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Sharazād Boutique Hotel is a peaceful, eco-conscious retreat located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar in Jambiani. Nestled on 200 metres of pristine beachfront and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, it offers a laid-back, barefoot-luxury atmosphere that is ideal for a relaxed island escape.
Owned by a longstanding Zanzibar-resident family, Sharazād was designed to reflect the soulful tales of the legendary Scheherazade of 1001 Nights. It is built using local materials and traditional techniques, emphasizing environmental sustainability. The lodge operates with solar panels, LED lighting, large windows for cross‑ventilation (rather than constant air conditioning), and recycling systems. The philosophy centres on simplicity, freedom, and reconnection with nature—making it a thoughtfully crafted hideaway deeply rooted in its surroundings.
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A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
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Accommodation
The hotel has around 22 rooms, including sea-view and garden-view bungalows and villa rooms. The design is rustic yet elegant: whitewashed walls, thatched roofs, natural materials, king-size beds, mosquito nets, and stone or wooden floors. Verandas or patios allow you to enjoy the tropical surroundings, and in keeping with its eco ethos, ceiling fans are used rather than air-conditioning.
Food & drink
Dining at Sharazād is relaxed and focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The beachfront restaurant serves a fusion of Italian, Asian, and African cuisine, with seafood, tropical fruits, and vegetarian options on offer. The pool bar and sea-view restaurant are great spots for cocktails, juices or casual meals. For romantic evenings, private candlelit dinners can be arranged on the beach.
What to do
Sharazād offers a wide range of experiences to complement its peaceful setting. Water‑sports include snorkeling, diving, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Traditional dhow sailing tours and sunset excursions are available, while cultural activities include village walks, forest or spice‑farm tours, and island excursions to nearby reefs or sandbanks. Wellness‑minded guests can make use of the yoga shala, and the hotel arranges kite‑surfing, windsurfing, and eco‑tours on request.
Planning your stay
The islands’ beaches differ markedly by coast and tide. We weigh hotel atmosphere, room privacy, swimming conditions and onward flights, especially after an active safari.
Zanzibar and Pemba offer different kinds of stay. Fanjove is also in this coastal collection as a southern island alternative, outside the archipelago itself.
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Compare a few alternatives, or open the full regional guide to see every property in this part of Tanzania.
Zanzibar Archipelago
The Palms was the first luxury property on Zanzibar and while it has had new competition over the years, it remains the smallest luxury villa property on the island.
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Zanzibar Archipelago
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a boutique, Relais & Châteaux property set on the powder-white sands of Paje on Zanzibar’s southeast coast. Spread across four hectares of tropical gardens and beachfront, the resort offers one of the island’s most exclusive and private luxury experiences, combining spacious villa-style accommodation with exceptional service and direct access to one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches.
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Zanzibar Archipelago
&Beyond Mnemba Island is an exclusive private island retreat located off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean and a protected coral atoll. With powder-soft white beaches, vibrant coral reefs and just twelve secluded beachfront bandas, the island offers the ultimate barefoot luxury escape, combining complete privacy with world-class marine experiences in one of East Africa’s most idyllic settings.
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We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
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