Uroa Bay Beach Resort

Turn onto a quiet, dusty road in the sleepy fishing village of Uroa and you’ll come across Uroa Bay Beach Resort, a boutique property geared to couples and families from abroad. Guests are welcomed to a large, open-air lobby with an exposed thatch roof and minimal African artwork, while cheerful red seats (some with privacy curtains) line one side. It's a perfectly pleasant way to arrive, and leads to a neat, tree-lined pathway that opens to the lovely free-form pool and hot tub. Here, some folks relax with a drink at the poolside bar, while others sunbathe on the comfy daybeds that surround the water. Still, there are some issues here, and the beach isn't exactly made for swimming, which disappoints many guests. Italian management at the resort means that the clientele is also overwhelmingly from Italy, though Africans and other Europeans are also frequent guests. 

The resort is in the small fishing village of Uroa, on the east coast of Zanzibar. Just six stores and a smattering of resorts populate the slow-paced town, with tourism just starting to make its way into the local economy. There’s only one bank and it’s about an hour’s drive from the hotel, so exchanging currency might be best at the hotel (though their rates aren't great). The simple Tartaruga Restaurant is just a two-minute walk away, but otherwise the dining options in the area are relatively limited. Nearby resorts do offer dinner with lovely sea views -- like Chwaka Bay Resort, which is about a 10-minute drive away. Kiwengwa Beach is just about 15 minutes north of Uroa Bay by car, while Mapenzi Beach is just a bit farther (20 minutes). Ferries to Mnemba Island takes just under an hour to reach in a car, and the port to reach Prison Island is just past Zanzibar Town, an hour's drive from the hotel to the west side of the island. As this is such a quiet place, it might be worthwhile to explore nearby areas like Pongwe, just an eight-minute drive, or Mdudu Mdogo, which is eleven minutes away by car. Zanzibar International Airport is about an hour southwest of the resort.

The 61 large, clean rooms here feature private balconies or patios, most of which have garden views, though upgrades add sea views. They’re furnished with coffee tables and padded chairs under charming thatched roofs. The decor is breezy and simple, with cherry wood four-poster beds, white walls, and occasional red accents. Guests can expect mosquito nets, fans, flat-screen TVs, safes, and coffeemakers. Mini-fridges include free bottled water at check-in, though it costs extra after that. The air-conditioning didn't work the best during our stay, a complaint that some guests have echoed. Bathrooms are bright and spacious, with walk-in showers and rainfall showerheads, but little room for storage around the pedestal sinks.

The rooms are plagued by maintenance and upkeep issues that run the gamut from broken TVs and telephones to overflowing toilets. We also spotted lots of grime on the ceiling fans, and discolored grout in the bathrooms. Lizards and small critters are a common sight here too -- squeamish types might want to double check the doors for any conspicuous gaps. Wi-Fi is free, but the signal is often weak in the rooms and only works in common areas. 

This resort offers a predictable list of features, though not all of them are excellent. Wellness treatments like massages, aromatherapy, and facials are available at the full-service spa, and the lovely freeform pool is the best option for swimming. There's a hot tub and a poolside bar, and plenty of space for relaxing poolside. The beach, unfortunately, is underwhelming. Yes, it's stunning at first, with shite sand abutting turquoise waters, but sea grass can accumulate in abundance on the shore, and the water isn't great for swimming due to tides. There are plenty of sunbeds and palapas, but hawking can also be an issue. There are also tennis courts and a beach volleyball court

Guests can choose from an all-inclusive option or pay separately -- both options are expensive, though the all-inclusive option arguably brings more bang for the buck. The overall prices are certainly steep, but remain consistent with other resorts in the area. Unfortunately, food gets mixed ratings: some report that buffets are often cold, while others are happy with the themed menus that feature a range of international dishes. Thankfully, the after-dinner entertainment is a blast -- it’s short, lively, and gives a taste of local Tanzanian culture. Several on-site bars and a pool table help keep the party going afterwards. Wi-Fi and self-parking are both free, and the hotel can arrange excursions and tours.