Zanzibar Retreat Hotel

Staying at Zoi Retreat Hotel was an absolute delight from start to finish. The team here goes above and beyond, greeting you like an old friend and making sure every detail of your stay is perfect. The food was a highlight—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I loved indulging in their soothing massages, which left me feeling completely renewed. And with the hotel set right on the beach, I could enjoy the sea breeze and stunning views every day. A truly memorable getaway!

From the moment we arrived at Zoi Retreat, we knew we had found something special. The warm smiles, genuine hospitality, and effortless professionalism of the staff made us feel like we were part of the family. The management clearly runs a tight but friendly ship, ensuring every detail is just right. The cuisine was nothing short of outstanding — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, with a mix of local and international influences that kept every meal exciting. The location couldn’t be more perfect: tucked away in a serene setting, close enough to enjoy Zanzibar’s charms but far enough to truly unwind. This little boutique hotel truly ticks all the boxes. We spent seven unforgettable days here, creating memories we’ll treasure for a lifetime. Every single member of the team worked tirelessly, always with a smile, to make sure our Zanzibar experience was nothing short of magical. Whether it was arranging day trips, sharing local tips, or simply remembering our coffee and drinks preferences, nothing was ever too much trouble. If I had to mention one downside, it wasn’t about the hotel at all, but rather a fellow group of guests — a particularly loud Italian family who seemed determined to find fault with everything, from the pizza to the coffee, simply because it wasn’t exactly "Italian" (in Zanzibar??). Their young children, meanwhile, were more energetic than the setting called for, climbing on other guests’ tables and persistently terrorizing the resident cats to the point that other guests had to ask their parents to finally look after them. (On that note — hats off to the cats, whose stoic patience in the face of such attention deserves its own 5-star review!) But truly, this minor irritation did little to detract from our overall experience. Zoi Retreat is a rare find — a place where you arrive as guests but leave having made friends. We cannot recommend it highly enough and will definitely be returning.

Terrible experience. We were coming from a Safari, where anyone could imagine being on a total adventure where you have to adapt.... Instead, at the Safari, we were treated to 6-star standards (in a camp inside the parks), beyond belief. Here in Zanzibar, the exact opposite of expectations, a true tragedy from every perspective, and this is thanks to this dilapidated facility, poorly managed by completely out of place staff. Disgusting. I will not recommend this place to my worst enemy!!!