Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel

Popular with honeymooners, the Ras Nungwi’s well-tended grounds are fairly expansive, winding down to one of Zanzibar’s most stunning white-sand beaches -- yet the properly feels intimate, private, and well spaced. The simple, yet charming, African Colonial-style decor accentuates the tropical-island feeling, making wide use of Zanzibari materials and designs, including thatch roofs, dark-wood furniture, and local fabrics. The attractive open-air lobby sits at the top of a tall flight of steps, the gorgeous reading lounge has solid-wood sofas and elegant artwork, and there’s a laidback feel to the restaurant, bar, and beautiful elevated beach bar.

The cows and goats hanging around outside the gates should give a hint at the level of seclusion in a quiet residential area on Zanzibar’s northernmost peninsula. That means there’s little to do in the vicinity; it’s a trek to the nearby village, island capital and airport, and getting around involves car rental (though driving here can be a challenge) or hiring taxis.

• 13 minutes to Nungwi village by car
• 15 minutes to Nungwi Beach by car
• 19 minutes to Kendwa Beach by car
• 75 minutes to Zanzibar ferry terminal by car
• 77 minutes to Stone Town by car
• 83 minutes to Zanzibar International Airport by car
• 97 minutes to Jozani Forest by car

Accommodations are made of single-story blocks of Standard Rooms, freestanding Superior and Superior DeluxeCchalets, and one enormous Ocean Suite that’s popular with honeymooners who want to splurge. Entry-level decor is pleasant but slightly dated; gorgeous dark-wood four-poster beds have cream fabric and intricately patterned headboards, and there are dark beamed ceilings, white tiled flooring, and white walls decorated with framed prints. Additional furniture includes handsome bedside tables with lamps, old-fashioned foldout bureau-style desks, and wicker chairs.

Small entrance doors (with stained-glass panels) and slatted windows are covered with attractive cream curtains. Standard Rooms have garden views, while Superior and Superior Deluxe Rooms look out to sea. Large sheltered terraces have vaulted thatched roofs, and attractive dark-wood-framed daybeds with cushions in warm shades. Functional bathrooms come with simple vanities with contemporary white sinks, cream floor and wall tiling, and walk-in showers with rainfall and power showerheads. Bathrobes and toiletreis are provided. 

The Ocean Suite is an enormous self-contained bungalow with plentiful windows, local objets d’art, and a separate living room with a flat-screen TV and wet bar. French doors open onto a huge terrace with a private plunge pool; a path leads to another just above the beach (with more steps into the water), and a gorgeous rooftop sundeck has stunning views.

Amenities include air-conditioning and ceiling fans, phones, free Wi-Fi (though this can be slow, and doesn’t reach some rooms), safes, minibars, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Most rooms lack TVs. Super Deluxe Rooms and Ocean Suites add iPod docks, and Ocean Suites come with a selection of DVDs.

Facilities here focus on relaxation and food. The kidney-shaped pool and deck has a few sunbeds and parasols, and it overlooks the white-sand beach. The stretch of sand also offers sunbeds and umbrellas, but past guests have complained the water isn't ideal for swimming. There's an excellent spa offering a range of treatments, and two tennis courts (though they’re in need of repair), but no gym. 

The English breakfast buffet offers good variety (but service can be slow). Exceptional local and international a la carte lunch and set dinner menus are served at Ubora Restaurant and Bar, at charming Jahazi Beach Snack Bar, or at the pool or beach. An all-inclusive package is available. There’s a games area for billiards, ping-pong, and darts. Diving, water sports, fishing trips, and excursions are available (for a fee), and the hotel is a popular wedding venue. A laptop and printer are available. Free Wi-Fi can be slow and doesn’t reach some rooms. Parking is free.