Aya Beach Resort — Local services in Unguja

I travelled to Zanzibar in 2018 and had an amazing experience staying at Aya Beach Resort, and I remember I felt pretty depressed when I had to leave, which was a rare feeling. Of course, we always regret we have to go back to our daily routine, but this time it felt different.

Right after my return I started planning another trip to Zanzibar, and finally everything was well planned, all flights booked for 2020 but we all know what happened next – COVID. For the next two years I kept on thinking – I have to go back to Zanzibar.

Finally in 2022 it happened and I ended up staying at Aya Beach Resort again. I was a returning guest and as it mostly happens, people come and go, come and go and hardly ever book the same place on their second or third visit.

We always read all the reviews before we commit and book any accommodation and I did just that before my trips to Zanzibar too.

I’ve visited exactly 50 countries around the world. Over the years I learned that we can’t rely solely on star ratings, we need to dig deeper and read the reviews, at least 20-30 if there are hundreds to weed out personal vendettas and preferences, like 1 star reviews purely because ‘the pancake wasn’t hot enough’ or ‘there was no mango’, or ‘because I wasn’t allowed to smoke in my room’ – well, you can’t smoke in any rooms nowadays. Many guests aren’t focused on hospitality, safety, comfort, stunning views, overall atmosphere but remain focused on that one particular thing, sometimes for no reason, and then go back home and express their tremendous disappointment and how their holiday was ruined because of that pancake or mango promising the world they will never book with them again.

If you live in a developed country, high-income economy I’m sure you’re used to high standards however if you’re planning to visit a beautiful but less developed country, culturally completely different, you may need to lower your expectations. Believe me, these local people who serve you, do their absolute utmost to meet all your expectations, even though you might think it’s still not good enough for you. You may never get it no matter what. If you live in a developed country, high-income economy but you’re a total loser there, you travel and channel your frustration not because the resort isn’t up to your standard, it’s because you’re unhappy where you came from, they know that. You look like a loser there too, so please leave your unhappiness and anger at home.

Aya Beach is a very special place, there are not many places like this.

Comfortable rooms and villas Really tasty food, always fresh and prepared just for you even if it takes a little longer to arrive, at least you know why. No chance of any stomach issues or food poisoning, forget it. Breath-taking views White sand beach with no or barely any people, it all makes you feel like you found your secluded spot in the world. How many times you ended up looking for some space on the beach because of overcrowding? You’re not going to get it here, you will have your own private (public) beach.

Many hotels and resorts in Zanzibar offer salt tap water, pumped straight from the ocean, but Aya Beach offers you ‘sweet’ groundwater.

Pay attention when flicking through photos published by other hotels in Zanzibar. Pictures will look stunning, but they will be taken at the right angle to hide the fact that the hotel has no access to the beach, or there’s no sand, just rocks and coral reef which you really don’t want to walk on. You will only be looking at magical photos of crystal-clear water, it’s misleading. Aya Beach Resort has got access to a beautiful sandy beach.

Aya Beach should truly be your number one choice whilst in Zanzibar.

Some private...

Aya Beach Resort proved to be an unforgettable paradise nestled on the tranquil shores of a remote, picturesque island. From the moment we arrived until the day of our departure, every aspect of our stay exceeded our expectations.

Check-In and Reception: Upon arrival at the island's small airport, we were promptly greeted by the resort's staff. We were swiftly transported to the resort by a charming boat ride, which set the tone for the exceptional hospitality we would experience throughout our stay. The check-in process was smooth, and the warm welcome we received made us feel like VIPs.

Accommodation: Our stay at Aya Beach Resort was in one of their deluxe beachfront bungalows. The room was an oasis of luxury, tastefully decorated with local elements and modern amenities. The view from our private terrace was awe-inspiring – crystal-clear waters, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and the sound of gentle waves lulling us to sleep every night. The room was immaculately clean, and the turn-down service added a touch of elegance to our evenings.

Dining: The resort offered a variety of dining options, from casual beachside dining to more formal settings. We particularly enjoyed our meals at the on-site restaurant, where the talented chefs crafted dishes that combined local flavors with international cuisine. The seafood, in particular, was exceptionally fresh, and the presentation was top-notch. The resort's bar was perfect for sipping cocktails while watching the sunset, and the staff was attentive, making sure our preferences were always met.

Activities and Amenities: Aya Beach Resort offered a range of activities to cater to different tastes. We explored the island on a guided hiking tour and discovered hidden gems like secluded coves and lush tropical forests. The resort also provided snorkeling equipment, and the underwater world just off the beach was teeming with colorful marine life.

For relaxation, we indulged in the spa services, which were truly world-class. The spa was set in a serene jungle setting, and the massages were both invigorating and soothing.

Service and Staff: The service at Aya Beach Resort was nothing short of exceptional. The staff were courteous, attentive, and went out of their way to make our stay comfortable and memorable. From the moment we arrived until our departure, the staff anticipated our needs and provided personalized service, making us feel like cherished guests.

The Natural Beauty: Aya Beach Resort is located on an island that boasts breathtaking natural beauty. The powdery white sand beaches, the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, and the lush tropical landscapes made every moment at the resort feel like a postcard picture. The resort's commitment to preserving the environment was evident, and we appreciated their eco-friendly practices.

Overall Impression: Our experience at Aya Beach Resort was nothing short of magical. It was a perfect blend of luxury, natural beauty, and exceptional service. We left feeling rejuvenated and with memories that will last a lifetime. Aya Beach Resort is not just a place to stay; it's an experience that immerses you in the beauty of nature and the warmth of genuine hospitality. We can't wait to return to this hidden gem...

The whole experience in Aya Hotel, from the moment of arrival is just negative. First off, they did not realize there was a booking made and the room was not ready. There was no water in the sink, toilet or shower and we were told it will get fixed soon . The next time frame was 15 min . When it was not fixed then , we were given a key to another room to shower . Meanwhile, HK left the door with all our belongings open. The person handling operations ( We have been told his name is Simba) expected us to move with our personal belongings from one room to another until the original room gets fixed without giving us any time frame ( and we only booked our stay for 3 nights). When we tried to exit the second room on the first morning after arrival, we were not able to turn the key in the key whole and the key broke itself. After several more complains and waiting ( As there was still no water in the first room and now the second was not usable, we still had to be just pushed around the two rooms if we needed the toilet or shower and not be afraid of our personal stuff) we finally got another room at 1:30 pm on our second day. That was also after a very bad mishandling of the situation by the operations director. We have heard words like 'he forgave us' or that he is doing his best when we had to approach him every time to get any information on how much longer we will have to wait. Additionally to that he did not appreciate any feedback, being rude and fightful. There was no expression of being sorry for the situation. Every time I tried to speak to him, he was trying to walk away. When asked for a contact for a person above him, he refused to give any contact. On arrival we were told we have to pay for the reservation upfront and we paid in cash. One of our cards got also saved in the system for any payments not made during stay. Basically it seems like there is no help and no complain chain that is working in this hotel. We were not given any apology, in a form of words or a nicer room, or any other service. Another negative thing that happened at the very beginning was the fact that the operations director didnt initially want to let my puppy in, even tho in the description of the hotel it states its pet friendly. He eventually did not make any further problems with that only because at the same time he was dealing with another complaint of arriving customer. Going further with the description of the stay, the meal portions were small and the breakfast menu ( even tho when asked first, the waiter said everything apart from priced ítems is included) was mostly not available. Same with certain drinks from the menu like coconuts and cider. In general, there was lack of communication, no preparation and really poor customer service skills by top...