Zanzibar Serena Hotel, within Stone Town’s compact UNESCO Heritage Site, boasts a large seafront swimming pool on Shangani Peninsula – a rarity in this part of the island. The hotel, set within two restored buildings, retains a historical ambience reflecting both Arabic and Swahili culture – think shuttered windows and tiled terracotta floors leading to high-ceilinged rooms with four-poster beds and private balconies featuring large hammocks. While the nightly live music, warm hospitality and rooftop restaurant showcasing the hotel’s gorgeous seafront location are more than enough of a reason to stay put, the hotel has a selection of excellent tours to explore the incredible and fascinating surrounds. Stroll the narrow streets of Stone Town on a half day guided tour, visit the only national park in Zanzibar, discover the roots of the Indian Ocean’s ‘Spice Island’ or swim with bottlenose dolphins in a quaint fishing village on the southern coast of the island!

Services and Facilities

Swimming pool and deck

Live nightly music

Spa treatment rooms

Laundry services

Babysitting services

All-day complimentary tea and coffee

Gift shop

Free shuttle to Mangapwani Beach

Guided Stone Town Tours

Spice Tours