Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa

The resort is beautifully set on a stunning beach, with breathtaking sunsets. When the tide goes out, you can even spot starfish left behind on the sand! The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive. The entertainment team also made an effort to connect with guests, occasionally joining us for spontaneous games of table football or ping pong. A special thank you to our butlers, Jackline and Mussa! We stayed in a Jungle Villa, which was beautiful and spacious, with a separate bedroom for the children and our own private pool. Housekeeping came twice a day, and we could reach our butlers easily via WhatsApp. They always responded immediately and were incredibly helpful throughout our stay. And the food deserves a special mention – absolutely outstanding! Twice a week, there are fantastic food events by the pool or on the beach, complete with entertainment. The buffet at the Kilimanjaro Restaurant (we had breakfast and dinner) was impressive, with an enormous variety of dishes, a walk-in fridge and numerous live cooking stations. One small downside is that parts of the public beach can get quite busy and noisy, with jet skis, beach vendors and loud music. Fortunately, the hotel’s beach loungers offer a more peaceful spot to relax and a hotel security guard made sure that only hotel guests could enter the resort’s beach area. Overall, we can highly recommend this resort. Just be aware of the lively beach atmosphere outside the hotel area. We had a wonderful stay and would happily come back!

We have just returned from an amazing stay at Gold Zanzibar, and it truly exceeded our expectations. The resort is beautiful, with stunning beaches, excellent facilities, and exceptional hospitality that made our family vacation unforgettable. A very special thank you to Head Chef Sunil for preparing such delicious meals and for taking such wonderful care of us throughout our stay. Your kindness and attention to detail made every dining experience special. A heartfelt thank you as well to Sachets for your outstanding hospitality and making us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. Special appreciation to Makembo for capturing so many beautiful family photos that we will cherish forever. Thank you for helping us preserve such wonderful memories. Finally, thank you to the wonderful dining hall/Bar team for always greeting us with warm smiles, being available whenever we needed anything, and making every meal a joyful experience special Thanks to Ms Hanppiness. We highly recommend Gold Zanzibar to anyone looking for a relaxing luxury getaway with outstanding service. We can't wait to return!

Water sport with Maurice was amazing. We enjoyed so much this experience.

Great experience, nice vibes, professional team. We really enjoyed the stay. Shout out to Amiri for the great hospitality as well.

This review is about what happened during our stay and how the hotel's management chose to handle it. On the afternoon of our stay, around 1pm, I was approaching the hotel through the lateral beach entrance after spending time at the sea with my family. My wife and daughters — who are white — entered through the front without any interaction. As I approached the lateral entrance alone, a security guard stopped me and told me I could not enter. He followed me and was joined by two or three colleagues, who watched me with open suspicion. The guard only ceased his approach when he saw that I was with my family. No other guest was stopped. The pattern required no interpretation. I reported the incident to three different managers. Each response was worse than the last. The first attempted to move past the episode without addressing it. The second justified the guard's conduct by stating that people had previously attempted to steal from guests — as if that explained why I, specifically, was stopped. The third, Francesca, initially argued the incident was a matter of gender, not race, claiming that a man alone would naturally be approached while a woman would not — despite the fact that no other men were stopped. She then changed her account entirely, saying she had misunderstood because she believed it had occurred at night. It occurred at 1pm, in full daylight. That was her third different explanation within the same conversation. She eventually acknowledged that the approach should not have happened. What followed was its own problem. Rather than committing to any review of the hotel's protocols, Francesca spent the remainder of the evening — including during a family dinner — repeatedly offering spa treatments and excursions as compensation. We declined. Vouchers for those same offers were left in our room after we had refused them twice. The following day, the team offered an excursion to our daughter. We did not ask for compensation. We asked for one thing: a commitment to review the hotel's security protocols to ensure this would not happen to other guests. We received no such commitment. A racially motivated approach by security staff is serious. Three contradictory justifications from management are worse. The complete absence of any institutional response is what defines this hotel's character. The property is beautiful and well-located. It is a shame that this is not the review it deserved.

Here’s an expanded version at around 200 words: Paradise on Earth – that’s the best way to describe our stay. From the moment we arrived until the day we left, we felt genuinely welcomed by the incredibly friendly and attentive staff. Every single person we met greeted us with a smile and did everything they could to make our holiday special. The food was outstanding throughout our stay. There was a fantastic variety every day, with fresh, delicious dishes that catered to every taste. Whether it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner, every meal was something to look forward to. The entertainment was equally impressive. There was always something enjoyable happening, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere without ever feeling overwhelming. It was the perfect balance between activities and peaceful moments in beautiful surroundings. The resort itself is absolutely stunning. The beaches, the gardens, and the overall setting truly make it feel like a little piece of paradise. It is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and create wonderful memories with family or friends. Thank you to everyone who made our stay so memorable. Your warmth, hospitality, and attention to detail made all the difference. We had an unforgettable experience and left with smiles on our faces. We will definitely be back. ❤️:

Great Time in the Gold Zanzibar. Very nice beach and beautiful sea. The food was varied and very tasty. The service in general was great, we felt very comfortable. Every wish was fulfilled. Big thanks to Mathias and his Animation Team. We had a lot of fun!!!

This hotel is fantastic, relaxing, food is extremely good. The beach team (especially Amiri) is doing a superb job.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable 30th Anniversary in Paradise After an incredible safari, we spent five nights at Gold Zanzibar, and it was the perfect way to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. From the moment we arrived, we knew we had found something special. The resort is located on the breathtaking Indian Ocean, about an hour and a half from the airport, and the setting is absolutely stunning. We stayed in a second-floor room near the main pool, which was a wonderful location with easy access to everything. The grounds are immaculate, the beach is spectacular, and the sunsets are unforgettable. We especially loved taking long walks along the beach, where you’ll also find friendly local vendors if you’re interested in shopping. The resort offers two restaurants and two bars. We chose the all-inclusive meal plan and absolutely loved the international buffet, which changed every day and gave us the opportunity to try so many delicious dishes. We also tried the upgraded à la carte restaurant, but honestly preferred the buffet because of its variety and authentic international flavors. What truly makes Gold Zanzibar exceptional is its people. Every single staff member made us feel genuinely welcomed, cared for, and appreciated. The level of hospitality was unlike anything we’ve experienced. A special thank you to Operations Manager Anthony, whose leadership is reflected throughout the resort. He made us feel like VIP guests and ensured our anniversary celebration was unforgettable. Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to Executive Chef Sunil, Chef Kai, and Chef Warren, who created the most romantic private poolside cabana dinner for our anniversary. The setting was beautiful, and having the chefs personally prepare and serve such an incredible meal made us feel incredibly special. It was one of the highlights of our entire trip. Thank you as well to Maryness and Suzan for their outstanding pool and beach service. Whether relaxing by the pool or enjoying the beautiful beach, they were always smiling, attentive, and made sure we never needed a thing. We also want to recognize Kelvin and Suleman, along with the entire team at the Sultan Bar, for their warm hospitality, friendly conversations, and exceptional service throughout our stay. One experience we absolutely cannot recommend enough is the Healing Earth Wellness Spa. We have received massages all over the world, and these were hands down the best massages of our lives. They were so incredible that we booked a second appointment before leaving. A huge thank you to Helly, Aisha, and Agnes for making our spa experience truly unforgettable. The themed dinner nights added something fun and different each evening, and every meal throughout our stay exceeded our expectations. Every person we encountered made us feel like family rather than guests. It’s rare to find a resort where the luxury is matched by such genuine warmth and kindness, but Gold Zanzibar has accomplished exactly that. Thank you to everyone who made our 30th anniversary one we’ll never forget. We arrived as guests and left feeling like friends. We cannot wait to return to this little piece of paradise.

We had a great time at jungle safari Villa…staff is amazing, services were really great & we spend wonderful time at the Resort 👍🏼🥰

Kendwa Beach is spectacular. The Gold Zanzibar hotel room was large, well‑appointed, and very clean, and housekeeping was consistently excellent. The room décor was perhaps slightly dated, but everything was comfortable and well maintained. We chose half‑board, and the food throughout was very tasty; the chefs were exceptionally friendly and responsive. One member of our party has significant allergies, and the team could not have been more helpful. Our previous stay was at The Danna in Langkawi, and I would say the catering team at the Gold Zanzibar were actually better. That said, the sweet and bakery selection at The Danna was significantly stronger, and this is an area where the Gold Zanzibar could improve — especially considering the hotel’s Italian ownership. The spa was very good, and everyone at the resort was friendly and helpful. The beach bar service was also very good, and overall the drinks were reasonably priced, as was the food on offer. Service was consistently delivered with a big Jambo smile. Security on the beach was excellent and had the added benefit of keeping at bay the large black crows that were extremely interested in stealing any food being carried across the sand. The Wi‑Fi worked extremely well around the resort; however, in our room it mostly did not work at all. Reception advised restarting our devices, but this did not resolve the issue. The grounds are extensive and beautifully maintained — the gardeners and grounds staff do a superb job. Turning to the parts that were not quite as good: A green‑and‑yellow inflatable water‑park structure — not merely large, but epically gigantic — is anchored directly in front of the hotel beach. It was in none of the pictures we saw of the hotel when we booked. It dominates the view and significantly detracts from the otherwise beautiful setting. The beach in front of the hotel also attracts a high number of traders, performers, and people offering various services. The moment you step beyond the hotel boundary, the level of harassment becomes intrusive, making simple things like taking sunset photos or swimming in the sea far less appealing. The hotel adjoins the Kendwa Rocks Hotel, which plays loud music from mid‑afternoon until late. At times the atmosphere feels more “Costa del Sol” than a 5‑star Indian Ocean resort. By contrast, the Zuri Hotel, only a few hundred metres away and also adjacent to Kendwa Rocks, seems to manage the trader issue far more effectively - though I imagine you can still feel the beat from the Kendwa's impressive stereo outfit. There is nothing of interest immediately outside the hotel, and the road to Stone Town is in poor condition in places; the journey takes around 1.5 hours. We did not bother. The hotel charges USD 130 per transfer, on Booking.com you can buy this for £30. Please also be aware that travelling to Zanzibar involves generating an unusually large amount of paperwork — far more than we have ever encountered elsewhere. This leads to extensive queuing at the airport. From mandatory state‑issued health insurance (your normal travel insurance is not sufficient)and visa fees on arrival to exit declarations on departure, all add layers of administration. It is difficult to fathom what purpose these measures serve beyond generating fees. In addition, there is an infrastructure tax payable per person per night at the hotel. Ultimately, the relaxed atmosphere of the resort itself — combined with the wonderfully varied weather (we are not ones for sunbathing) — made the trip worthwhile. That said, one could arguably do better closer to home, and the “magic of Zanzibar” is perhaps somewhat overstated.

The animation team was great ! Thank you Shaaban, Morris and Davis (sorry for my spelling) for your hospitality and your great mood ! Really recommend spending time with them !

Amazing stay at the hotel, the beach and the crew is amazing. Thks to Catherine, Mohamed and Ali of reception and all the staff who made the holidays incredible!

Excellent and clean rooms, the food is scrumptious, staff helpful, beautiful overall resort. The beach is so happening and such cool activities for kids and adults. Perfect balance of white sand turquoise water and good fun vibes!

What an absolutely spectacular property! The rooms are beautiful and spotless! The food is outstanding and there is a great variety for every meal. The grounds are maintained beautifully. What makes this one of the most wonderful places I’ve ever traveled to is the staff. Everyone goes out of their way to make sure all your needs are met. You are always greeted with a smile and a helping hand. Special shout out to Morris and Shaaban at the activity desk! They are outstanding. The restaurant staff are all wonderful, including Neema, Secilia and Happiness. We had a wonderful gardener, but unfortunately cannot remember his name. The staff at the front desk were the best ever, including Ali, Abdi, and the young man from Sri Lanka. The security team at the beach were top notch, making us safe, helping us with anything we needed, and greeting us with a smile every day. What an amazing place and we cannot wait to return!!

We had an amazing stay at Gold Zanzibar for our honeymoon. The hotel is beautiful, the beach is absolutely stunning, and everything exceeded our expectations. A special thank you to the staff, who made our stay truly memorable. Everyone was incredibly kind, welcoming, professional, and always smiling. Their attention to detail and genuine hospitality made all the difference. Thank you to the entire Gold Zanzibar team — we hope to be back one day! Asante sana! 🌴☀️🇹🇿

This hotel was extremely excellent. People were so friendly and the service absolutely great.

We had the most incredible experience and beach trip!! The rooms were amazing and the front desk staff (Abdi, Ali, Richard and Nancy) were SO friendly, welcoming and kind. Every employee at this hotel, from the gardeners, maintenance staff, chefs, housekeepers, wait staff, entertainment crew, etc made our time here so memorable. The food was amazing, with so much variety at every meal and the hospitality and kindness the staff showed us was unmatched!!! We've traveled all over the world, to over 40 countries, and can honestly say that the employees at this hotel were the kindest people we've ever met. Our waitresses every morning, Neema and Secilia showed us 5 star hospitality and were so kind and helpful. Happiness Haco, the waitress we always had in the evenings, was also great. Morris and Shaaban, gave us towels every morning, played ping pong with us, and were always so attentive and kind whenever we needed anything. Since returning home, we have recommended this hotel to several of our friends and family who will be traveling to Zanzibar in the near future. We cannot recommend this place enough!!

Warm welcome. Excellent professionalism of the staff. Always assisted in every need. It's a very comfortable place to stay in a friendly atmosphere. Well-structured and organized. The days pass peacefully and the evenings are convivial. Very good food with a lot of choice.

The staff at Gold Zanzibar make you feel incredibly welcome from the moment you walk through the door. The service is simply incredible. A few lads from the animation team were great to be around. Moris and Shaby were fantastic but their billiards skills need a bit of work 😂 I’ll definitely be back for a rematch. Matias was brilliant every day and night getting everyone involved in volleyball dancing and other activities. Overall it was an amazing stay and I’ll definitely be coming back! Thank you Gold Zanzibar.

Gold Zanzibar was amazing! Rooms, food, location were all fantastic - lots of different food options every day and vegetarian food. There was plenty to do at the hotel with games and entertainment, thank you to Matthias and the animation team for making our stay so much fun! Thank you to everyone for making my birthday so special too!

We had the best time ever at Gold Zanzibar. The staff were all amazing, absolutely everyone. The animation team were great with all the activities - Mathias, Shaby and Moris were so much fun and had us up dancing at night, playing volleyball and darts on the beach in the day, it was amazing!! All the team were great in the restaurants and at the bars too, and the front desk team including Nancy who welcomed us so nicely and looked after us. All the dinners were fantastic food, one of the best/if not the best all inclusive food we’ve had. I cannot thank the staff enough for being so welcoming, I had a lovely chat with Anthony, who always remembered my name, and all the staff were very friendly (including one of the gardeners who made me an amazing crown from leaves!!)) Thank you for the best stay ever!

Fantastic experience. All the staff were amazing, special mention to Steven, Sarah and Davis. The hotel grounds and beach are beautiful. Food was delicious at every meal. Sunset Cruise organised by the hotel was exceptional and Davis was upbeat.and.made.sure we all had a great time. The massage.we had at the Spa was first class.

Lovely hotel on Kendwa beach on the NW side of Zanzibar. We stayed All Inclusive which made things easier all round. Drinks and cocktails are aplenty - the wine list that's included is not that extensive and I have had better wine as part of AI in other places. CC hotels pride themselves on the food and it was amazing. Themed nights in the buffet restaurants and the option for the A La carte restaurant also. We went in low season so not many people at the hotel which meant no fighting over sun loungers which was a blessing (although it did look like there was enough for all guests to be fair). We got fab weather and it rained once while we were there but you do take your chance if you go in April. The design of the hotel is great with rooms spaced out and you don't feel on top of each other - really large rooms (we were 2 adults and one child) and felt like we had plenty of space - we stayed in their basic garden view room - nothing is far from the pool, restaurant, bar or beach though. Rooms are sparkling, they treat them every day for bugs and its very quiet (well it was when we were there!). As you would expect from Tanzania - the staff can't do enough for you. The hotel next door has a full moon party each month and can get rowdy apparently although they didn't run it when were there so can't comment on the noise.

We were staying in the establishment next door who disappointed us with the food, cleanliness in dining area, most evenings not enough waiters and the Al la carte menu options, bear in mind that we paid half board, meaning a full breakfast and dinner. We went next door, to have a peek. Anthony (you are a star) welcomed us and did not hesitate to show us around and invited us to a proper buffet dinner. Our waitress was absolutely on point and so attentive, and the personal touch of the red rice artwork on the table was beautiful... People, what a pleasant surprise with the buffet?! Enormous variety and the taste, whoa!! Compliments to the chef and kitchen staff!!! Your taste buds will be on an ecstacy trip! Every night guests are treated to a culinary experience of note!! A friendly warning to co-weight watchers... It's going to be difficult! It is worthwhile to pay a bit more, what you get from staff and the establishment is priceless! Very well done Gold ZANZIBAR Beach House & Spa!

We booked for Easter dinner at Zanzibar Gold, the process booking itself was very easy. The evening in question we arrived at the hotel, where we were greeted by hotel's security, which already had our booking info in hand, they escorted us to the front office, where customer care staff issued wristbands and accompanied us to the beach bar, where we received a warming welcome. They fitted us in a place if our choice, our cocktails were as they are supposed to be. Later on the food and beverage manager stopped by, welcoming us and explained what the program of the Easter dinner includes. There was a pre dinner live band, followed by an amazing Easter choir Right after we were asked if you would like to be taken to our table in the restaurant. Where a bigger surprise was awaiting us, a beautiful decorated honeymoon table, the shock came as we did not do such a booking, it is only the bar staff that overhead us talking about it, and congratulated us after we shared with one of them the reason behind our dinner. The buffet was lavish, the spirit of Easter was there. All we can say, Is our visit to Gold Zanzibar made our day. Thank you Mr Roberto, Mrs Aisha, Last but not least Mr Anthony. Our warmest thanks to all the staff and animations team.