Upendo Zanzibar is well-established as a brand that goes beyond being merely a collection of hotels and restaurants. With the aim to empower and develop the island while maintaining a heightened degree of authenticity, the Upendo Experience can be described as the best of Zanzibar, living harmoniously with local communities and the environment.

The term “Upendo” means “love” and speaks well of the vision of its owner, Trish Dhanak who shares: “I wanted to create an environment where travelers like myself can experience the best of Zanzibar, whether a guest is looking to escape their everyday reality to relax on an idyllic white sand beach on the South East coast or explore the historic UNESCO heritage city of Stone Town – we aim to make our guests’ stay unforgettable.”

DISCOVER UPENDO BEACH

Located in Michamvi (on the southeast coast), on one of the most beautiful secluded and unique tidal beaches in Zanzibar, Upendo Beach is a unique, stylish boutique hotel that delicately combines exclusive private villas with a social restaurant, bar, and pool area while advocating sustainability and conservation principles at its center. Guests can expect tailored service within the property’s 3 luxury private villas and 2 further palm-thatch Banda rooms. This luxury retreat is perfect for the adventurous, elegant, yet bohemian globetrotter! A barefoot retreat designed to feel like your home away from home, whether a couple, family, group of friends, or solo traveler, Upendo Beach villas and suites are sure to make any stay memorable.

THE VIEW RESTAURANT

With everchanging healing blue ocean views, the restaurant at Upendo Beach is named “The View” for reasons that need no imagination. With breathtaking views to whisk one’s mind away, guests can delight themselves in delectable fusion cuisine which carries an array of dishes to satisfy most palates. From freshly caught seafood excellently prepared, to simple classics with an Upendo twist such as a great steak or well-flavored hearty burger, or a well-spiced Indian dish as our owner mother makes it – food at Upendo is made with passion. Homemade dishes are prepared mainly with locally grown ingredients, including freshly caught fruits of the sea, seasonal fruit, and vegetables – and not forgetting the also freshly ground and blended spices that this exotic island is well known for.

RETREAT AND RELAX

No idyllic beach escape is ever complete without a little spa indulgence. Give your body the love and nourishment it deserves by relaxing and recharging Upendo signature spa massages, facials, and treatments. From experiencing a couple of massages, perfect to connect and share on a special occasion such as weddings, to enjoying one for anniversaries, birthdays, or just because, a designated butler and mobile spa therapist will set up your spa experience as requested, in the room, on your deck with sea views or on the rooftop under the African sky. There are really so many options to choose from!

After relaxing on the beach, discovering the culture of Zanzibar from the Upendo property in Stone Town is a must. Guests can inquire about local events or venture out for a full-day excursion, a dinner, or a magical sunset from a unique terrace with an infinity pool overlooking the rooftops of the main city of Zanzibar. Depending on one’s wishes, a private concierge is on hand to organize the truly bespoke experience you are looking for.

SHOPPING AWAITS YOU AT THE DUKA CONCEPT STORE.

Leave with memories to accessorize your perfect island glow by enjoying a little retail therapy inside the Duka Concept Store, which offers a curated collection of resort wear, shoes, accessories, home decor, organic beauty products, and locally made gifts. All products are unique and ethically produced, handpicked carefully by Trish, the owner, who draws her inspiration from traveling around the world. While guests shouldn’t be surprised to find brands from designers from around the globe, with a special focus on products made in Tanzania, shopping in the Duka Concept Store guarantees guests that each collection or item is selected or handmade with love.

A QUICK FLIGHT FROM DUBAI

With a flight less than 6 hours from Dubai to Zanzibar, Upendo Boutique Hotels offer ideal retreats for an unforgettable stay of sheer relaxation, privacy, and comfort, either for a long weekend or a longer stay. Upendo is taking responsible actions to welcome travelers safely in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and so for guests coming flying in from Dubai, the concierge team at Upendo can arrange for the mandatory COVID-19 testing upon arrival, before heading straight to the hotel.

To learn more about Upendo properties in Zanzibar as you map out your next trip to the idyllic island off the coast of Tanzania, visit www.upendozanzibar.com or follow the brand on social media Keep in touch @upendobeach and @upendohouse