“Unbelievably perfect”

Every single thing was just so good, the staff, the food, the room, the facilities, everything was just perfect. Everyone was happy to help, everyone sang a song to me and my wife as we were celebrating our honeymoon, and they did it by surprise. It made us feel so special and we loved it. Such a special place

“It was so peaceful & perfect”

Everything was perfect, we loved eveything, the staff, the food & the environment 👌🏽

“Magical”

“Amazing”

Pongwe Bay Resort is a true hidden gem on Zanzibar: beautifully tucked away in a calm bay, far from the crowds and the bustle you’ll find elsewhere on the island. The setting is simply stunning: peaceful water, soft light at sunrise and sunset, and an overall sense of seclusion that makes it easy to fully unwind. What really elevates the experience, though, is the staff. Everyone is genuinely friendly, attentive, and incredibly helpful, creating a warm atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Whether it’s arranging details for your stay or simply checking in to make sure you’re comfortable, the team goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. The restaurant on the pier is an absolute highlight. Dining over the water with the ocean breeze and panoramic views is special in itself. It’s the kind of place where you end up lingering long after your meal, just enjoying the setting.

“Lovely stay, very convenient for the tours !”

Great environment, lovely garden and welcoming staff! Very polite and warm, everybody contributed to making our vacation more exciting !

“We loved every moment of our stay at Pongwe. It far exceeded our expectations.”

The location was fabulous, right on the beach with a spectacular view. The central dinning, lounge, bar area was an incredible architectural design, spacious and so tastefully done capturing the local context and culture. We had a bungalow on the beach with was so spacious with 3 separate areas - a bedroom, a dressing room and a bathroom. The Club was another unique element of the hotel with a wooden bridge/jetty leading you to yet another spectacular thatched dining/bar area.

“Peaceful haven”

A really peaceful place to spend 5 days with the family. Nice staff, not crowded, and lovely location on a white sand beach. Shout out to Shabaan at reception who was so helpful and kind.

“Peaceful luxury in a beautiful bay.”

Great location on Pongwe beach and very good food. Nice rooms and great restaurant location out on a wooden walkway in the bay. Also liked the free use of canoes/SUPs.

The beach was very clean and nice. The location is very calm and relaxing. All the staff was extremely friendly, especially to my daughter.

“Lovely hotel with amazing staff”

The staff at the hotel really made the trip. They were welcoming, friendly and supportive in attempts to speak Swahili !

“A good resort considering you are staying in Zanzibar (But reconsider the stay in Zanzibar, the poverty is high and too”

Super friendly staff, supportive with all your needs and friendly. I highly recommend having a massage there too.

“Fabolous location, good food, fantastic service and regular check in from the resort manager Stefano. Thank you team Pon”

Cleanliness of the property, decoration , simplicity

“Exceptional”

Everyone was friendly and always ready to help. The place was very clean and beautiful. We booked for 2 days but ended out extending 2 more days

“It was a beautiful experience”

The restaurant on the lake was great. The food was excellent. The view was breathtaking.

“Lovely beach break after being on safari. Good food, nice beach and very friendly staff.”

Very peaceful, friendly staff

“The staff goes above and beyond”

From the moment we arrived, we felt warmly welcomed and cared for, especially travelling with our two-year-old daughter. Every detail, from the hospitality to the facilities, made our stay unforgettable. A special thank you to: Manjeer (Hotel Manager), who went above and beyond for us. He was always present, attentive to our needs, and ready to resolve, suggest, or help with anything—his dedication truly elevated our experience. Caroline, who was always so kind to our baby and attentive at every meal. She made sure we had everything we needed for our daughter and made dining a joy. Salum, whose kindness and attentiveness during meals made every dining experience delightful. Muza (Heritage Tours & Safari), our guide to Stone Town. Born and raised in Zanzibar, his knowledge, passion, and storytelling brought the city to life for us. He answered every question with patience and detail, making our visit both insightful and enjoyable. Our driver from Heritage Tours & Safari (apologies for not remembering his name), who accompanied us on tours and transfers, including to the airport. His professionalism, responsibility, and care made us feel safe and relaxed at all times. The cleaning team also deserves special mention: they kept everything spotless, were thoughtful about mosquito protection, and added to the comfort of our stay. The resort itself is outstanding: The food is exceptional, with a variety of international options and incredible flavour at every meal. The pool and beach access are wonderful—relaxing and family-friendly, with thoughtful extras like balls and cards to play. The atmosphere is peaceful and ideal for families with children. Our daughter absolutely loved every moment here. This resort is highly recommended for families, especially those travelling with young kids. The warmth, safety, and genuine care from the staff made all the difference.

“The best hotel I've ever been to”

We planned to stay only one night, but we liked the hotel so much that we stayed here for our entire stay in Zanzibar

Location is good but the rooms have some old type things smell and not luxurious

“Don’t be afraid of meeting the locals”

Nice place, had better stays in three star hotels on the island, but it was absolutely ok. The prices for food and drinks at the pool are way too high, so support the local people for drinks around.

“A tremendous restful stay at Pongwe Bay. Thank you everyone for your service in making a wonderful stay.”

Beautiful, medium sized, resort that is perfect for quiet rest and relaxation on Zanzibar. Great situation for stunning beach, two different restaurants and excursions to Stone Town, Paje and Nungwi. Hosts an onsite spa which was terrific, pool with loungers and parasols, and the beach is spectacular with several cabana style shades for two. Every member of staff is positive, engaging and respectful. Enjoyed the vibes at dinner which was themed every night providing entertainment including local cultural performances and displays.