Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
86 rooms (including 8 honeymoon suite) with 3 swimming pools, spa, restaurant, bars and gym, on the beautiful beach of Pongwe Zanzibar.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
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The Toa Hotel & Spa earns high marks for its comfortable and spotless rooms, complete with modern amenities, though guests on lower floors have mentioned privacy issues. Nestled in a tranquil location near the beach, the hotel's remoteness and tide fluctuations are points of consideration for some visitors.
The staff is widely celebrated for their professionalism and personalized service, contributing to the hotel's vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. While the diverse dining options and entertainment receive applause, the value for money receives mixed reviews, with some guests finding certain services pricey.
Location
Secluded
Atmosphere
Lively
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Mixed
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
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This luxury hotel in Pongwe Beach completely exceeded our expectations.
Right when we stepped out of our taxi, we were wrapped in warmth and genuine kindness - turns out the staff go through 3-6 months of training, and it really shows!
The service here is definitely a cut above what you typically find in Zanzibar. The pool area is a total highlight. Unlike many hotels where pools are just for show, this one's actually fun to hang out in. The swim-up bar is fantastic - we ended up having a few cocktails there every day (great prices too!). There's something really special about enjoying your drink while chilling in the water.
We treated ourselves to a spa day and wow - the massage therapists really know what they're doing. We practically floated out of there afterward!
We stayed in the wonderful Deluxe room with half board plan.
Both breakfast and dinner have tons of variety, and everything's fresh and tempting. The staff is super attentive - they're always checking if you need anything and happy to make special arrangements. Even vegans will find plenty to eat here (though don't expect tofu - it's not really a thing in Zanzibar yet). Empty or unused plates will be removed from your table in an instant.
Quick heads up about the beach - during the day and evening, the water's quite far out due to the tide. Honestly though, it didn't bother us at all.
The whole place is incredibly well-maintained - you won't find any broken stuff or things that need fixing. The rooms are top-notch with all the luxuries you'd expect, including TVs with Netflix (just log in with your own account).
Big shoutout to Esther at reception who hooked us up with a late checkout for free - super appreciated! Said, who greeted us on arrival, was also fantastic. Actually, the entire team goes out of their way to make you feel at home.
The overall vibe here is just perfect - luxurious but still laid-back and welcoming. Everything works like it should, the staff is amazing, and we felt totally taken care of the whole time.
If you're looking for a really special place to stay in Zanzibar, this is it!
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We recently stayed at TOA Hotel and Spa in Zanzibar and had a fantastic experience, largely thanks to the exceptional service provided by the staff. We encountered an issue with our room upon arrival, but the housekeeping team, led by Ahmed and Esther the day to day manager, handled it promptly and professionally. After speaking with them, we were immediately given a new room, and their efficiency really impressed us.
The beach itself was quiet and perfect for relaxation, exactly what we were looking for. White sand and clear water when you could get close to it...The tide is very low for most of the day, and there's a lot of seaweed, which limits swimming opportunities. There was also a sulphur like smell on the beach on a couple of days (possibly linked to the seaweed). The staff were there every morning, shovelling as much of the seaweed as they could to make the beach experience more pleasurable. If you’re hoping for a more active beach experience, this might be a downside. Despite this, the serene atmosphere made it a great spot to relax. We had an all-inclusive package, which made the stay even better, as we could fully enjoy the dining and drinks without worry. If ever we couldn't find anything in the buffet (which did sometimes feel a bit repetitive), the team was more than happy to suggest and make an alternative for us there and then!
One of the highlights of our trip was the private dinner on the beach on our last night. The setup was stunning, and Christopher took great care of us, making it an unforgettable evening.
The only other downside is the location. The hotel is quite far from many of the excursions and activities you may want to do in Zanzibar, so you’ll need to plan extra travel time if you want to explore the island.
Overall, TOA Hotel and Spa is a great option if you’re seeking a quiet, relaxing retreat with exceptional service, though the low tides and remote location are worth considering.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Dream hotel, everything is perfect Excellent welcome by the hotel staff (fruit skewer and refreshing towels) even the manager Mr. Ali comes to greet us and welcome us. He is present every day, very available and always concerned about the well-being of his guests. All the staff are very pleasant and friendly. They all go to great lengths to make sure everything is perfect. Evening meals on Tuesday and Saturday are served on the beach. It's a must. The buffet is magnificent and, like every day, the food is excellent and very varied. The breakfast is great. Lots of sweet and savory choices. The rooms are very comfortable. Air-conditioned. And the bedding is very comfortable. There are mosquito nets on the windows and every evening the beds are made and the bed net is put on. And as with everything else in the hotel, hygiene and cleanliness are impeccable. We were regularly treated to magnificent decorations in towels and flower petals on the bed. In short, we recommend this hotel with our eyes closed, everything is perfect. Thank you all
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had an excellent week spent at the Toa Hotel in the beginning of 2025. The hotel is well-built, and the rooms are designed to have no neighbors, no noise over the walls. The rooms have a spacious balcony. No mosquitos at all! Everything is super-clean. My favorite swimming pool is 30 meters long so actually you can enjoy your swim! All the personnel are extremely friendly and helpful at all times. The food is excellent for all tastes. The only disadvantage is that the ocean is far away at low tide conditions - maybe a kilometer. At high tide, the sea is shallow, maybe a meter deep, excellent for children. There is a long pier nearby, where you can use the steps to access the sea at low tide and can also rent a kayak or a SUP board.
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Date of stay: January 2025
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
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Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
5 days stay as an extension of a safari; booked was overnight stay with breakfast. Hotel is in very good condition; the room was spacious and very clean. The staff was very friendly, accommodating and very helpful. One day there was barbecue on the beach, very elaborate but very nice. The pool is large enough; the restaurant's offer was rich, freshly prepared and of high quality. Hotel has direct access to the beach; coast but is tidal area. In the time of our stay, the water was about 150-200 meters from the beach; no sea urchins; restaurants in the village not available, but restaurants of neighboring hotels usable
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Date of stay: January 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From our first arrival we were greeted with cool towels and warm smiles. The staff is amazing!! Esther at the front desk was very accommodating on our last day- our flight wasn't until late at night so got a lovely extra late check out. The food each day was prepared fresh and most delicious! Our room was the honeymoon suite which including a private pool and the maintenance guy always made sure to clean our pool as well. Having beach access from our room was a great plus because we were in the ocean/beach a lot! This place has not seen the last of us!!!
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Date of stay: January 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As a couple, we had the pleasure of staying at the TOA Hotel & Spa in Zanzibar and we can hardly put into words how wonderful our stay was. Here are some of our impressions:
Location and surroundings The hotel is located right on the white sandy beach and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The beach is quiet and secluded, perfect for romantic walks at sunset. We really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.
Rooms and Royal Suite Our suite at the TOA Hotel & Spa was simply gorgeous. The Royal Suite offered plenty of space, a private terrace with sea views and a luxurious bathroom. The decor was stylish and modern and we immediately felt at home. The view from our terrace was particularly breathtaking - the perfect place to start or end the day.
Culinary experiences The restaurant at the hotel spoiled us with a variety of delicacies. From fresh seafood to exotic spices - we were spoiled with culinary delights. Breakfast on the beach was a highlight and dinner in the restaurant overlooking the sea was simply magical.
Relaxing in the spa The spa area was another highlight. We enjoyed relaxing massages and wellness treatments. The therapists were professional and made us feel completely at ease.
The staff The staff at TOA Hotel & Spa deserve a special mention. From the friendly manager to the attentive cleaner, everyone was extremely accommodating and made every effort to make our stay unforgettable. We really felt like VIP guests.
Conclusion TOA Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for couples looking for peace, luxury and romance. We will remember this stay forever and can only highly recommend it!
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arrived in the morning and we were able to check in. Our room overlooked a pool area, with chairs, opposite the entrance of the hotel, situated at the side.
The room was excellent, the shower needed a descale. The rest of the room was great, but enough storage areas, no drawers, just a wardrobe with hanging and shelves.
The pool outside looked great, but on closer inspection, had flies and other bits floating in it, I didn't see this get cleaned in the 3 days we were there. not enough sunbeds around this area there were only 3.
The cleaning was exceptional, everywhere was clean, room was cleaned well, and had a turn service in the evening.
There is only 1 restaurant, which was very busy at optimium times 7pm - 8.30pm so either go before or after as there is lomg quesues for some areas.
The food quality is great with a wide selection of choice. for breakfast/lunch adn dinner.
Waiter service was slow in the evening. Sometimes getting a drink was painful. Coffee unless was a cappuccino was not great.
The beach evening was Ok but food was lukewarm and disappointing - getting a drink was nigh on in impossible.
They had entertainment every night we were there, and it was good quality. But had to either sit in the restaurant/outside, or on extra tables that were set up alongside the pool and on the bridge - as no outside entertainment area.
There isnt enough bars, there is a swim up bar, that doesnt really have other seating around or easy access to get a drink in the day or evening. The rooftop bar doesn't have enough seating and staff were sometimes there and sometimes doing other jobs! - There is room for seating, not sure why this is not utilised.
Bar at the Beach is a great set up, but again staff were sometimes limited and had to keep going off to other bars to refill drinks, limited all-inclusive drinks. The Gin was not good; Cocktails were OK but not great. Other drinks were extra paid $10 for a G&T with Tanquery one evening as sick of the terrible Gin. Beer was Ok. Need better drinks on all inclusive or more reasonable price for drinks if these are extra, I think they should be included as in other good all inclusives - kept running out of sparkling Wine (presseco).
No bar in Lobby. So this was very limiting.
Beds in day on the beach with umbrellas or shade were taken very quickly. There was availability but the hotel was not at full capacity when we stayed, think this will be a problem if 100% full.
Limited availability of beds around the pool.
Spa facilities again are quite small, I had 2 massages 1 was a back massage, which was great the other I upgraded from my free back massage to a full body massage which was supposed to be aromatherapy but was more like a sports massage!! left several bruises on my arms!! So beware.
The gym was Tiny and didnt really have enough equipment or space.
Overall the hotel room was excellent/staff good, but Bars lacking and drink quality low, with limited entertainment after the nightly show finished, with a lack of bars that closed at 11pm, even though the rooftop bar is suppose to be open later!! but started to shut up at 10pm.
Nothing outside the hotel.
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warm welcome, even the hotel manager came to introduce himself. The hotel has a beautiful white sand beach, and although the tide is high and you can't swim at all times, the pool is beautiful. The staff is really great. Especially the bartenders, whether at the beach or in the pool, they had an answer for everything. Even the housekeeping team is extraordinary, apart from the impeccable basic service, every day we had a different decoration for the sheets. Without forgetting that every evening, they come to make the bed again and put on the mosquito net. The food is excellent and there is something for everyone. For my part, I loved the local products on all seafood. Dinner is always accompanied by a show. Even for excursions and discovery of the archipelago, we found good deals available on site at reasonable prices.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toa Hotel and Spa, located in Pongwe is a modern, well-kept resort with a lot going for it. Our expectations were set high by the high rating and although we had a very pleasant stay, there are several areas in which we felt there is room for improvement.
On the positive side, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Each of the rooms was modern and comfortable with air conditioning and a large deck with seating to enjoy the lovely weather. During our 4 night stay, several food and beverage employees went out of their way to make us feel at home, even remembering our names. The food was delicious with a lot of options to choose from. Each night there was entertainment by the pool or on the beach and the Friday evening beach barbeque was amazing. The hotel sits on a semi-private beach and has multiple pools to choose from so there is always a place to relax outside.
The resort was recently opened and as a result, we expected to see some issues. We were pleasantly surprised that most things went quite smoothly. With respect to service, the only areas we noted that could be improved were in the areas of billing (we were charged for a massage we did not have), table bussing (staff cleared plates and silverware before we were finished), and housekeeping (the staff entered and cleaned our rooms even when the ”Do Not Disturb” light was on). Additionally, safe drinking water outside of the rooms was only available at an additional cost. All of these are easily addressed.
There were several areas that are not as easy to address and likely cannot be improved upon. One of those is the proximity to the main road through Pongwe. A couple of the guest buildings are set within a few feet of the road, homes, and businesses making traffic noise and other local disturbances easily heard. Toa is located in a somewhat remote area on the east side of the island making taxi service a requirement at an additional cost each day to get to any activities (i.e. Stone Town, snorkeling, shopping, restaurants, etc.). The beach is semi-private allowing locals and vendors access. Vendors along the beach often approach guests at times making a leisurely stroll on the beach uncomfortable with their “hard sell” techniques and shaming.
Although our stay was pleasant and we enjoyed our time at Toa, the location and minor issues with service do not warrant a 5 star review.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Upgrade to a room away from the main road
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is worth asking the front desk. Breakfast is buffet so I am not sure they can extend it, but perhaps room service would work. They were very helpful and helped with a birthday cake and celebration. We liked the spice farm a lot. Also the sunset cruise on the north end of the island at first seemed a bit off, but by the end everyone was dancing. So good times. Prison Island was interesting as well. The tortoises come close to the Galapagos in size. And the history was cool.
Bonjour,
Merci pour votre question et je confirme que la plage de l'hotel est extrement jolie avec de sable blanche et un entretien quotidienne pour garder un proprete irreprochable.
Ally Mohungoo
General Manager
There are more places to choose from in the Pongwe area.
PRICE RANGE
$245 - $317 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
TanzaniaZanzibar ArchipelagoZanzibar IslandPongwe
NUMBER OF ROOMS
1
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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