Upendo Beach Boutique Hotel Zanzibar

We had a lovely and intimate stay at this beautiful hotel. The staff pays great attention to detail, and the butlers especially Theo and his team looked after us so well. Anything we needed, they were always ready to assist, and our food orders were consistently on time. Housekeeping was top-notch: the room was refreshed in the morning and again before bed, with a sweet treat and a kind message left for us each night. The food was delicious and full of flavor definitely a highlight! A few small things to note: some windows felt a bit too transparent, which made us concerned about privacy. In the evenings, it could get a little noisy as people passed by the beach. Also, the curtain rods could use some maintenance. Despite that, we had a truly memorable stay. The service and atmosphere more than made up for the minor issues. Highly recommended!

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.

I first came to Upendo 12 years ago. It was then, and since, a vibrant and busy place with amazing views great music and a special place to enjoy a spectacular natural environment. Sadly a new manager has whacked up the prices from $5 to $40 for day visitors, with the result that it was deserted. At sundown we were the only people there with excellent waiters having nothing to do. I really wish Upendo well, but fear the results of the latest manager's ideas