Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel

Located on what many see as the best beach on Ungula Island, the Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel draws young couples and groups of friends with its casual vibe, cute local architecture, reasonable rates, and gorgeous setting amid coconut trees abutting a great stretch of white sand and turquoise waters. Additionally, its full moon parties tend to draw a buzzing crowd. The property is made up of a number of open structures topped with traditional Makuti roofs and separated from the outdoors by billowy white curtains. The feel is beachy and casual, with colorful pillows strewn around and handmade wooden furniture, though some guests may find it shabby rather than charming. Indeed, this is not a place for those seeking a squeaky-clean hotel with perfectly manicured grounds, top service, and plush rooms, but rather a decent pick for travelers who can forgo some of the mod cons (and timely maintenance) for a good beach. 

This area is a popular tourist spot due to its gorgeous sea and fine-sand beach, and there are a few other hotels nearby. The adjacent Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa is a good alternative for families, featuring upscale rooms, a large pool, a kids’ club, and all-inclusive packages. Just a few minutes down the same beach, the Eden Village Kendwa Beach Resort has a similar vibe to Kendwa Rocks, but it offers a more conventional hotel experience, with generically decorated rooms, an outdoor gym, and a pool. In this price range, the Zanzibar House, located on the eastern side of the island, gets better reviews overall, thanks to a great restaurant, quiet atmosphere, beautiful beach, and comfortable beds. 

A pool and additional rooms are currently being built at the Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel, and construction noise may be an issue through at least early 2019.  

The hotel has a somewhat isolated location in northern Ungula Island. The property, however, is directly on one of Zanzibar’s top beaches, featuring fine white sand and gorgeous turquoise waters. There is little within walking distance, save for a few other hotels and a handful of street-food stalls, and guests will need a car to move around. The nearest restaurants can be found in the town of Nungwi, located about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while Zanzibar City and its famous Stone Town are about a 90-minute drive away, as is the airport. Transfers to the airport and the ferry terminal are available for a fee.

The hotel has 21 rooms divided into three main categories: Economy, Standard, and Luxury. Economy Rooms are compact and rather rustic, with furniture made from reclaimed wood taken from old fishing boats, curtains and bedspreads made with cheerful local fabrics, and traditional rugs over tiled floors. Standard units are larger and furnished with original Zanzibar antiques, and Luxury Rooms are stand-alone bungalows, some of which are directly on the beach. Most of the Luxury units have either a private hot tub on the deck or share a small pool.

In-room amenities are the same across the board, consisting of air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-fridges, and safes. Wi-Fi is provided free throughout the property, and a handful of rooms have TVs, but some guests have complained that the signal can be shoddy for both the internet and the TVs. Bathrooms range from plain to charming, and all have walk-in showers. All-in-one toiletries are provided in large wall-mounted containers. Some bathrooms are partly outdoors, which can draw mosquitos and other bugs.  

The on-site PADI-certified dive center offers an array of day trips and courses that guests can book for a fee, as well as a number of motorized and non-motorized water sports, including paddleboards, snorkeling, and fishing. There is no daily entertainment program, but guests can take part in group sports, such as beach volleyball or beach soccer free of charge. The spa is rustic and basic, with just an open beach hut with three massage beds and a small area for salon services. Treatments, however, get good reviews. 

Mermaid Restaurant is also located directly on the beach and serves Swahili and Indian Ocean cuisine in an open pavilion with a spacious bar area. A basic breakfast with eggs, crepes, fresh fruit, and toast is served every morning here free of charge. The bar is a popular spot for sunset drinks, and also offers popular performances weekly. Full Moon parties also draw tons of guests and non-guests every month, with DJ sessions, drinks, and a fun atmosphere.