Looking at kendwa's beach retreats from south to north.

Mailika Bungalows

The rooms are basic but light and airy with rooms that are all ensuite with European flush toilets and cold water showers.

Amaan Kendwa Beach Resort

It's a reliable and consequently popular retreat, so it's worth booking in advance during peak season.

La Rosa Dei Venti

In spite of opening only in 2003, La Rosa Dei Venti already feels tired and unkempt - it all appears a little thrown together.

Kendwa Rocks Resort

This is a successful operation with bungalows, bandas and a dormitory available, and they get booked up in that order here.

Sunset Bungalows

Set back from the sea, on the beach behind the restaurant and bar, 2 widely separated rows of extremely pleasant bungalows have been built perpendicular to the sea.

White Sands Beach Hotel

Laid- ack Belgian, Jan, took over White Sands in 2002, and has spent the past few years renovating and rebuilding rooms and creating a fun, split-level bar and restaurant on the beach.

Les Toits de Palme

Les Toits de Palme has 6 separate rooms in 3 bungalows raised above the beach on coral rock. All have dbl/twin beds and ensuite, cold water facilities.

La Gemma Dell'Est

La Gemma Dell'Est fully opened in July 2005 at the northern end of Kendwa Beach. It's a large hotel and is certainly the most stylish of Zanzibar's large resorts.

New PlanHotel Villas

On the plot of land bordering La Gemma dell'Est, immediately to the north, we understand that Swiss hotel company PlanHotel, are developing 25 plush private villas.