Indigo Beach Zanzibar

This charming hotel offers a truly unique and relaxing escape, with its signature feature being the distinctive open-air architectural style of its rooms, including exotic outdoor bathrooms, and its direct beachfront location. It is an ideal destination for couples seeking a tranquil and intimate getaway, families looking for a peaceful retreat with child-friendly amenities, and travelers who appreciate an authentic, outdoorsy experience combined with hotel comforts. Guests consistently praise the exceptional staff, the serene atmosphere, and the quality of the food. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, consider requesting a beachfront bungalow for stunning ocean views, and be prepared for the significant tidal changes that affect beach access throughout the day.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides excellent facilities for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests highly appreciate the clean and inviting swimming pools, which are a popular spot for both adults and children, with sand toys available for younger guests. There are ample lounge chairs offering comfortable spots to relax with ocean views. While the hotel offers bikes for rent, guests should note that Wi-Fi connectivity can be inconsistent, with some experiencing slow speeds. The property ensures guest safety with dedicated Maasai security staff. Although the hotel experiences occasional power cuts, a timed generator is available to provide continued service. The well-maintained beach area directly in front of the hotel offers a beautiful setting for sunbathing and enjoying the coastal ambiance.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the cleanliness of the rooms, which feature a unique, non-standard design, often with a downstairs lounge and an upstairs sleeping area. The open-air concept contributes to an outdoorsy feel, though this can lead to rainwater entry during storms and make rooms feel hot and humid due to the absence of air conditioning. While ceiling fans and additional fans are provided, some guests found the heat challenging. Mosquito nets are consistently used, and staff spray rooms nightly to help manage bugs. Most guests find the beds comfortable, though a few noted them as being too hard, and some mentioned issues with pillow smell. The outdoor bathrooms are a distinctive feature, offering a unique experience, but can be less convenient during rain or at night, despite provided umbrellas. Some rooms lack a fridge or coffee maker, and guests in beachfront accommodations occasionally reported sand entering the rooms due to the open design.

Dining & Food Quality
The food quality at the hotel receives mixed feedback, with many guests describing it as excellent, delicious, and varied, while some found it average or repetitive, especially for breakfast. Breakfast typically includes fruit, various breads, eggs cooked to order, and some hot options, though the daily consistency of choices led some to explore local eateries. The lunch menu offers a good variety, including fresh grilled seafood. Dinner menus are smaller and change daily, often featuring a popular barbecue night accompanied by a Maasai show. Cocktails are generally well-regarded and reasonably priced. However, service speed can be slow, with some guests experiencing significant waits for dishes. While the hotel offers convenient dining, some guests noted better and tastier options at nearby restaurants, and the overall food and drink pricing can be perceived as high compared to local alternatives.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel is situated in a quiet, less touristy area, providing a peaceful and tranquil retreat away from the bustle. Its direct beachfront location offers immediate access to the sand and ocean. While secluded, it is conveniently located a 10-minute drive to Paje, which offers more dining and shopping options. The beach experiences significant tidal variations, meaning the ocean recedes far at low tide, making swimming difficult and revealing fine shells and sea urchins, necessitating footwear. The approach to the hotel involves navigating poorly maintained dirt roads, which can be challenging, particularly when arriving at night. Despite its quiet setting, the hotel is well-positioned for exploring the island, with staff readily available to arrange tours and taxis to other attractions.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their exceptional friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Guests highlight their genuine warmth, helpfulness in organizing tours and massages, and even assisting with unexpected medical needs. The service is described as efficient and caring, with staff making guests feel like family. From reception to restaurant staff and housekeeping, their smiling demeanor and proactive approach are frequently mentioned. They are commended for their responsiveness to requests, quick problem-solving, and providing a high standard of customer service. The turn-down service with mosquito net closure is a thoughtful touch that guests appreciate. Overall, the dedication of the team significantly enhances the guest experience, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's check-out policy, which typically requires rooms to be vacated by 11 AM, with potential charges for late departures or continued use of facilities. A tourist tax of $5 per person per night is applied upon check-out, which some guests found unexpected or misaligned with the hotel's perceived star rating. While the hotel offers a serene environment, guests walking on the beach may encounter pushy local vendors. The hotel provides convenient services such as arranging tours and taxis, offering early morning calls, and preparing packed lunches for excursions. Evenings at the hotel can include entertaining Masai dances and chants, providing a unique cultural experience. Some guests also noted the presence of a wishing tree on the property, adding a charming and memorable touch.