Our last destination in Tanzania was the pristine island of Zanzibar! Did you know that Tanzania had dreamt islands like this ? Zanzibar is an East African island just off the coast of Tanzania and is a tropical gem that is known for its exotic beaches, spice plantations, history and culture ! A must visit on your trip to Tanzania, stay tuned for my travel guides soon.

During our time in Zanzibar, we stayed at the charming Sharazad Boutique Hotel. This beautiful boutique hotel group has 2 properties right on Jambiani beach – Sharazad boutique and Sharazad Oasis. The entire property is so serene and charming ; it was the perfect mix of informal barefoot luxury meets island boho chic. The entire property is surrounded by lust tropics and is right along the shores of one of the most untouched beaches in all of Zanzibar! I also love the fact that this resort is sustainable, organic and eco chic, right from the amenites inside the villa to the furniture and decor around the resort as well as the delicious organic food served at their beach restaurant.

We stayed at one the dreamy Oasis villas. I loved our little eco chic ocean villa which had an outdoor deck, spacious bedroom + living area and bathroom. It was tastefully decorated with Swahili style decor and lots of fresh daily island flowers everyday! There are many accommodation styles that you can choose from here at Sharazad, both at the Boutique as well as at the Oasis , including two storey bungalows as well as standalone villas.

Sharazad oasis villa

Sharazad Boutique villa

 

There are three pools around the property to choose from so you are spoilt for choice ! Each one has its own unique vibe – this one was at the Oasis, loved the lush tropical setting of this pool.

Sharazad oasis pool

This second pool is so beyond quaint , I love it! This building around the pool is actually the 6 bedroom villa which can be rented out by a big group or on an individual basis too. It reminded me of a traditional riad style pool.

Riad style pool

The favorite was the main pool here at Sharazad is right next to the main restaurant and had stunning views of the ocean in front. With plenty of lounge beds around the pool and the beach bar right next to it, this was our favorite place to hang out in the afternoon.

Sharazad boutique main pool

But of course with the ocean a stones throw away from the pool, I was always tempted to get my daily dose of Vitamin Sea in the warm Indian Ocean ! Jambiani Beach is 20km of unspoilt white sands and calm turquoise waters which makes it a picture perfect postcard from Zanzibar.

Jambiani Beach

We were on the half board plan at Sharazad and got to try the breakfast and lunch or dinner daily at the main restaurant. Zanzibar is a melting pot of cultures – from African, Arabic to Indian cultures. Zanzibar’s cuisine, like its culture and language, is a mix of ingredients from all over the world.

Breakfast at Sharazad

 

 

Lunch at Sharazad

The dreamiest spot to dine!

The food was so delicious – all home cooked, with local organic ingredients and incredible flavors. My absolute fave were the fresh fruit juices and smoothies of the day – passionfruit mango juice or avocado ginger mango smoothie anyone?!

 

Fresh tropical fruit and smoothies all day please!

There is also another restaurant on property which serves authentic Viatnamese cuisine. We had dinner here on one of the nights and it was finger licking good!

Vietnamese restaurant – toes in the sand beach dining

Whether you choose to do nothing or keep busy always, there is so much to do at Sharazad. They have so many lounge area and day beds around perfect for a siesta or a meditation session. They also have a spa on the property as well as lots of daily activities – including yoga, fitness and other daily activities that will be updated daily.

So many pretty tropical spots to lounge at!

On a Daybed..

or on a hammock!

If you are looking to book excursions and other activities in and around the island, the staff is helpful and can help you plan a perfect day out on the island. We opted to venture out on one of the mornings for a cruise on these idyllic waters in a traditional Zanzibar boat. And a fun fact – the boat is made from wood from a mango tree !

On a traditional Zanzibar Dhow boatride

Overall, we had a lovely stay at Sharazad and recommend it if you are visiting Zanzibar in the future! Stay tuned for my Tanzania travel guides soon.

Thanks for stopping by! xoxo

Jyo

 

Thank you to Sharazad Boutique hotel for hosting us on our recent trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania. All thoughts and opinions are my own.