Resort Review · Zanzibar, Tanzania · 2025
Protels La Plage Zanzibar:
Is It Worth Booking in 2025?
If you've been searching for a beachfront resort on Zanzibar's quieter east coast, chances are Protels La Plage has come up more than once. Sitting directly on Bwejuu Beach with a 9.3/10 rating on Booking.com and a near-perfect 9.7/10 from couples, it's one of the most talked-about properties on the island right now. But is it actually worth booking?
Why Bwejuu? Getting the Location Right
Before diving into the resort itself, it's worth understanding where Bwejuu sits on the map. Located on Zanzibar's southeast coast, Bwejuu is a world away from the busy northern beaches of Nungwi and the kitesurfing crowds of Paje.
The pace here is slower. The beach is wide, the sand is powder-white, and the water is the kind of turquoise blue that makes every photo look filtered. It's the east coast of Zanzibar at its most unspoiled.
"Getting here from Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road — about 52 km south. Once you're at Protels La Plage, you won't need to leave much."
The resort offers an airport transfer service (paid), and most guests book it in advance to avoid the hassle of negotiating with local taxis. It's worth it.
Rooms & Accommodation: What to Expect
Protels La Plage offers three main room types, each suited to a different type of traveller.
Superior Double Room
Air-conditioned, clean, and thoughtfully furnished with an authentic Swahili touch — carved wood details, warm tones, and sea-facing balconies on many units.
Bungalow with Garden View
More space and privacy, surrounded by tropical greenery. Quieter and more secluded — ideal if you're after a retreat rather than a social resort experience.
Family Bungalow
Sleeps up to 4 adults and 2 children. Significantly more space with a layout that gives families room to breathe — and close proximity to the pools.
Food & Dining: La Cabana and Beyond
One of the strongest aspects of Protels La Plage is the food — and that's not something you can say about every resort in this price range. The main restaurant, La Cabana, serves a daily breakfast buffet from 6:30 to 9:30 AM with fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, and local dishes — all with a sea breeze and ocean view.
Beyond breakfast, La Cabana's menu covers Swahili classics, Indian dishes, and Asian-inspired options that reflect Zanzibar's rich cultural mix. The freshness of the seafood is a highlight guests mention repeatedly.
4 Bars & Lounges
Beach, Pools & Activities
Protels La Plage sits just 200 metres from Bwejuu Beach — close enough that you can hear the waves from your room. The beach itself is one of the finest on the east coast: long, uncrowded, and lined with shade umbrellas.
The resort has three outdoor pools, including one that stays open year-round. For families this is essential — when the tide is low on the east coast, the pools give children a safe, reliable place to swim.
Water Sports & Excursions
Honest Pros & Cons
What works well
- Genuine beachfront — actually on the beach
- Outstanding food for the price
- Warm, professional staff
- Strong activity programme
- Exceptional for couples (9.7/10)
- Family bungalows offer real space
Worth knowing
- Airport transfer is paid separately
- East coast tides can limit beach swimming
- Very quiet — not for those seeking nightlife
- 52 km from Zanzibar airport
Final Verdict
Protels La Plage is an excellent choice for guests who want a genuine beach escape without the crowds and noise of Zanzibar's more popular strips.
Book Your Stay at Protels La Plage →Best rate guaranteed when booking direct at protels.com/la-plage