Rating7.8Adults Only
Rating6.3
Rating8.2Good
Based on 2k reviews
The Staff
Guests consistently praise the staff for their exceptional warmth, friendliness, and attentiveness, with many individual team members noted for going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. They are readily available and eager to assist with any guest needs or requests.
Beach and Location
The resort boasts direct access to Kiwengwa Beach, renowned for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, offering superior swimming conditions compared to other Zanzibar areas. Security personnel ensure a peaceful and hassle-free beach experience with minimal vendor interaction.
Food Quality and Variety
The dining experience, particularly at the main Makuti Restaurant, receives universal acclaim for its delicious, fresh, and diverse international buffets. Guests enjoy the daily themed meals and the breathtaking views from the beachfront dining areas.
Beautiful Grounds
The resort is frequently admired for its meticulously maintained and lush tropical gardens, featuring over a thousand palm trees that create a serene and picturesque environment for guests to enjoy.
Spacious Rooms
Accommodations are consistently described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, thoughtfully designed to blend modern amenities with authentic Zanzibari charm. They provide a relaxing retreat after a day of activities.
All-Inclusive Beverage Program Limitations
A common point of contention is the all-inclusive drinks package, which many guests find limited in cocktail selection and offers lower quality house wines. Popular local beers and specific cocktails often incur additional charges, requiring guests to manage expectations or budget for premium options.
Minor Room Maintenance
While rooms are generally good, some guests note minor issues such as soft mattresses, potential needs for AC upgrades, or gaps in windows and doors. Addressing these could further enhance guest comfort and satisfaction.
Gym Condition
The on-site gym is mentioned as being in need of refurbishment and more space to adequately serve guests' fitness needs. Those prioritizing a modern or extensive gym facility should be aware of its current state.
Italian Restaurant Quality
Specific feedback highlights disappointment with the food quality at the specialty Italian restaurant, suggesting it may not consistently meet guest expectations. It's advisable to prioritize the highly praised main buffet for dining.
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Government of Zanzibar Commendation
Outstanding contribution to environmental preservation
Government of Zanzibar
The BlueBay Beach Resort & Spa occupies 30 acres of palm-studded beachfront on Kiwengwa Beach, on Zanzibar's eastern coast. With 112–116 rooms, it's a mid-size property by all-inclusive standards but large for Zanzibar — and the 30-acre tropical garden footprint gives it a sense of space and greenery that compact boutique hotels on the island can't replicate. The Swahili-influenced architecture and traditional four-poster beds in every room reflect genuine attention to regional character rather than generic tropical-resort aesthetics.
This resort is a good fit for couples and small families who want an all-inclusive framework in East Africa without sacrificing authenticity. Zanzibar's spice trade history, coral architecture, and Swahili culture are genuinely accessible from here — Stone Town is roughly 46 km away, and the resort's excursion desk organizes guided cultural tours. The Oasis Spa, positioned on the beach and open to the sound of the Indian Ocean, is an unusually atmospheric location for a resort spa.
The clearest complaint in guest reviews is the beverage program: the all-inclusive package has a limited cocktail menu and reportedly poor house wine. Specific local beers (like Kilimanjaro) are charged separately. Guests who drink beyond the included list should budget for extras. The specialty Italian restaurant has received isolated but notable criticism about food quality — the main buffet at Makuti Restaurant, by contrast, is consistently praised for variety and the themed dinner nights that rotate through Zanzibari, Indian, Swahili, and seafood menus.
Practically: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is 42–46 km away, a 46-minute to 1-hour-and-6-minute drive depending on road conditions. Kiwengwa Beach is warm (around 30°C water year-round) and protected by a reef — shallow and calm for swimming. The beach guards keep merchants and vendors at a distance, which is a genuine comfort for guests who don't want constant interruption on the sand.