Pongwe Beach Hotel

Pongwe Beach Hotel is perched on an outcrop of coral rock overlooking the Indian Ocean, on a superb stretch of beach with calm waters, soft white sand, and a shady grove of coconut palms. Guests spend time hanging out here, or lounging around the ocean-facing freshwater freeform infinity pool. The restaurant and bar, which also overlooks the ocean, has a mellow atmosphere that's kicked up a notch in the evening. The resort draws leisure travelers who like unspoiled nature and a relaxed environment. It's particularly popular with couples, as it offers several honeymoon packages, and also with some families. 

Pongwe Beach Hotel is set on a secluded beachfront, in scenic cove at the back of a coral lagoon. There's little in the immediate area, although there are a few restaurant within a 10-minute walk. ATV tours, a kite school, snorkeling, and diving are a short drive away. Kiwengwa Pongwe Forest, which features exotic animals, like red colobus monkeys, sunni antelope, and several species of snakes and birds, is a five-minute drive from the hotel. Kiwengwa Caves and Uroa Bay are both within 10 minutes by car. Zanzibar town is a little less than an hour's drive, and features historic Stone Town. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is also about an hour away. 

The charming guest rooms at Pongwe Beach Hotel are housed in white cottages with thatched roofs and hand-carved wood doors. The rooms have a simple, slightly rustic, but not downscale, decor typically found in the region. There are beamed ceilings, limewashed walls, hand-crafted coconut wood furniture, and beds draped in mosquito nets. Curtains, upholstery, and bed throws in vivid hues of blue and red add energy to the spaces. 

All units have furnished balconies or terraces, and Sea View rooms look out to the ocean and pool, and have private plunge pools. There's free bottled water, but in-room Wi-Fi costs extra, and there are no coffeemakers or mini-fridges, although the resort will deliver coffee and tea in the morning upon request. 

Rooms lack AC, but have ceiling fans and get breezes from the ocean, so the heat is not overbearing. Sea View and Garden View rooms are a short walk from the beach, while Beachfront rooms are right on the sand. 

Due to the "unplugged" atmosphere here, the resort has no TVs in the rooms or on-site. Bathrooms are spacious and come with walk-in Moroccan-style showers with rainfall showerheads. The water in bathrooms is slightly salty, as seawater mixes with the hotel's well water during high tide. 

While there isn't much to do in the area around the hotel, there are plenty of on-site features here to make for a comfortable stay. Pongwe Beach has an offshore reef, which keeps waters calm and good for swimming when the tide is low. The white sand is rich and soft, and a grove of coconut palm trees line the back to provide shade. There are hammocks and woven sunbeds, and the hotel offers gear for fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking. There's also has a freshwater, freeform infinity pool overlooking the ocean, with poolside drink service. 

The hotel's full-service restaurant gets high marks from guests, although there's a fee for breakfast. Lunch features daily specials and pizza twice weekly, and dinners are three-course affairs with local cuisine and seafood on the menu. There are beach dinners, and a Swahili buffet on Friday nights. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board (breakfast and dinner) options are available, and the hotel will also deliver morning tea and coffee to rooms upon request. Free cakes and fresh fruit are served in the afternoon. 

Other amenities include a public laptop, library, free mountain bike use, and free parking. Staff can arrange jeep rental and excursions. Free Wi-Fi is available in public spaces, but the speed can be a bit slow.