Sharazad Oasis: Zanzibar, Tanzania
The water is clear, shallow, and almost lagoon-like at Jambiani Beach — a long uncrowded span of white sand stretching before a few Zanzibari wellness resorts. One is the Sharazad Oasis Retreat, a newer addition to this east coast sanctuary where consistent wind conditions make for great kitesurfing.
Reviewers called the resort a peaceful place to spend a week with the family and appreciated the friendly and experienced staff on site for ocean sports. While guests sometimes found themselves limited by the tidal conditions, they said they still had plenty of time in the water.
“You can switch from chilling mode to activities as you please,” a reviewer wrote on TripAdvisor. “The kite spot is great … far less crowded on the sea, which is beneficial to beginners. There’s a kind of lagoon surrounding the beach, so no waves and the water’s not deep.”
The Sharazad Oasis Retreat opened in 2020 just next door to its sister Sharazad Boutique Hotel. The two hotels share all fitness facilities, including a hefty water sports activity center. Dive the gorgeous underwater sites Zanzibar is known for or hop into a paddleboard or kayak.
Sharazad also partners with area’s best kitesurfing schools to offer lessons to its patrons on the basics of wind theory, kite control, board skills, safety and equipment. Rent kite surfing gear and take lessons on the calm, turquoise waters, or go on a “kite cruise” to see other areas of Zanzibar.
Come back to the spacious grounds to practice yoga, wander the green tropical gardens or visit the four pools on site. Visitors report that the atmosphere feels lovely, natural and private – even during high season — because the generous layout and access to two hotel facilities provides so many options.
Sharazad Oasis Retreat welcomes families, and even provides a kids’ club, but only allows people ages 12 and older to stay in its accommodations. There are 20 rooms to choose from, including beach suites and bungalows, a beach studio, and sea view rooms and bungalows.
The bungalows have private verandas with gardens and outdoor showers. Inside all the rooms are king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms and lounging spaces equipped with useful amenities such as drinking water, coffee, yoga mats, beach towels, safe boxes, umbrellas and Panama hats.
Hot water is supplied by solar power, and breakfast and WiFi is included. Guests who reviewed the property agreed that the atmosphere, space, delicious food and service made this resort a good deal and responsible choice.
“I loved the fact that they are running the rooms in an eco-friendly way (no plastic bottles, paper straws, no AC) and the room designs are earthy,” a past visitor said on the hotel’s website. “You can feel they really made a lot of attention to details.”
Another guest wrote on Google that the outdoor area is best part of Sharazad Oasis Retreat because there is “plenty of space to hang out, nice pools, and shady spots under trees. You can tell the place is well looked after.”
And while the property might feel isolated, it’s easy for those seeking more action and variety to stroll into the nearby villages of Jambiani and Paje.
But some people said they never needed to leave the grounds.
“There is also an exceptional restaurant with an enormous menu, so you never get bored with eating at the same place,” a reviewer wrote. “It is still possible to walk along the beach to other restaurants. … Make sure you get up for at least one sunrise.”
