Our story
A little garden guesthouse in Zanzibar
In the heart of Zanzibar, JoyB began as a family home, a short drive from the airport and the winding lanes of Stone Town.
Over the years, we grew to 17 rooms around a pool, with a restaurant under the mango trees and a juice bar beside the water. We never wanted a big hotel; we wanted a quiet, green place where you could put your phone down and remember what “unhurried” feels like. That is still the whole idea.
Today, JoyB is still run by the same family, supported by a team from the neighbourhood who know the island inside out, from the best routes into town to exactly how you like your morning coffee by day three.
Swahili hospitality
Karibu means welcome, and we mean it. Our team is from the neighbourhood, and they treat guests like family who came a long way.
Gentle on the island
Solar hot water, refillable glass bottles, and produce from the local market each morning. Small footprint, big flavour.
Just 17 rooms
We kept JoyB intimate on purpose. With only 17 rooms across four types, mornings stay quiet, the garden stays calm, and there's time to learn your name.