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From339US$ /night
Check-in
03Feb2026Select date
Check-out
04Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About Resort

Kiwengwa, North Coast, Kiwengwa (Zanzibar), Tanzania, 00000
-
Close to Kiwengwa Beach
Great
8.5
8.7
/10
4.7
4.4
/5

Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa is a 4-star hotel in Kiwengwa (Zanzibar) featuring traditional-style African huts and a beachfront location. Highlights include air-conditioned accommodations, two restaurants serving dishes on the beach or by the pool, and an outdoor pool.

Rooms & Amenities

Accommodations at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa include 76 cottages, each equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, minibar, and private bathroom. Many rooms offer a furnished balcony with views of the Indian Ocean or the hotel's garden.

Dining & Refreshments

Dining options feature two restaurants, including Mwambao, which serves meals on the beach. Guests can also enjoy refreshments at the bar or one of the two beach bars throughout the resort.

Leisure & Recreation

Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool and spa services offering massages. The resort also provides a kids' club, a TV lounge, and access to the famous Oasis Spa and the One Ocean Dive Centre.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa is strategically located in the prime touristic area of Kiwengwa, providing easy access to attractions such as Kiwengwa Pongwe Forest and Kiwengwa Caves. The historic center of Stone Town is 39 km away.

Must-do experiences

  • Visit Mnemba Island for world-class snorkeling with vibrant marine life.
  • Try the famous Zanzibar pizza at the Jambiani beach stalls for a treat.
  • Discover the spice farms in Kizimbani for an aromatic guided tour.
  • Stroll through Stone Town's Forodhani Gardens at sunset for local bites.
  • Experience a traditional dhow sunset cruise for stunning ocean views.
View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Superior Double Sea View Room Bahari Sea View Room
2 persons
400 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Air conditioning
Standard Double Room Baobab Village Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Balcony
Garden Double or Twin Room Pwani Room
2 persons
315 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
Superior Double Room Bahari Room
2 persons
295 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Air conditioning
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Luggage storage
  • Private beach
  • Currency exchange
  • Barber shop

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Wind surfing
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Tennis court
  • Billiard tables
  • Table tennis
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Children's play area
  • Kids club
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Massage

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Ironing facilities

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
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Dining Onsite

Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa offers a delightful array of dining options that cater to diverse palates. From the enticing flavors of local and international cuisines to the soothing ambiance of beachfront settings, each meal becomes a celebration of culinary artistry by the sea.
Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa Kiwengwa  Restaurant photo
Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa Kiwengwa  Restaurant photo

Makuti Restaurant

A blend of African, American, British, French, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Seafood, Sushi, Turkish, German, Russian, Local, Asian, and Grill/BBQ dishes.
Ambiance
Family-friendly and modern with a warm atmosphere perfect for leisurely dining.
Key Offerings
A wide selection of halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options; ideal for families looking to explore diverse flavors together.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open from breakfast through dinner.

Mwambao

An inviting restaurant serving global flavors with a focus on local ingredients.
Ambiance
Relaxing beachside position, complemented by a poolside setting, perfect for a casual or special occasion.
Key Offerings
Enjoy meals paired with refreshing drinks available at the bar or beach bars, making it an excellent choice for leisurely days at the resort.
Reservation
Not needed.
Specific hours not provided; typically open for meals throughout the day.

Location

Kiwengwa, North Coast, Kiwengwa (Zanzibar), Tanzania, 00000
Map view
Kiwengwa, North Coast, Kiwengwa (Zanzibar), Tanzania, 00000
Restaurants
Zan View Restaurant
3200 ft
Kairo Village
Explore Kiwengwa (Zanzibar)
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Kiwengwa Beach
25 minutes' walk
Kiwengwa Beach features powdery sands and azure waters, perfect for sunbathing and water activities like snorkeling.
Kiwengwa Pongwe Forest
10-minute drive
Kiwengwa Pongwe Forest offers stunning trails and unique wildlife, ideal for nature walks and birdwatching.
Kiwengwa Caves
Kiwengwa Caves
30 minutes' walk
Kiwengwa Caves are fascinating geological formations, where visitors can learn about local legends and explore.
Shooting Star Lodge
5-minute drive
Shooting Star Lodge provides scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere, making it a great spot for sunset views.
Snorkeling Excursions
10-minute drive
Snorkeling excursions at nearby reefs, accessible through local operators, provide an exciting way to see marine life.
Yoga Classes
walking distance
Yoga classes offered at local studios provide relaxation and rejuvenation, surrounded by tranquil island settings.
Zan View Restaurant
Zan View Restaurant
13 minutes' walk
Zan View Restaurant serves local and international dishes in a relaxed atmosphere, featuring fresh seafood specials.
Mapenzi Beach
10-minute drive
Mapenzi Beach offers beachside dining with a focus on grilled seafood and tropical drinks, ideal for a casual meal.
Local Music Venues
15 minutes' drive
Vibrant local music venues showcase live performances, with various genres and weekly events, creating an exciting night out.
Night Markets
10-minute drive
Night markets present an array of food stalls, crafts, and live entertainment, perfect for family-friendly evenings.
Getting around
City Centre
Kiwengwa (Zanzibar)16 min  ·  4300 ft
Airports
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)69 min  ·  28.5 mi

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
4.5/5 based on 953 reviews
8.5
8.5/10 based on 73 reviews
#2 of 23 hotels in Kiwengwa based on Tripadvisor
Steven
United Kingdom, March  2025
8.2/10

My stay at Sultan Sands was a memorable experience. The location right on the beach was breathtaking, and the friendly staff truly made my time there enjoyable. The food quality was inconsistent, especially during weekdays, which was a bit disappointing. Overall, it was a relaxing getaway with a few minor issues that detracted from the experience.

Rooms
9.0
I was pleasantly surprised by my room, which was right on the beach with a balcony that opened up to the sand. The cleanliness was on point, making for a comfortable stay.
Service
8.0
The staff worked hard to address any issues we encountered, with Das and Hidea going above and beyond to ensure we were having a good time.
Location
10.0
The location was superb, with a beautiful beach and easy access to local attractions like Stone Town.
Dining
7.0
Dining was generally good, although I did notice a decline in food quality during the week. The variety offered was impressive, but I wished there had been more consistency.
Facilities
7.0
The resort has great facilities, including access to the larger Blue Bay area, but some cleanliness aspects near the pool could be improved.
Victoria
United Kingdom, March  2025
6.6/10

The hotel has beautiful grounds and offers stunning views of the ocean, but my experience was marred by subpar dining and service issues. While the rooms were spacious and clean, there were multiple inconveniences that detracted from the overall value of my stay. If you're looking for variety and quality in food, or attentive service, this may not be the right place for you.

Rooms
7.0
Our room was clean and spacious, providing a lovely view of the beach. It felt private and comfortable, but amenities like a refrigerator were missing, which was inconvenient.
Service
5.0
Service was hit or miss. While some staff were friendly, I encountered dismissive behavior at the beach bar and issues with getting basic requests handled efficiently.
Location
8.0
The hotel is located on a beautiful beach, making it a tranquil spot for relaxation and exploration of the shallow waters. However, the slope to the main buildings can be challenging at times.
Dining
5.0
Dining was disappointing, with limited variety and poor quality. Some meals were prepared poorly, and snacks were not readily available despite being advertised.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel grounds were well-maintained and featured lovely gardens, but some facilities, like the gym, needed improvements.
Olivia
United Kingdom, February  2025
9.4/10

I had an absolutely wonderful stay at this resort! The location is stunning, right on a gorgeous beach that allows you to enjoy both turquoise waters and soft white sand. The service was exceptional, with friendly staff who made me feel welcome. I particularly enjoyed the dining options, which were varied and well-prepared. However, there were a few minor issues, such as the occasional seaweed on the beach and the need for better Wi-Fi access, but overall, it was a fantastic experience.

Rooms
9.0
The bungalow I stayed in was adorable and kept immaculate, providing a very cozy atmosphere in an African rondavel style.
Service
10.0
The service was outstanding; the staff were always friendly and accommodating, especially Juma and Lameck at the bar who provided great service throughout my stay.
Location
10.0
The location was just perfect, right by the beach where I could immerse myself in the lovely surroundings. The lush gardens were beautifully kept and attracted charming little birds.
Dining
9.0
Dining was a delight with buffet style meals that offered plenty of fresh choices, including delicious pasta during lunch. The variety catered to all taste buds, making every meal enjoyable.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were well-maintained, with the pool area being particularly relaxing and enjoyable.
Nathaniel
United Kingdom, January  2025
9.6/10

Our vacation at Sultan Sands was simply amazing. From the stunning beach view with soft white sand to the delightful bungalows nestled in lush gardens, everything was just right. The staff, led by the extraordinary GM, Dass, truly made our experience special with their warmth and attention to detail. However, dealing with persistent beach vendors was a bit distracting at times. Overall, it was a fantastic retreat that we will cherish forever.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were spacious and beautifully furnished, with a lovely balcony that led right onto the beach, which was a wonderful surprise.
Service
10.0
The level of service was exceptional, primarily due to Mr. Dass Bangar and his remarkable team who were always ready to assist with a smile.
Location
10.0
The location was perfect, right on the beach, with a great ambiance and beautiful tropical gardens surrounding the property.
Dining
10.0
Dining was a highlight, with a wide variety of delicious dishes served at each meal, showcasing local flavors perfectly.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were well-maintained, with multiple pools and direct access to the beach, making it feel like a tropical paradise.
Joseph
United Kingdom, January  2025
9.4/10

My stay at Sultan Sands Resort was truly unforgettable! The beach and view from my room were nothing short of spectacular, and the staff felt like family, always accommodating and cheerful. The dining options delighted me with fresh and varied meals. However, while the overall experience was exceptional, I found the coffee to be a bit lacking at times. Overall, it was a fantastic getaway that I'd love to revisit.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were spacious and clean with a beautiful view of the beach. I particularly enjoyed the balcony that opened to the garden.
Service
10.0
The service was outstanding! Every staff member went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable, addressing even the smallest details.
Location
10.0
Situated right by the beach, I loved how I could experience the changing tides and the inviting atmosphere of the area.
Dining
9.0
Dining was a highlight; I was impressed with the variety and freshness of the meals, especially the gourmet dinners.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were top-notch, especially the spa which offered a fantastic massage right by the beach.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.  There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Swahili
Year renovated:
2008
Number of floors:
76
Number of rooms:
111
FAQs
About Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa
What is the distance from Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa to Stone Town?
The historic center of Stone Town is 39 km away from the hotel.
What time can I check in and check out at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?
Check-in time is at 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Does Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa have on-site dining options?
The hotel features two restaurants where guests can dine at the beach or by the pool.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?
Rooms feature air conditioning, a seating area with a flat-screen satellite TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom.
Is there internet access available at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?
Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms.
What recreational activities can I participate in at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?
Guests can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, cycling, and tennis.
Does Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa offer any wellness facilities?
The hotel features a spa center offering massages and wellness treatments.
Are there children's activities available at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?
The hotel provides a kids' club and children's entertainment options.
How far is Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa from the nearest airport?
The hotel is approximately 50 km from Zanzibar International Airport.
What are the options for breakfast at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?
A daily buffet breakfast is available, or guests can opt for in-room dining.
Is there a fitness center at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?
Yes, the hotel includes a fitness center available for guests.
Does Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa provide parking facilities?
The hotel offers on-site parking.

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