Dhow Inn

Rooms

Spread across thatched, single-storey buildings, the rooms steer away from the traditional Zanzibari-Arabic style that's commonplace on the island, towards fresh whites and soft blues that reflect the beach and ocean. Crisp linens, fantastically comfortable mattresses, ceiling fans and air conditioning make for satisfying sleeps, though the beds (kingsize or twin) could do with an extra row of pillows to aid lounging and reading. Each room has an enclosed shower and WC set either side of an open-plan basin area, and there’s compact though sufficient cupboard space. Sliding patio doors open onto a private terrace, with a table, chairs and a daybed screened by foliage.

The 4 Premium Doubles are 10sq.m bigger than the Standard Rooms and feature a good-sized sofa which can be transformed into an extra bed on request; some have a private pool too. Other than that all rooms are largely equal, sharing the same layout and design, though it's worth noting that numbers 25-28 overlook a walkway rather than one of the sparkling blue pools.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• Mosquito net
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Breakfast is served in the breezy upstairs restaurant, with views towards the ocean. Basic but scrummy cooked dishes are available alongside a buffet of fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, tropical juices and homemade bread and pastries.

Lunch is generally taken in the lounge-bar, on casual sofas arranged around low tables. There’s an informal menu of sandwiches, salads and burgers, all very tasty and well presented. Dinner can also be eaten here, and there’s an array of mouth-watering cocktails, together with robust espressos. Slightly more formal dinners are served under the stars on a section of sand overlooking the main pool - a serene setting. The varied menu has an emphasis on fresh seafood (flame-grilled prawns with mango salad, various fish in spicy sauces), though we found it somewhat lacking in flavour; much more satisfying are the themed dinners which take place 4 times a week (pizzas, BBQs) - particularly the Swahili evening, which is accompanied by Masai dancing.

If you fancy a change, there are other restaurants in Paje, including a surprisingly authentic sushi place.

Features include:

• Bar
• Kids' meals
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Recline on the beach (there’s a private area for guests, complete with loungers and parasols), then stroll along the sand and watch the local fishing community going about daily life
  
• Paje is a world-class kitesurfing destination, with waves for experts and 2 safe lagoons for beginners. Plenty of other watersports are available too, including snorkelling, scuba diving (there are numerous coral reefs to explore) and game fishing. Dhow Inn staff can recommend local outfits for lessons and equipment hire
  
• Head out on a boat trip to observe bottlenose and humpback dolphins
  
• Combine a visit to Jozani Forest, where you’re guaranteed to see the endemic red colobus monkey, with a ‘Spice Tour’ to learn about the island’s heady tropical spices (both bookable through the hotel)
  
• Visit Zanzibar's capital, Stone Town (an hour away), and take in its Indian/Arabic architecture, skillfully carved doors and atmospheric alleyways. While there, take a peep back in time at the Old Slave Market, the Anglican Cathedral, the Old Fort and St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Dolphin watching
• Fishing
• Historical sites
• Kitesurfing
• Plantlife / flora
• Pool table
• Private guided tours
• Safaris
• Scuba diving
• Scuba diving courses
• Shopping / markets
• Snorkelling
• Swimming
• Traditional cultures
• Wildlife
• Windsurfing

Kids

Dhow Inn is certainly child-friendly, with pools and the beach nearby. Older children will enjoy the various watersports on offer, though it would be worth bringing additional entertainment (books, a laptop with DVDs) for younger kids.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

There are no two-bedroom suites so families can either take two adjacent rooms (twins are available) or the Premium Double Rooms which have sofas that can be made up as extra beds for an additional charge. All rooms can accommodate baby cots (free). Note that all bathrooms have showers only (no baths)

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 1 hour's drive (Stone Town)
• Doctor: local clinic within 2 minutes' walk; hospitals within 20 minutes' drive
• Shop: 5 minutes' walk

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Dhow Inn is set on Zanzibar’s southeast coast, on the edge of the fishing village of Paje. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Stone Town.

By Air:
Zanzibar International Airport in Stone Town (55km). The hotel can arrange transfers from the airport, or you can hail a taxi on arrival.

Other Options
It’s possible to catch a ferry or hydrofoil from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.

Few people hire a car in Zanzibar, as taxis are cheap and easy, and the roads are bumpy with poor signposting.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.