Situated right on the sea-front of Zanzibar's ancient Stone Town, The Zanzibar Serena Hotel boasts a truly magnificent location, flanked by an exotic mix of sultan's palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, and bright bazaars. Ideal for romantics who want to experience a vibrant island getaway, this boutique hotel is a beautiful combination of Swahili style, ethnic elegance and Arabic opulence.

With a large range of cultural, historical and natural sites to explore while in Stone Town, it will be hard to decide between dolphin, turtle and humpback whale watching, spice tours or traditional dhow trips. Alternatively, enjoy the laid-back island atmosphere and spend long lazy days on the beach or beside the pool.

Highlights

• On Stone Town's waterfront, close to many attractions
• Tranquil haven reflecting Swahili style
• Delicious, freshly-caught seafood
• Authentic hand-crafted furniture
• Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Activities

• DAY TOURS
• LOCAL VILLAGE VISITS
• DHOW CRUISES
• SNORKELLING
• SPA TREATMENTS

Rooms

Standard Room

At the Zanzibar Serena Hotel, you'll find Standard Rooms, Prime Rooms and Suites, all of which are elegantly appointed and feature high ceilings, shuttered windows, and cool white walls. The rooms feature traditional Swahili decor and hand-carved furnishings. The Standard Rooms are spacious and relaxed, and feature modern amenities like air conditioning, satellite television, wireless internet, and a well-stocked mini-bar. From the room, with its 4-poster bed, you can walk out onto your balcony and relax on a hammock as you take in the beautiful views.

Other room types:

The Prime Room features all the luxurious amenities and style of the Standard Rooms, but are more spacious. Featuring traditional fretwork, cabinets and brightly coloured coastal cotton, these rooms have private balconies with magnificent views, as well as king-sized, 4-poster beds for your comfort.

The three Suites can be found in the separate Zanzibar Inn, a private haven for romantics and discerning travellers. All suites offer sublime views across the Zanzibar waterfront and access to a private beach. Take your pick from the Executive Suite, Honeymoon Suite or Presidential Suite. For families, some rooms and suites can be adjusted to create interconnected rooms.

Facilities

The Masahani bar is designed and decorated in traditional Swahili style and is the perfect place to enjoy your favourite drink, or let the barman conjure a new, exotic and colourful combination for you.

Sit back with your drink and listen to some traditional Taarab orchestras. Beside the crystal clear swimming pool, you'll find a spacious terrace, with indoor and outdoor seating and excellent pool views.

Here you'll find a wide range of drinks and snacks all day long - ideal for those who want to extend their poolside lounging. The Mdele coffee shop is adjacent to the pool and serves traditional Swahili coffee and freshly baked pastries.

Dining

If you have a love for seafood and you enjoy trying new delicacies, then you'll love dining at the Zanzibar Serena Hotel. With two restaurants on-site and one a little drive away on a secluded beach, you'll enjoy many flavoursome Swahili dishes and plenty of freshly caught seafood. The Baharia Restaurant is the hotel's main dining area and is situated mere inches from the ocean's lapping waves. With wide open windows, fretwork screens, Omani carvings, Persian rugs and bright Swahili artefacts, this restaurant offers an authentic atmosphere where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood and dishes infused with local spices.

The Terrace Restaurant is perched on the roof of the Inn and is a more exclusive place to enjoy an open-air meal. The restaurant looks out over the bay and features a superb selection of freshly caught fish and seafood. Just a short drive away you'll find a secluded and beautiful spot where the Mangapwani Beach Barbeque is situated. At this beach hideaway, you can tuck into a superb Swahili lunch buffet. The staff at the hotel are also happy to accommodate children, with special meals that they'll love and earlier meal times to suit their routine.