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Monday: 9am – 5:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5:30pm
Thursday: 9am – 5:30pm
Friday: 9am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:00pm
Sunday: Closed
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The Island Pongwe
Set on its own private island in Zanzibar’s beautiful Pongwe Bay, The Island Pongwe offers an intimate stay designed for travellers seeking peace, privacy and personalised service.
why stay at The Island Pongwe?
With just six villas, a gourmet restaurant, spa treatments enjoyed in the privacy of your veranda, this adults-only retreat delivers a distinctive Zanzibar experience.
The Island Pongwe
Life at The Island Pongwe is centred around simplicity, personalised service and making the most of its unique setting in Pongwe Bay. Guests can unwind by the oceanfront swimming pool, enjoy spa treatments from the privacy of their villa veranda, savour freshly prepared cuisine in the restaurant, and take part in a selection of water-based experiences shaped by the island’s tidal surroundings. With just six villas and an adults-only atmosphere, the resort offers a peaceful and intimate stay focused on relaxation and attentive hospitality.
Amenities & Services
Adults-only boutique lodge (12 years+)
Swimming pool
Spa treatments available in the privacy of your villa
Just 6 villas
Unique tidal setting
Wi-Fi Access
Gourmet Restaurant
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
Approximately 45 minutes transfer
Activities
Combining personalised service and a remarkable location just offshore from Zanzibar’s coastline, The Island Pongwe offers an experience unlike any other.
Adults-Only Retreat
Designed exclusively for adults, The Island Pongwe provides a peaceful atmosphere tailored to couples, experienced travellers, nature lovers and those seeking a quieter Zanzibar experience.
Spa & Relaxation
Guests can enjoy massage treatments accompanied by the sounds of the ocean, creating a relaxing wellness experience in a tranquil setting.
Oceanfront Swimming Pool
The island features an oceanfront pool positioned to make the most of the surrounding seascapes and changing tidal views.
Personalised Service
With only six villas across the entire property, guests benefit from attentive and personalised hospitality in an intimate boutique environment.
Eco-Friendly Experience
The resort is designed to help guests reconnect with nature. Villas do not feature televisions, electronic music devices are not permitted, and rooms operate without air conditioning in keeping with the property’s eco-conscious philosophy.
Cultural Experiences
Guests can explore Zanzibar’s culture through excursions to historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, architecture and spice trading heritage.
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Private Island Setting
Built on a natural coral rock approximately 100 metres from the shoreline, The Island Pongwe offers a unique stay surrounded by the waters of Pongwe Bay. Depending on the tide, guests can walk to the mainland at low tide or reach the shore by canoe during high tide.
Rooms & Accommodation
With just six villas in total, The Island Pongwe offers an intimate and private stay designed for guests looking to disconnect and enjoy Zanzibar’s natural surroundings.
Bay View Villa
35 SQM
2 Adults
These secluded villas are designed to blend into their surroundings, providing a peaceful setting to enjoy Zanzibar’s changing coastal scenery and star-filled skies.
Ocean View Villa
35 SQM
2 Adults
Ocean View Villas offer uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean, with private outdoor space ideal for enjoying the sights and sounds of Pongwe Bay throughout the day.
Sultan Villa
70 SQM
2 Adults
The Sultan Villa provides additional space and personalised butler service, making it the resort’s most exclusive accommodation choice for couples seeking extra privacy and comfort.
Restaurants & Bars
Dining at The Island Pongwe focuses on fresh ingredients, locally inspired flavours and personalised service in an intimate setting.
View the gallery (14 photos)
Useful Information
Find out all you need to know about The Island Pongwe.
Hotel Policies
What should I know about the The Island Pongwe?
Payment types at the property
Credit card payments are accepted
Adults-Only Policy
The Island Pongwe is an adults-only lodge and welcomes guests aged 12 years and over, offering a peaceful atmosphere designed for relaxation and privacy.
Tourist Tax
Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax of US$5 per person, per night, payable directly at the hotel.
Mandatory Travel Insurance
From 1 October 2024, visitors to Zanzibar are required to have Zanzibar Inbound Travel Insurance. Further details are available through the Zanzibar authorities.
Hotel Policies
What to know before arriving
Check In
Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Check Out
Check-out before noon – Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
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
The Honeymoon rate is only valid for honeymooners whose travel dates fall up to 1 year after their wedding date. Marriage documentation must be presented at check-in for each room booked on the honeymoon special rate. If adequate marriage documentation is not presented at check-in, the hotel reserves the right to amend the rate.
This property enforces a strict dress code in the restaurant and public areas.
Payment types at the property
American Express, Visa, Mastercard,Diners Club International
Hotel Policies
How accessible is The Island Pongwe?
Accessibility
Due to the resort’s private island setting, tidal access and intimate boutique design, accessibility should be verified directly with the resort.
Hotel Policies
How sustainable is The Island Pongwe?
Nature-Focused Design
The Island Pongwe has been designed to help guests reconnect with nature, with accommodation thoughtfully integrated into its surroundings and an emphasis on simplicity, privacy and relaxation.
Low-Impact Accommodation
The resort’s villas feature natural wooden furnishings and ceiling fans instead of air conditioning, supporting the property’s nature-oriented approach.
Digital Detox Experience
Accommodation is intentionally free from televisions, encouraging guests to disconnect from technology and enjoy the island’s natural environment.
Boutique Resort Concept
With just six villas, The Island Pongwe offers a low-density guest experience focused on privacy and preserving the tranquillity of its island setting.
Supporting Local Communities
The resort is associated with the Sofia Luna Azzola Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports educational and community projects across Zanzibar. Initiatives have included the development of schools, classrooms, educational facilities and learning resources for local communities.
Hotel Policies
What are the room policies at The Island Pongwe?
Air Conditioning
Villas do not have air conditioning and instead utilise ceiling fans as part of the resort’s nature-focused concept.
Television Policy
Televisions are not provided in guest accommodation, encouraging guests to disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings.
FAQ’s
Frequently asked questions about The Island Pongwe.
Yes, The Island Pongwe is an adults-only lodge welcoming guests aged 12 years and above.
The resort is located in Pongwe Bay on Zanzibar’s east coast, approximately 45 minutes from Stone Town Airport.
Relax beside the resort’s oceanfront swimming pool and take in panoramic views across Pongwe Bay. Positioned on the private island, the pool provides a peaceful space to unwind while enjoying the changing scenery created by the tides.
Yes, guests can enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of their villa veranda while listening to the sounds of the ocean.
The resort features a Gourmet Restaurant serving freshly prepared dishes made with local ingredients. Half Board and Full Board meal plans are available.
No. Villas are designed with ceiling fans instead of air conditioning as part of the resort’s nature-focused concept.
