Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Africa Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
Zanzibar Serena Hotel - Tanzania
on
28 May 2023

Opened in 1997, Zanzibar Serena Hotel was created by restoring and rehabilitating two historic buildings, The 19th century old Extelcoms building and the 18th century “Chinese doctor’s residence”.

In so doing, the original architectural integrity of the buildings and their decorative finishes both exterior and interior were meticulously protected and where necessary, restored.

These interior and exterior spaces reflect a blend of early 19th century cultural influences typical of the Sultans of Zanzibar. In Zanzibar Serena Hotel, guests thus, experience and connect with the history, culture and lifestyle of what is today recognized as the “Zanzibar Style”.

As part of the visual fabric of Stone Town, this respectful transformation was one of the factors that led to the declaration by UNESCO of Stone Town as a World Heritage site.

A stunning oceanfront setting. Interiors adorned in Arabic and Swahili opulence. Warm, gracious hospitality and alluring culinary journeys. Zanzibar Serena Hotel in Stone Town offers all of this and more.

The hotel is tucked into the Zanzibar seafront, amidst the exotic sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours and bright bazaars of Stone Town. Comprised of two historic buildings designed in traditional Swahili style, this lavish retreat captures the elegance of a grander era since passed.

An ambience of relaxed sophistication has been created in each of the 51 rooms and suites, with wood-framed louver doors opening onto private balconies with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. Cool, white walls, high-ceilings and crisp royal blues and whites give a sense of Zanzibar coastal serenity and charm.

The rooftop Terrace Seafood Restaurant offers fresh-caught seafood and extraordinary views of the bay, the perfect place to unwind after a day’s venture into Spice Town. Weekly authentic Swahili banquets can be enjoyed by the pool at Baharia Restaurant, whilst Masahani Bar offers signature cocktails and live performances by traditional Taarab bands.

ROOMS & SUITES
A union of coastal elegance and classic Swahili design and décor, the 51 room and suites at Zanzibar Serena Hotel reflect the grace, beauty and heritage of this ancient seaside city. All accommodations, from our Standard Rooms to the spectacular Presidential Suite, are created to be a quiet haven and an escape from bustling modern life and the heat of Stone Town.

High ceilings, shuttered windows and cool white walls create a sense of airiness. Arched niches, antique plates and brass lamps and traditionally carved basket weave furniture with ceramic inlays infuse each room with a sense of Swahili charm. Wood louver doors give way to private balconies with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views.

EXECUTIVE SUITE
Spacious and elegant, our Executive Suites offer a magnificent bedroom , a sumptuous bathroom (with bath and shower) and a relaxing sitting room (with TV and mini bar), which opens onto a magnificent L-shaped balcony with panoramic ocean views, its own al fresco cocktail area and a double hammock.

PRIME ROOM
Our exceptionally spacious Prime Rooms are presented in traditional Swahili style featuring traditional niches, fretwork cabinets and brightly coloured coastal cotton soft furnishings in cool blue. The four-poster beds are draped in mosquito nets and are generously king-sized.

STANDARD ROOM
Our 41 standard rooms are presented in traditional Swahili style featuring traditional niches, fretwork cabinets and a cool blue and white colour scheme. Each room has either a king-sized bed with mosquito netting or twin beds.

DINING
With stunning ocean views and an emphasis on using the finest local ingredients and fresh-caught seafood, the restaurants and bars at Zanzibar Serena Hotel specialise in exquisite cuisine served in extraordinary settings.

From a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking bay views, to weekly Swahili banquets by the pool, to cocktails and live Taarab music, enjoy an array of tastes unlike any other.

Sample dishes inspired by the enchanting island our resort calls home. Savour a rich medley of flavours, complemented by a magnificent oceanfront setting that inspires the senses. Whether you are in the mood for drinks at sunset or lunch by the sea, you will enjoy the finest dining experiences in Stone Town.

BAHARIA RESTAURANT
Steps from the Indian Ocean surf, Baharia offers a selection of international dishes and inspired interpretations of traditional Swahili recipes. Guests are also welcome to enjoy Baharia’s weekly Swahili banquets by the pool.

MASAHANI BAR
A celebration of our Swahili heritage, the inviting Masahani Bar is perfect for relaxing with colleagues or catching up with friends whilst listening to live Taarab music. Enjoy an array of signature cocktails, wines and beers. For those looking for light bites, the bar also serves classic bar favourites with a local twist.

TERRACE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Located on the hotel’s rooftop, the Terrace Restaurant showcases a seafood menu using only fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. With majestic views of the bay, it is the perfect setting for a business lunch or relaxing dinner.

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS IN ZANZIBAR
When it comes to unforgettably romantic backdrops, the stunning Indian Ocean views, white sandy beach and opulent Swahili décor of Zanzibar Serena Hotel offer a destination wedding setting unlike any other.

The island’s natural beauty and the bustling charm of legendary Stone Town provide an idyllic setting whilst the hotel’s gracious hospitality and impeccable service add a touch of true elegance. Our oceanfront locale provides for a rich selection of venues both at the hotel and at several historic venues throughout Zanzibar.

Exchange vows on a seafront terrace, then celebrate with a Swahili-style cocktail reception by the pool. Amaze your guests with a wedding reception at the former Sultan Hamoud’s residential palace or the beautifully renovated Old Dispensary, one of Zanzibar’s finest historic buildings.

Begin your journey together with a ceremony and reception on a traditional dhow (fishing boat) or sweep your guests off to a celebration on a deserted island in the Zanzibar Channel.

No matter how you choose to commemorate your wedding, our experienced banquets team will offer unmatched personalised care and attention, leaving you free to savour each special moment with your guests.

MEETINGS & CONFERENCES
Whether you are hosting an intimate affair at the hotel or a lavish meeting at the nearby Sultan Hamoud’s Palace or Old Dispensary, Zanzibar Serena Hotel is one of Tanzania’s most unique destinations for corporate events. Overlooking the Indian Ocean in legendary Stone Town, our elegant hotel is a truly impressive setting.

Our opulently appointed Conference Suite can accommodate gatherings of up to 40 guests in an array of seating plans, whilst our attentive, expert banquets team will help coordinate and accommodate every request, from venue décor, catering and audio-visuals to recreational excursions and discounted accommodations for your guests.

For larger events, enjoy access to two of the most prestigious event destinations in Zanzibar. The Sultan Hamoud’s Palace, a fabulous seafront mansion known as the “House of Wonders,” is a magnificent iron-built structure built in 1883, with a central courtyard, slender pillars, sweeping staircases and broad verandas with spectacular views over Stone Town and the Zanzibar channel.

The equally impressive and newly restored Old Dispensary, one of Zanzibar’s finest historic buildings and now a Cultural Centre offers dance, song and musical performances.

FAMILY
With an array of family friendly amenities, unforgettable beach holidays are assured at Zanzibar Serena Hotel. Enjoy a thoughtful host of benefits and programs designed to provide the hotel’s youngest guests with special services, amenities and activities created just for them.

From children’s menus and special dining times to fun excursions, the hotel aims to provide a vibrant experience for all. Treat your kids to a wide range of activities and adventures, from dolphin, turtle and whale watching to day trips to the surrounding islands.

Families can also arrange for adjoining rooms to spend quality time together. The hotel provides additional beds, cots and baby-sitting services (prior notice appreciated).

A DAY OUT AT PANGE SANDBANK
The enchanting tiny sandy island, is located approximately 1 kilometer from the hotel and accessible by boat in just 30 minutes. Surrounded by the amazing sea, in the most beautiful shades of blue and green water, guests can enjoy spectacular sea views in every direction. Nyange sandbank is 30 minutes further. This amazing full day excursion includes something for everyone!

The day starts by visiting the historic Prison Island. The prison once used as a seclusion, gives a unique opportunity to support the Aldabra Tortoise; Presently this species is considered vulnerable and has been placed on IUCN Red List. It is a perfect picture moment as well.

After that, guests take sail to the sandbank of Pange. They spend the best part of the day soaking in the sun or taking a cool plunge in the turquoise waters that surround you. They can simply relax or take a swim and snorkel. The under- water world is truly amazing.

The tropical fish that swim amongst the beautiful, live coral reef around the sandbank is a marvelous sight. After the guests have worked up an appetite, they sit down and relax while enjoying chilled drinks and can take part in preparation of their lunch seafood BBQ. Priceless! Sail back to Stone town.

SAFARI BLUE
Located 40 minutes away on the beautiful West Coast of Zanzibar, Safari Blue is Zanzibar’s most talked about sea Adventure. You are sure to spend a magical day exploring the Menai Bay Conservation Area and a host of aquatic activities.

Tour the area in traditional wooden dhow, enjoy swimming and guided snorkeling in the beautiful clear waters, or watch dolphins at play! Feast on delicious Swahili seafood barbeque and indigenous tropical fruit tasting. Enjoy a fun-filled day with all the drinks and snacks throughout the day. A never miss unique Zanzibar outing.

FREDDIE MERCURY MUSEUM
The first ever Museum dedicated to the world legend Freddie Mercury, located in Shangani, in the heart of Zanzibar Stone Town, officially inaugurated on Sunday the 24th of November 2019, in order to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the beloved passing of the rock legend.

The Freddie Mercury Museum is officially partnered with Queen Productions Ltd. in the United Kingdom, who have loaned us exclusive pictures of Freddie Mercury throughout different stages in his life.

This project aims to showcase a detailed accord of the birth town of Farrokh Bulsara, his roots with the Zoroastrian religion, his childhood and upbringing in Zanzibar, followed by his schooling in Panchgani, and then the rest of his journey to becoming one of the greatest stars of all time.

STONE TOWN TOUR
Stone Town is the heart of the historical Zanzibar with its old buildings and narrow streets dating back to the Slave Trade era hence a heritage protected site. The tour includes visit to the Darajani town market, the former slave market, slave caves and cells, Forodhani gardens, the house of wonders, Sultan palace and the Old Portuguese Fort.

SPICE TOUR
The tour provides a rare experience why Zanzibar is referred to as the ‘Spice Island’ with a tour of the rural Zanzibar to small hold farms and plantations where the locals are growing spices such as Vanilla, Nutmeg, Clove, Cardamon, Cinnamon etc., medicinal and ornamental plants and variety of tropical and local fruits.

You get detailed description of the spices and learn how to use the different plants for local dishes, herbal medicine and traditional ceremonies which are an important aspect of the Zanzibaris life.

VISIT TO PRISON ISLAND
Also known as Changuu Island, lies about 30 minutes from Stone Town. The island was formerly owned by an Arab trader and was meant to be confinement for refractory slaves but no prisoners were ever housed; on the contrary the island became a quarantine station for yellow fever epidemics. It was bought by General Lloyd Mathews and the jail which still stands was built in 1893 and hence the name ‘’PRISON ISLAND’’

In 1919 the British Governor of Seychelles sent a gift of four Aldabra’s giant tortoises to Changuu. Presently this species is considered vulnerable and has been placed on IUCN Red List. There is a dedicated foundation on the island which looks after the tortoise welfare. During visiting, you will be able to watch and feed the tortoises.

VISIT TO JOZANI FOREST
The only national park on Zanzibar, this forest is known for the endangered Zanzibar red colobus. Enjoy a walk on the nature trail through the forest which is also home to many other animal species including duiker and the Zanzibar servaline genet.

DOLPHIN ADVENTURES
The dolphin tour will take you to Kazimkazi, a quaint fishing village on the southern coast of Zanzibar. Here visitors can watch bottlenose dolphins and even experience swimming with them.

Website: www.serenahotels.com
Rooms: 51
Price: from 351 EUR per night
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