Jambiani woodland · Southeast Zanzibar

Zen is a feeling.
Zen is an energy.

An intimate boutique retreat hidden in the Jambiani woodland — twelve thatched bungalows and a private villa around a 20-metre pool, a three-floor sunset bar, and a yoga shala built for slowing right down.

4.7TripAdvisor 12 bungalows · 1 private villa · 20m pool
Aerial view of Zen Zanzibar's thatched bungalows and pool set in Jambiani woodland
Sungu Sungu, Jambiani — about a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Plan your stayInstant estimate
Estimated total$432

Indicative estimate — the retreat confirms your final rate. Floating breakfast is free on 3+ direct nights.

01The retreat

More than a place to stay — a place to come back to yourself.

Zen sits quietly in the Jambiani woodland of Sungu Sungu, a short barefoot walk from the southeast coast. Twelve bungalows and a private villa gather around a 20-metre pool, with a three-floor sunset bar, a yoga shala, spa, gym and a secret garden. It was built for one thing: slowing down.

4.7TripAdvisor · 39 reviews
12 + 1bungalows & private villa
20 mpool with firepit ledge
3-floorsunset bar
02The stays

Twelve bungalows. One private villa.

Every suite has a kingsize bed and a tropical open-air outdoor bathroom. The Zen Villa is its own sanctuary — two bungalows, a private 10-metre pool and an outdoor kitchen.

Standard Suite with kingsize bed and open-air bathroom

Standard Suite

$108 / night

Eight suites with a 6ft × 6ft kingsize bed, a tropical open-air outdoor bathroom and pool views.

King bedOutdoor bathroomPool view
Sunset over the Jambiani lagoon at low tideWest-facing · sunsets

Deluxe Suite

$179 / night

Four larger, west-facing suites with a sofa, coffee table and kingsize bed — positioned for the best sunsets on the coast.

Lounge areaSunset-facingOutdoor bathroom
Private pool surrounded by palms at the Zen Villa

Zen Villa

On request

A private sanctuary of two bungalows with twin double beds, its own 10-metre pool, sun loungers and an outdoor kitchen and dining area.

Private 10m poolOutdoor kitchenSleeps 4
Signature floating breakfast served on a tray in the pool
03Signature

Breakfast that floats to you.

Our signature floating breakfast arrives on a tray in the 20-metre pool — fruit, pastries and Zanzibar coffee, just as the morning warms. It's free for two on any direct booking of three nights or more.

  • Floating breakfast for two in the pool
  • Free on 3+ night direct bookings
  • Best enjoyed at first light
04Wellness & retreats

A sanctuary built for transformation.

Yoga in the shala, sunrise meditation, spa treatments and a gym in the secret garden — woven into multi-day retreats that go far beyond a room.

Beachside yoga at sunrise

Yoga shala

Daily classes and sunrise meditation in a dedicated open-air shala.

Spa & gym

Massage and treatments in the secret garden, with a gym to keep your rhythm.

Three-floor sunset bar

The Burnt Orange Bar — the best sunsets on the southeast coast, three floors up.

Library & secret garden

Quiet corners to read, breathe and lose track of the hour.

7 days

Relax, Unwind & Rejuvenate

Airport transfers, full board, massage, yoga, sunrise meditation, floating breakfast and a private dinner.

10 days

Zen, Zanzibar & Safari

Everything in the retreat, plus a mainland Mikumi safari and a Safari Blue ocean adventure.

14 days

Ultimate Explorer

The full journey — retreat days plus Stone Town and a Spice Farm tour across the island.

064.7TripAdvisor · 39 reviews

Guests come for the calm — and remember it.

"Absolutely beautiful place to stay. The most relaxing and blissful place I've stayed anywhere in Africa."
Alfie W · TripAdvisor, Jan 2026
"The establishment bears its name perfectly: chill, zen and authentic. The rooms are comfortable, decorated with great taste and charm."
Erwan45 · TripAdvisor, Oct 2025
"Zen by nature… this stunning place lives up to its name. Gorgeous rooms with comfy beds and outside bathrooms."
lesley h · TripAdvisor, Feb 2026

Verified guest reviews from TripAdvisor (4.7★, 39 reviews).

07Find us

Jambiani, southeast Zanzibar.

Tucked into woodland at Sungu Sungu, Jambiani — about a 900-metre, 10–15 minute walk from the white sand. The lagoon retreats at low tide to reveal mirror-flat sand, seaweed farmers and wooden ngalawa boats, then the sky turns amber over the palms.

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How do I book?

Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and suite — we reply personally and confirm availability and your final rate.

Is the retreat on the beach?

Zen sits in peaceful woodland about a 10–15 minute walk (≈900 m) from Jambiani Beach — close enough for the sand, quiet enough for sleep.

Can you arrange airport transfers?

Yes — add a transfer to your WhatsApp request and we'll arrange your pickup from Zanzibar airport or Stone Town.

What's included in a retreat?

Retreats are full board with yoga, sunrise meditation, massage, the floating breakfast and excursions — tell us your dates and we'll tailor it.

The woodland grounds of Zen Zanzibar
Live Life · Love Life

Your quiet corner of Zanzibar is waiting.

Tell us your dates on WhatsApp — we reply personally, usually within the hour.