYM to exercise (2) needed more privacy in the pool Area as it was opened for the public outside to see inside our Villa. (3) CCTV cameras are there for safety but resulted in less privacy

The experience was amazing. Great staff and good food. Plus we were right on the beach. We came back relaxed and refreshed. Highly recommend

There was no option to go full board or half board.

From the moment you arrive at Upendo Resort, you’re met with a level of beauty and serenity that’s truly unmatched. The villa is perfectly positioned right in front of the best view in all of Zanzibar — a stunning panorama of the turquoise Indian Ocean and the iconic Rock Restaurant. It’s not just a view; it’s an experience that takes your breath away every single day. The service at Upendo is nothing short of wonderful. Every member of the staff goes above and beyond to make your stay feel personal, comfortable, and luxurious. Whether it’s a special request, a spontaneous excursion, or just a quiet sunset moment, they’re there to make it unforgettable. The food, the ambiance, the design — everything blends together to create a boutique experience that feels exclusive and deeply relaxing. It’s the perfect mix of barefoot luxury and authentic Zanzibari charm. Upendo Resort is currently rated four stars, but it absolutely deserves six stars for its unique location, incredible service, and unforgettable atmosphere. If you’re looking for a truly magical escape, this is it.

I loved the unbeatable location — the villa faces the most stunning view in Zanzibar, overlooking the ocean and the famous Rock Restaurant. Waking up to that view every day was truly magical. The service was exceptional; the staff were warm, attentive, and made everything feel effortless. The design of the property was elegant yet relaxed, combining luxury with a laid-back island vibe. It felt private, peaceful, and incredibly special — the kind of place you never want to leave.

Restaurant and common areas for pools and daybeds were beautiful.

The room itself was spacious but not well designed. For example, even though the room was huge it did not have seating so the extra space was unusable until we pulled in chairs from the common area. The patio doors were also problematic as they didn't close all they way(there was a one inch gap), the doors did not open all the way as promised because the hinges were all rusted and the curtains could not be pulled back easily. The shower in the room was also not well designed as water sprayed out to 1/3 of the bathroom whenever the shower was used. Service also felt awkward and inconsistent though we could tell they were trying. Airport transfer was arranged seamlessly but there was one day were our Whatsapp messages were not read for 45 minutes and it took around 45 minutes to arrange a taxi into Stone Town. Wifi was also very spotty at this property - which was not the case at another property we stayed at down the road. Service for meals was also awkward as we would be asked for orders before we were ready but then never checked in on again after receiving food. Overall for the steep price (2.5X the cost per night of the other property we stayed at) we did not feel the stay at Upendo was worth it.