The Aiyana Resort & Spa

In a word … palatial. It’s no exaggeration to say that our 5 night experience was outstanding. The ambience is completely relaxed in what is literally an unspoilt tropical paradise. The hotel design incorporates nature into the architecture. Every aspect, both large scale and detailed has been imaginatively and innovatively thought through. Unlike some hotels where design is a substitute for substance, the Aiyana functions well. Our villa’s terrace with sea view, entrance hall, lounge, huge bedroom, even bigger bath/shower room plus an outdoor shower were all tastefully furnished. The large bed was oh so comfortable. There is a small price to pay for the remote location in that the WiFi needs an in-room router to be reliable and the satellite tv reception is unstable. The tranquil, long, white sand beach is pristine, backed by palms with guests well spaced apart (no rush to reserve a beach umbrella here). The only significant negative factor about the Aiyana is that the pool is ornamental, better for a dip rather than a swim. This is a pity because at anything much less than high tide the warm, clean sea is pretty much inaccessible because of the extensive exposed sharp coral rocks. So near and yet so far from the sea. In any case, bring rubber sea shoes! All the staff were ever helpful, the food was good although not outstanding. Finally our special thanks to Abeid who was hugely supportive, patient and went above and beyond when we needed assistance.

We are a family of four and had an extraordinary stay at The Aiyana in Pemba. We indulged in the luxury of Villa 30, which was charming and spectacular. The rooms were jaw-dropping, with high ceilings and top-quality amenities, including coconut-infused shower gels and shampoos. We enjoyed wonderful views out towards the spa island and open ocean. In the evenings, we watched tiny hermit crabs travel across our own slice of beach. Describing the Aiyana without resorting to superlatives is tricky. It;s clear that entire resort has been crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Every design choice, feature, and material seem to have been chosen with care. It's hard to stop taking photos. With each turn around a corner, you are greeted by breathtaking views of palm trees and the pristine beach and ocean. The service from the was friendly and professional and matched the warmth of the resort. We enjoyed eating dinner on the beach and were thrilled by the snorkeling trip to the local reef and breakfast on the sandbar (having travelled by dhow). The Ayiana is truly a slice of barefoot luxury paradise .

We have just spent a fabulous week in Aiyana. We are experienced and demanding travelers and have been really impressed by the beauty of the place, the impeccable gardens, turquoise water and white sand, very confortable rooms and very kind and caring staff (we just do not understand some negative comments). The food was also delicious. Don’t miss the sand bank. Aiyana is a great choice to rest after a safari or as a destination in itself. Active option is possible with great dives around with a fantastic diving center nearby. If you need to work while being there (a shame but sometimes cannot be avoided) just make sure the WiFi works (can be on and off which also goes along the exceptional and remote place). We will come back for sure!

Service was bad. Took so so long to get anything. Food, towels, snack, help, anything and everything. The bar tenders were great and I would say for every 5 employees I only enjoyed 1. Some were amazing and fun and sweet and what I expected while everyone else was not. 2/5 because the bad service made our trip frustrating. They also missed small details like towels always being stained and dirty and only 3 sun beds by the pool. Other than that gorgeous place and quiet. The beach was nice and everything was close by but not so crammed that there was lots of overlap between guests. The rooms were nice and always clean and the food was fine. It wasn’t the best vacation food I’ve had but it was good. Either a hit or miss though I experienced with the food. Overall I would maybe recommend to anyone who wants a really quiet vacation. Side note there were a few cats on the property and I LOVED them! Super sweet but loud meowers

Incredible resort on the loveliest beach. The villas are stunning. We were treated like royalty by Bella and were so impressed to hear that the owner is very invested in the local and supports free education and healthcare. The food was wonderful and the people couldn’t have been nicer.

I just spent 5 nights at Aiyana with my husband and my two daughters. A true paradise. Pemba is wonderful with its lush nature and its colorful and smiling people. The villas of Aiyana are incredible, we stayed in number 1, with a treatment like a prince. It almost seemed too much. The staff is very kind and ready to satisfy your every desire. Every evening you eat in a different place, near the pool, on the beach, at the restaurant or in your personal villa. Truly 5-star treatment, an investment that is worth every penny! The owner is a person who takes care of the guest, a fantastic artist and chef with a big heart. Thank you all for the wonderful hospitality.