The Aiyana Resort & Spa

We stayed for a week with our 15 year old at the Aiyana. It really is a relaxing place. First of all we chose Pemba in stead of Zanzibar (which is super crowded). The whole staff is superfriendly and the owner is really involved and present. All the comfort you can wish for, the rooms are spatious, clean and nice with enough privacy. The food is delicious: the owner always looks for fresh products from the neighborhood or from the sea and every day there is a wide choice including a veggie option. During the week a boat sunset trip was offered and we even got an uograde for free at the end of the week. We love Pemba and the Aiyana paradise. Aiyana offers more value for money compared to its neighbour.

Choosing Pemba: After safari in the Maasai Mara, we wanted to continue our adventure to the beach. Having researched and read lots of reviews about Zanzibar we decided to split our time between the island of Pemba and Zanzibar. Pemba is less developed than Zanzibar with only a handful of hotel options. We chose The Aiyana for the style and designs of the rooms, we were not disappointed. The Aiyana is a carefully thought out and beautifully designed hotel woven into the landscape. Travel: Travelling to Pemba required a hop from the Mara to Nairobi Wilson, a skip to Zanzibar and then a jump to Pemba. On paper we could have done all three flights in one day, however we were advised that African flight times can be subject to change so we did an overnight in Stone Town, and then flew out to Pemba first thing the following morning. Pemba is 30 mins from Zanzibar. Bumpy Road: From Pemba Airport to The Aiyana is 1 1/2hrs by road, and was described as a bumpy road ride, the first hour was on smooth tarmac, and the last 11km took 1/2 hour on pot holed tracks through the rainforest. The journey itself is fascinating glimpse into undisturbed island life. The people of Pemba are known to be friendly and after journeying through countryside and villages we emerged at The Aiyana, hidden along the coast amongst lush tropical rainforest and palm trees. The island is relatively undeveloped and we didn't see any other tourists on our journey, which added to our adventure. Food: The quality of food at The Aiyana was very good and the staff excellent. There is only one restaurant and our meal plan on Full Board included breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Aiyana is incredibly laid back and we could stroll to the restaurant for fresh food, without worrying about the time. The menu has daily specials and mainly focuses on freshly caught fish, with chicken or vegetarian options. Pemba is a farming and fishing island and much of the produce was sourced locally. The staff are truly welcoming, warm and friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Ambience: This truly is a Robinson Crusoe escape. The Aiyana is very quiet - a true paradise. We stayed at the beginning of July, before peak season, and the hotel was quiet. There's no ambient music at The Aiyana it's a place of peace and tranquility. The wifi was intermittent which created a wonderful opportunity to fully engage with our teenage kids and to enjoy this slice of paradise together. The Aiyana is enchanting. The quality of the rooms, service and food was impeccable, whilst it is worth five stars it is not commercial, more for discerning travellers who appreciate the community, nature and being at peace. Perfect for a writer or artist, honeymooners, families or couples looking for nature, peace and tranquility. Rooms: We stayed in the Royal Suite which was truly amazing. The Royal Suite was huge. After a grand entrance, a generous hall offers a window straight onto the villa pool, and beyond to your private ga

Special thanks to the wonderful team that made our impromptu break there so special. Bella is an amazing host and helped with our last minute visit. Toza was our main waiter, and was so attentive and entertaining. Besides the people, the property is very beautiful and relaxing. The private beach is stunning. Get up early and enjoy the soft sunrise sounds they play in the morning. Enjoy a cold beer in the ocean. Try an intimate dinner right on the beach...It's the perfect place to indulge and relax all at the same time...Absolutely loved our stay!

Aiyana Hotel is a dream come true. It’s peaceful, authentic, and the perfect place to disconnect from the world. The staff treat you like family, making every moment special. Surrounded by untouched nature, the hotel blends perfectly with the island’s beauty. The food is fresh, the villas are stunning, and the whole experience feels effortless. Whether you’re relaxing by the ocean or watching the sunset, Aiyana is pure magic. If you want to escape and truly unwind, this is the place to be.