Sharazad Boutique Hotel. The fame of Zanzibar is growing for good reason—it’s a paradise island in the Indian Ocean that’s only a short flight from some of the best safaris in Africa. But now that bigger, less personal hotel chains are opening up all over the island, great boutique hotels that don’t cost a fortune are more valuable than ever. Sharazad Boutique Hotel is one of these hotels.

Sharazad Boutique Hotel: What You Need to Know

Sharazad is private and small, with only 14 rooms spread out over two hectares of lush greenery. The gym and pools are nice touches of luxury, but this place isn’t really about the latest gadgets. Instead, it’s about a simple beach experience that’s away from the island’s busy life.

Dhows pass by as you walk through the trees to get to the beach, which is 200 meters long. Guests can enjoy a colorful drink with a view or eat at the hotel restaurant.

Rooms range from villas with views of the sea to bungalows with views of the yard to the Sharazad family home. Prices start at £130 (£100) per person per night.

The hotel also has a great range of activities. It has its own water sports center where you can do things like paddleboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There are also yoga, spa, and gym facilities on site.

This isn’t the most luxurious place you’ll ever stay (it doesn’t even have air conditioning), but it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the laid-back pace of life in Zanzibar, with a few extras like crystal clear pools and delicious cocktails to remember you that you’re on vacation in the Indian Ocean.