The hype
Travelers adore the 'hidden gem' aesthetic and the staff's personal touch, often rating it higher than expensive beachfront resorts.
Seconda Stella
$135-225/ night
Book this if You want a romantic, boho-chic oasis with a killer pool vibe and don't mind walking 7 minutes to the beach.
Why People Love It
- Intimate, boutique feel with only ~14 rooms
- The 'Cinema Under the Stars' movie nights by the pool
- Outdoor showers in the bungalows that guests rave about
Quick Take: A stunningly designed jungle hideaway that trades beachfront access for better food, a better pool, and a lower price tag.
Reviewed by @Marynkuba: I stayed at Seconda Stella for a week and it was pure bliss. The outdoor shower was my absolute favorite feature—nothing beats rinsing off under the banana leaves. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and just be.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'short stroll' to the beach feels longer in the midday heat, and the rooms nearest the road can be noisy.
- You prefer a curated pool scene over a sandy, windy beach
- You are a foodie—the on-site Surf & Turf is legitimate
- You want a romantic, adults-oriented vibe without the 5-star price
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Staff are praised for creating 'towel art' and keeping sand at bay.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally excellent, though the humid climate can cause a faint musty smell in the rainy season.
- Maintenance: Good, but island infrastructure means occasional power/AC blips.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and clean, though one isolated review mentioned stains (property disputed).
- Odors & scents: Usually smells of fresh laundry and tropical flowers, barring the occasional damp note.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic from the main Jambiani road (scooters, trucks)
- Morning village sounds (roosters, prayers)
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is in Kikadini, a quieter part of Jambiani
- They have pool floats available for guests (rare in Zanzibar)
- Payment is often cash-preferred or incurs a surcharge for cards
What to pack
- Reef shoes (the tide in Jambiani goes out very far)
- Earplugs (just in case you get a road-facing room)
- High-strength bug spray (lush gardens = mosquitoes)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Superior Bungalow (for the private outdoor shower)
- Garden View rooms (furthest from the road for silence)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Double Rooms located near the reception/main road entrance
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would love to request a room as far back from the main road as possible. If available, a bungalow with an outdoor shower would be amazing.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it really not on the beach?
Correct. It is a 5-10 minute walk down a sandy path to the beach. They do not have their own private beach beds on the sand.
Does the hotel serve alcohol?
Yes, they have a full bar with a cocktail menu (try the fresh fruit cocktails).
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, rooms have AC, though some guests report it can be intermittent during island power fluctuations.
How is the WiFi?
Surprisingly good for Zanzibar, suitable for light remote work, but don't expect fiber speeds.
Is the pool salt or fresh water?
Chlorinated fresh water, a nice break from the salty ocean.
Can they arrange airport transfers?
Yes, but it costs around $40-$50. You can sometimes find a local taxi for $30.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Cinema Under the Stars' night is not a gimmick—it's actually a highlight with popcorn and comfy seating.
- ✨
Ask for the 'Moyo' seafood platter at the restaurant; it rivals the famous Rock Restaurant for a fraction of the price.
- ✨
Walk to 'Coral Rock' nearby for a drink if you want a pool that hangs over the ocean.
5 things to know before you go
💡The water pressure in the outdoor showers is better than the indoor ones.
💡You will hear the local village life (kids, roosters) because the walls are not soundproof bunkers.
💡The 'Surf & Turf' menu is actually rare here; most places only do seafood.
💡The path to the beach is unlit at night—bring a flashlight if you dine by the ocean.
💡The hotel name is a Peter Pan reference ('Second Star to the Right').
Local Playbook
Map
See where Seconda Stella is located and what's nearby.