Konokono Beach Resort and Isaraya Luxury Overwater Villas

My stay at Konokono Beach Resort was overall pleasant. The accommodation was okay, and most of the staff were friendly, helpful, and welcoming throughout my visit. However, my experience took a very unexpected and uncomfortable turn on the night before my departure. For the first time in all my years of traveling, I was asked by the night staff to open and show the contents of my bags before leaving the hotel. This has never happened to me at any hotel before, and I sincerely hope it never happens again. What could have been a decent stay was overshadowed by this disturbing experience. No guest should ever be treated like that.

We had a truly memorable stay at Konokono Beach Resort, including time in the Isaraya Over Water Villa, and overall this was one of the highlights of our trip. The staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming, and we genuinely felt we built a good connection with several of them during our stay. A special mention also goes to the Maasai guards, who not only provided security but also added a unique cultural touch by entertaining guests with singing and traditional jumping dances—something we really enjoyed. The food was consistently very good, and the overall cleanliness—both in the villa and around the resort—was of a high standard. The setting is simply stunning. The area is incredibly idyllic, and honestly, it rivals—or perhaps even surpasses—places like the Maldives in terms of natural beauty. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, although it’s worth noting that the current can be surprisingly strong, especially during low tide. One thing to be aware of is the pricing of drinks, which we found to be very high. If you are staying in a villa, it may be a good idea to bring your own beverages. The only real downside during our stay was the lack of shade on the terrace outside the villa. Around midday, it became extremely hot, and we missed having a parasol or some form of sun protection to make better use of the outdoor space during those hours. Overall, this is a fantastic resort with a unique atmosphere, excellent service, and breathtaking surroundings.

The room was immaculate and absolutely stunning. Staff from housekeeping to restaurants were both friendly and welcoming as well as always ready to help.

We stayed for two weeks at Konokono Villas and Isaraya Water Villas to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and it was amazing. The rooms are very spacious and the facilities exceeded our expectations. The area is super quiet and relaxing. Perfect for a peaceful vacation. You can also book excursions directly through the hotel if you want to explore more of Zanzibar. Breakfast was good, with omelettes made on demand, lots of fresh fruit and juice (don’t miss the hibiscus juice!). Dinner was either buffet or a five-course menu, with fresh local ingredients and great seafood. The best part of our stay was the staff. Everyone was incredibly friendly, always smiling, and truly made us feel welcome. We can’t thank them enough and are already thinking about coming back, next time with our family.

The over water room was spectacular and the staff was fantastic. Since it is a small resort, you really feel like you get personal attention.