Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa

5.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa

Meeting facility
Body treatments, facials, massage/treatment rooms
Lobby
3 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas
Free daily buffet breakfast

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
PO BOX 3276,KIWENGWA, NORTH EAST COAST, Kiwengwa, Unguja North Region
  • Place, Kiwengwa Beach
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Kendwa Beach
    ‪56 min drive‬
  • Place, Nungwi Beach
    ‪56 min drive‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪56 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, Garden View (Pwani)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 313 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

Superior Room, Sea Facing (Bahari)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 291 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Baobab Village Rooms

  • 156 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

Superior Room, With No Sea View (Bahari)

  • Sea view
  • 646 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Kiwengwa

Located 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Kiwengwa Beach, Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa is within a 15-minute drive of Pwani Mchangani Beach. This 76-room, 5-star hotel welcomes guests with 3 outdoor pools, free breakfast, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Kiwengwa Beach - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Muyuni Beach - 16 min drive - 7.2 miles
  • Forodhani Gardens - 49 min drive - 28.5 miles
  • Kendwa Beach - 56 min drive - 22.6 miles
  • Nungwi Beach - 56 min drive - 23.5 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 74 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Green & Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Mzee Husa Restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Andiamo - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Zanziblue - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪pool bar @ blue bay - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa

Guests staying at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa enjoy access to 3 outdoor pools, a children's pool, and free WiFi in public areas. You can take advantage of free parking, along with a shuttle from the airport to the hotel (available 24 hours) for USD 78 per vehicle. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with dry cleaning/laundry, tours or tickets, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this beach hotel include an outdoor tennis court, a conference center, and a business center.
32-inch TVs are available for entertainment, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer rainfall showers and hair dryers, and memory foam beds with premium bedding ensure a restful night. Other amenities include sitting areas, minibars, and electric kettles.
3 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a children's pool. Other recreational amenities include an outdoor tennis court.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. There are massage/treatment rooms available. Services include facials and body treatments.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour airport pick-up shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • 2 beach bars
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Kivuli Bar N Restaurant
  • Mawimbi bar / Lounge
  • Mwambao

Things to do

  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Children's club
  • Children's pool
  • Kayaking
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • Playground
  • Shopping
  • Snorkeling
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's club
  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business center
  • Conference center

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Facials
  • Massage
  • Spa treatment rooms

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 38 buildings
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Memory foam mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Ceiling fan
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 16

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 90
  • New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per child: USD 45 (from 2 to 12 years old)
  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night
  • An effective city/local tax rate of 12.00 percent will be charged

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 78 per vehicle (maximum occupancy 5)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 16
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals, you can take advantage of the airport pick-up service (fees apply). Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Sultan Sands
Sultan Sands Island Kiwengwa
Sultan Sands Island Resort
Sultan Sands Island Resort Kiwengwa
Sultan Sands Island Hotel Kiwengwa
Sultan Sands Island Resort Zanzibar/Kiwengwa
Sultan Sands Island
Sultan Sands Island Resort Zanzibar Island/Kiwengwa
Sultan Sands Resort Kiwengwa
Sultan Sands Resort
Sultan Sands Kiwengwa
Sultan Sands
Sultan Sands & Spa Kiwengwa
Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa Hotel
Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa Kiwengwa
Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa Hotel Kiwengwa

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see within easy reach of Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?

This hotel is located in Kiwengwa, close to Kiwengwa Beach, Mapenzi Beach, and Muyuni Beach. Pwani Mchangani Beach is also within a driving distance of 4.3 mi.

How much does it cost to stay at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?

As of Jun 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa on Jun 12, 2026 start from $323, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is there parking available at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?

Spa services at the hotel include facials, body treatments, and massages.

Are there luxury amenities available at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?

Yes, guests can indulge in luxuries such as 3 outdoor pools, an ocean-view restaurant, and 2 beach bars at this hotel.

Does Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa have a casino?

No, Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are 3 outdoor pools.

Is Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa a good place to stay for couples?

This beachfront hotel offers plenty of amenities for couples including 2 beach bars, an ocean-view restaurant, and 3 outdoor pools.

Does Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa serves free buffet breakfast at Mwambao each morning.

Does Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa.

Does Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa have connecting rooms available?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?

The closest major airport to Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is 28.9 mi away (74 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer either a furnished patio and a balcony where guests can enjoy sea and garden views.

Does Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa have a wedding venue?

Take advantage of the wedding venue at Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa if you plan to say "I do" during your trip.

Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 49 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 49 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 49 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 49 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 49 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing, lovely place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

nena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It is amazing hotel, cosy and sweet…
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

We enjoyed!

A last minute booking that really delivered. There was an actual beautiful beach to walk on. Exceptional entertainment, variety and flavorful food, great staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Tia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The hotel could use some updating, as the rooms feel quite old-fashioned. While some staff were friendly, service was inconsistent — I had to ask multiple times for drinks.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mirko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Tutto okay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paolo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel molto bello, immerso nella vegetazione. Personale molto gentile.Kevin,Fatma,Husna,Juma,Mohamed,Happy,Ochieng.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jakub

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was really nice.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Sirko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Positiv: Das Hotel hat eine überschauliche Grösse, hat einen schönen Pool und ist sehr sauber. Das Personal war sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend. Unser Strandbungalow war schön und sauber. Die tägliche Reinigung war top und am Abend wurde sogar das Moskitonetz vorbereiter. Die Klimaanlage funktionierte tadellos. Negativ: Es wäre schön gewesen, hätte es eine Broschüre mit Angaben zur Anlage etc. im Zimmer gehabt. Das Essen war insgesamt ein wenig eintönig. Zum Frühstück gab es z.B. leider nur zwei verschiedene Toastbrote und keine Brötchen (die gab es erst zum Mittagessen) und auch nur eine Sorte Marmelade). Der Weg ins Meer war sehr mühsam, da man von Verkäufern teilweise bis ins Wasser verfolgt wurde.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Samia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
J’ai apprécié la vue
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

LUCIE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Merveilleux séjour, personnel aux petits soins et bienveillants. ABSOLUMENT rien à redire, tout était parfait!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Lasana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Top rapport qualité prix

Personnel extrêmement accueillant et à l'écoute. Nous avons passé un excellent séjour :)
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Friends

We had a fun stay at Sultan Sands. It was very beautiful and the service was good. The location does feel a bit way from things and locals on the beach prevent any swimming or relaxation because of the constant selling.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Stay, looking forward to return one day

Fantastic Stay!, comfortable, polite staff, Spa was amazing , Food was excellent and accommodating for Food Intolerances. Some of the Sunbeds could do with being improved, Cider, Rose and Procecco on the AI menu would be be a great Addition :)
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

Emmanouil

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Not a 5* hotel, but nice location and beach

Hotel is NOT a 5* as shown on hotels.com Hotel is 4* so check again before book I paid for 5* but I realized soon that its not the case. Dinner mediocre boring food buffet, some fish and some beef cooked for guests but nothing special. I ended up eating pasta 3 days in a row. No wine list, only one available lager beer. Breakfast had limited options, Juices not fresh, some deserts were ok. Pool service not available. When asked for some food at the pool around 15-15:30 bcz our kids were starving they sent us to go to next hotel. When we asked for advertised kids room they sent us to next hotel. Even spa massage etc are done in next hotel (Blue bay). Only option at pool was to stand in line with all the ALL inclusive guests to order something. Asked for baby crib twice, reception said they had no cribs available (too many families) but later a cleaning lady saw my wife with babyand offered to bring a crib Expect some locals to try sell trips/coconuts/souvenirs on the beach, but for me its part of the experience, so nothing to worry, just smile and avoid them. Security always around so not worries. Wifi was not good in room, but worst was that our room was connected with next room by a locked door, so we could hear almost all noise from next door guests. Live music everynight and good atmosphere in general ! Personal was happy to help and with smile. When asked at receptiona at checkout about not being a 5* as advertised, they ignored me unfortunately...
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
La gentillesse et le sourire du personnel. L'excellente et succulente cuisine qui variait sensiblement chaque jour, sa propreté. L'entretien parfait du lieu, du sable sur la plage de l'hôtel, du gazon, des arbres et arbustes du site. Orchestres et groupes de danses, chaque soir. Il y manquait un service de shuttle à la demande de l'hôtel vers le village, un bancomat pour y retirer de l'argent….
Stayed 13 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property and location are both great. Really enjoyed our stay. All staff and bar tenders was amazing. Dass really went out of his way to ensure our stay was extra amazing.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pradeep

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel, in a very beautiful location and lovely staff. We stayed there for six days and didn't want to leave! From the check in to check out, everyone was there to make sure we had a fantastic holiday and they always had a smile for us. Fantastic beach and really good evenings shows. Would definitely go back to Sultan Sands in Zanzibar. Thank you very much everyone and Special thanks to Dass!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice rooms, food and nice staffs Nice beach we enjoyed,a lot
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sameera

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Sultan Sands Stay

Our stay at Sultan Sands was nothing short of amazing. The service was exceptional. Dass, went over and above to ensure we had a good stay. We travelled with elderly people and the rooms provided were perfect for them to walk to and from the beach and/pool area. On an all inclusive package, the food was good and a huge variety of food everyday. The beach area is beautiful and sitting on the pool loungers on the beach was ideal to unwind. The location is also very good. Not too many tourists but at the same time it's not in the middle of no where. The snorkeling Centre on the resort makes it so convenient to travel out. We were particularly impressed with the service and value for money. Only suggestion would be is to have a kettle in the room for those who would like to have tea in the confort of there room. On the whole, a really nice place to stay at where you will get exceptional service and value for your money.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Sultan sands! Fantastisk!

Fantastisk upplevelse! God mat , underbar service!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jilna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We chose Sultan Sands for a 6 day family trip to Zanzibar. It did not disappoint! The hotel itself was amazing, beach was pristine but most of all the service was exceptional. All the staff were amazing but Dass Bangar (Resort Manager) truly went above and beyond. He was kind enough to provide a room closer to the beach for my elderly parents and happily catered for a vegetarian and a vegan in the group. That was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to exceptional service. Our family holiday would not have been the same without his constant care and attention. From all the Surani/Shah family... Thank you for a holiday experience we will never forget.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

a recomander

tres bon aceuil buffet diversifie et copieux plage de reve sous les cocotier lagon protegant des courants de ocean personnel souriant
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Fahad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good property with Amazing staff. The breakfast and dinner buffet was good and for the three nights I stayed in Sultan Sands, the food never felt repeated. The beach is neat and clean. Recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Verena

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Schönes Hotel direkt am Strand, abhängig von Gezeiten, schöner weißer Sanstrand, schönes türkisfarbenes Meer jedoch mit Seegras und Seeigeln
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect for a week relaxing in Zanzibar

We stayed all-inclusive (good choice given the drinks prices) All the staff were really laid back – sometimes maybe a little too much but just go with it and chill – after all it’s what you are there for. We had a lovely garden room. They are semi’s. Ours was quiet but I guess it depends on who’s next door. The TV had lots of channels including 3 film channels in English. The shower leaked & the bathroom floor got quite wet. There was a fridge in the room & we were left a large bottle of water each day in the room. The room had both two pin and English plug sockets. Generally the food was pretty good – plenty of choice even for me as a vegetarian. Except Saturday night pool side buffet night was bad. It was all outside and cold. The entertainment was pretty low key which was great for us. Mostly just a band playing by the pool and some background music. The second week they did aqua aerobics in the pool which was loud & slightly annoying – we’d gone there to relax. The resort is pretty small & if full would be a bit cramped. Sunbeds are close together and the bars can get busy. The beach boys can get a bit tiresome. But if you just say hi & sorry you are not interested they are not too bad. Do take beach shoes – The beach is lovely – soft white sands but there are spikey urchins etc that could cause injury! When we arrived we were the only Brits – it was mostly German. Everyone was friendly but the Manager was English & all the staff spoke English so I don't know why?
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2018