The Zanzibar Serena Inn

Idyllically situated on the sea front of ancient Stone Town, the Zanzibar Serena Inn is a haven of tranquillity and opulence amongst the bustle of Zanzibar. Stone Town is a legendary place full of old palaces with intricately carved doors and colourful spice and fruit markets.

Located in the heart of Stone Town, this stunning property is set in two historic seafront buildings that have been integrated and restored into a unique single property echoing the grandeur of days past. The hotel is elegance itself as well as romantic and it offers the best in island hospitality. All the bedrooms overlook the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the lazy dhows that plough beneath the restaurant’s windows. The interiors echo Zanzibar’s rich Arab influence: intricately carved doors and furniture coupled with colourful mosaic flooring. The local specialities are freshly caught seafood with spices. A team of chefs prepare sumptuous meals daily that guests enjoy in the seafront restaurant.

The hotel has 51 bedrooms and a lovely private swimming pool overlooking the ocean. Each room is cool, white and constructed to the traditional design of a Swahili house, which is dependant upon the length of the mangrove poles that make up its ceilings. Adorned with arched niches, antique plates and brass lamps and featuring traditionally carved furniture, cool-ceramics, intricate fretwork, draped beds and louver doors giving onto wrought-iron balconies overlooking the Persian-bath pool and azure bay beyond, each room reflects a blend of essential Zanzibar and world-class elegance.

Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways. Activities include excursions to Jozani Forest, home to the Red Colobus monkey, extensive watersports, round-the-island trips, scuba diving and snorkelling, day-boat trips to nearby beaches and islands and native Arab-influenced entertainment in the evenings.