The Sharazad Story

Sharazād is named after the legendary queen and the storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights. The name has Persian origins -meaning 'she whose land is free'; as well as 'pretty woman', 'wise woman', and 'woman with the liberty of mind'.

Be a Part of Sharazad's 1001 Stories

As you step into Sharazād you will instantly be charmed.When you visit you will be more than a guest you will part of the Sharazād Story.Join us on a magical journey as we show you what is important to us and what we would love to share with you.

Meet the Owners

Simon & Francesca

It is a beautiful story of love and life, which wouldn’t be told without some challenges of course – but there is no doubt that Zanzibar was their destiny and Zanzibar is where they belong.

Sharazad Villa

The early years Our History

The first private residence along the Jambiani shoreline, the initial Sharazād villa was constructed in 2003. Simon, who had dreamed about relocating to Zanzibar ever since he first came here in his early adolescence. Built it in the style of a Riad House, the villa, as it was, had a veranda with a central pool and was roofed with a traditional makuti (palm leaf) structure.

Back then the journey from the capital took around three turbulent hours, and it connected Jambiani to Stone Town through a rocky side road that wound through the dense island flora.

Little did we know that 20 years later that one Sharazād Villa would have spread to over 2 hectares of beautiful gardens and beachfront scenery with the Sharazad Oasis Retreat (opened in 2020). As well as the recently acquired Sharazād Wonders Boutique Hotel in Stone Town.

The journey continues...

environmentally friendly

Our Vision

All of the Sharazād Boutique Hotels bedrooms and bathrooms have ceiling fans in place of air conditioners as an environmentally responsible solution. Cross ventilation and a cool temperature are provided by large windows.

The entire area is equipped with solar panels, LED lighting, a desalination plant, and garbage recycling to preserve the fragile habitat and support the local vegetation.

In order to maintain the island's traditional building techniques, we solely used local labour and materials throughout construction. Wherever feasible, the impact of human activity has been reduced, resulting in a natural and attractive environment for our team and visitors.