Upendo Beach Zanzibar

Upendo Beach Zanzibar, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its breathtaking location, exceptional service, and unique blend of luxury and authentic Zanzibari charm. It stands out as a serene and stylish boutique retreat on the Michamvi Peninsula, offering guests an unforgettable escape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Upendo Beach Zanzibar is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional," "incredible," and a "magical escape". Review platforms reflect high satisfaction, with ratings such as 9.6 out of 10 from over 300 reviews on one platform, and scores as high as 9.9 for staff proficiency and cleanliness on another. Many consider it a "fabulous stay" that exceeds expectations, sometimes even suggesting it deserves "six stars" for its unique atmosphere.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Upendo Beach Zanzibar:

• Location & Views: The unbeatable beachfront location with stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the iconic "The Rock Restaurant" is a major draw. Waking up to this view is often described as magical.
• Service & Staff: The attentive, warm, and friendly staff, often including personal butlers, are frequently highlighted as making every moment feel personal, comfortable, and luxurious.
• Design & Ambiance: The property's design is celebrated for being elegant yet relaxed, combining handcrafted authenticity with a contemporary aesthetic and a "barefoot luxury" island vibe.
• Amenities: The infinity pool overlooking the sea, private plunge pools in many villas, and the overall peaceful ambiance are highly appreciated.
• Dining: The delicious fusion cuisine and creative cocktails are consistently praised.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at Upendo Beach Zanzibar are generally described as spacious, unique, comfortable, and well-maintained. The style balances "low-tech ease with just a touch of modern luxury". Accommodations range from elegant double Makuti suites to one-bedroom villas with private plunge pools, and larger five or six-bedroom villas that can be booked entirely or as individual suites. Features often include air conditioning, fine linens, ceiling fans, custom-made mosquito nets, minibars, espresso machines, and sea-facing balconies or patios. Some one-bedroom villas offer a private rooftop pool and a large sea-view deck. However, one guest noted some design issues in their room, such as a lack of seating despite its size, patio doors that didn't close completely or open fully due to rust, and a poorly designed shower that caused water to spray into the bathroom.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Upendo Beach Zanzibar is highly rated, with guests calling the food "delicious," "fantastic," and "exquisite". The View restaurant offers a globe-spanning fusion cuisine incorporating Swahili, Indian, Thai, and even Japanese elements, alongside fresh seafood and international dishes. The menu is a la carte, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Popular offerings include Sunday brunches with music, and options for private dinners by the Indian Ocean. Special experiences like floating breakfast and aperitivo in the pool are also available for guests.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Upendo Beach are consistently highlighted as exceptional, stellar, warm, attentive, and incredibly helpful. Many reviews specifically mention the personalized attention from dedicated butlers who go "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay. The multi-lingual staff contributes to a welcoming atmosphere. While generally outstanding, one guest mentioned that service could sometimes feel awkward or inconsistent, and staff could be more proactive in assisting with excursion bookings.

6. Location & Accessibility

Upendo Beach Zanzibar is nestled along a beautiful and secluded white sand tidal beach on the Michamvi Peninsula, offering a private and peaceful ambiance. Its most iconic feature is the stunning view of The Rock Restaurant. While the immediate surroundings are serene, it's important to note that the location is quite far from other major attractions in Zanzibar; travel to Stone Town, Kendwa/Nungwi, or Mnemba Island can take over an hour. The hotel provides convenient airport transfer services, with Zanzibar Airport being approximately 37 miles (60 km) away. Various excursions like snorkeling, diving, dolphin swims, and hiking in Jozani Forest can be arranged by the hotel.

7. Value & Pricing

Upendo Beach Zanzibar is considered a luxury boutique hotel, and its pricing reflects that. While specific average prices vary, double rooms have been observed in a range from approximately $461 to $941. Many guests feel the experience is well worth the cost, praising it as "top value" for its comfort and quality. However, at least one guest noted that for the "steep price" (reportedly 2.5 times the cost of another property they stayed at), they did not feel the stay was entirely worth it, citing some room and service inconsistencies.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Room Design Flaws: One guest reported a spacious room lacking sufficient seating, patio doors that didn't close properly or open fully due to rust, and a shower design that caused water spillage.
• Service Inconsistencies: Occasionally, service was perceived as awkward or inconsistent, with some delays in responding to messages or arranging transport.
• Wi-Fi Spotty: Some guests experienced spotty Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Dining Options: A minor point, but some guests noted there was no explicit option for full board or half board (though one source suggests these supplements are available upon request).
• Shared Pool Use: On occasion, the main pool and sunbeds were reportedly occupied by external guests not staying at the hotel.
• Remoteness: The hotel's secluded location means longer travel times to popular destinations like Stone Town or other northern beaches.

Sources

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15. upendozanzibar.com