The Best Luxury Resorts and Hotels in Zanzibar

Zuri Zanzibar is located on the most beautiful beach on the north-western shore of Zanzibar and offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. The tropical beauty of Zanzibar and its warm turquoise waters lie at your feet at this stylish beachfront resort. Zuri Zanzibar is the first hotel in the world to be awarded EarthCheck’s highly esteemed Sustainable Design Gold Certification, which facilitates environmentally-, socially- and economically sustainable design and construction management. EarthCheck is the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism. Zuri Zanzibar is secreted away at the end of an unpaved road about an hour from the airport and Stone Town. Draped across a gentle beachside slope in Kendwa, the 13-acre Zuri micro-universe feeds into the dreamy, sunset-facing beach, uniquely unaffected by the massive tidal fluctuations that plague the rest of the region’s beaches. Activities at Zuri Zanzibar Hotel and Resort Zuri Zanzibar offers a wide range of activities to enjoy throughout the resort or on the island itself. Head to the water sports centre for snorkelling equipment, diving lessons and beach games like volleyball and pétanque – and you can book sunset dhow (traditional sailboat) cruises and fishing trips from here. Thanks to Zuri’s outstanding proximity to Tumbatu Island and Mnemba Atoll, you can easily arrange trips to these fantastic diving and snorkelling spots. The hotel’s Spice Garden is the perfect place for a stroll, a private meditation session or a cooking class to learn more about authentic Swahili cuisine. Head to Stone Town to explore the labyrinth of colourful streets in Zanzibar’s cultural and historical heart. Take a short spice tour to learn all about lemongrass, papaya and vanilla; see where these exotic herbs, spices and fruits are cultivated; and get a deeper understanding of why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. Or simply just soak up the sun beside Zuri’s enormous infinity pool while enjoying the incredible Indian Ocean views. Zuri Zanzibar is located on the most beautiful beach on the north-western shore of Zanzibar and offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. The resort’s style is a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional, a charming depiction of Zanzibari culture. With beautiful ocean views, delicious cuisine and wonderful facilities, Zuri is a great choice for your Indian Ocean island experience. read more read less

Cocooned among 32 hectares of tropical gardens, fringed by a pristine mile-long beach, The Residence Zanzibar immerses you in the splendour of a secluded hideaway. Teeming with natural beauty, explore the treasures of the wild on the discovery of the rare Red Colobus Monkey, indigenous to Zanzibar or indulge your senses on a spice plantation visit to uncover the secrets of Zanzibar’s spices. At this luxurious villa-only resort on Zanzibar Island, just off the coast of Tanzania, retreat to a world of divine relaxation, bespoke hospitality and enchanting elegance inspired by the island’s African, Omani and European heritage. Accommodation at The Residence The resort’s 66 luxuriously appointed villas fuse contemporary style with the elegance of the island’s African, Omani and European heritage. Set within 32 hectares of tropical gardens, the villas offer the perfect combination of spaciousness and privacy. Relaxing comes easy on the lounge deck outside, furnished with wicker chairs and daybeds, overlooking a 1.2-metre-deep private swimming pool and soothing garden, beach or ocean views. If you feel like exploring the beautiful gardens and local surroundings, stroll at your leisure or hop on the bicycles that are provided with each of our Zanzibar luxury villas. Dining Experience at The Residence Zanzibar Embark on a gastronomic journey at our two restaurants or in your villa. The Dining Room serves international dishes with a hint of Zanzibar spice, while The Pavilion Restaurant blends Indian, Arabic, and Mediterranean influences for a unique dining experience. Indulge in sustainable nature-inspired cuisine, expertly prepared by our talented chefs. Our Earth Basket farm-to-table experience highlights fresh local produce, handpicked daily from our on-site kitchen farms. Discover more of the island and the waters that surround it in a myriad of activities, from visiting historic sites and rare natural wonders to deep sea fishing and diving with dolphins. Whether you dream of a quiet couple's retreat or fun in the sun for the whole family, embrace all the delights of our island life at The Residence Zanzibar. read more read less

Xanadu comprises seven unique and individually designed villas within a tropical garden and palm trees, on one of the finest beaches on Zanzibar’s South East coast. All villas are exclusively available with all-inclusive accommodation, all meals & drinks (soft drinks, beers, ciders, spirits, house white & red wine, except premiums) as well as a world-class chef. Guests will enjoy cuisine with local spices, vegetables and herbs grown in the garden complimented with handpicked wines from around the world. Spend your days on the beach in this magical paradise or take refreshing dips in your private plunge pool. Extraordinary scuba diving and snorkelling are on offer for the more adventurous, while nearby Stone Town (a World Heritage Site) is the place to explore colourful spice markets and go on cultural tours. Xanadu Villas Each villa includes a private butler and features a sitting area, plunge pool, fridge, outside shower, bathroom(s) with his & her sinks, linen and towels, daily housekeeping and laundry service and Internet/Wi-Fi. Four of the villas feature a spacious lounge & kitchen and three of the other villas have direct beach access. Xanadu offers three villas with two bedrooms and three villas with one bedroom. Kimwondo Villa (1BR) has sitting areas inside and outside and features a spectacular rooftop with a plunge pool and sitting area with views over the Indian Ocean. Mlima and Korongo Villa (2 BR) feature private bathrooms, spacious lounge areas and private plunge pools. The presidential Mbingu Villa (2 BR) is beachfront and features two bedrooms with ocean-view balconies, private bathrooms and sitting areas, a majestic lounge and two private plunge pools of which one is on the second floor. The cosy Umande Villa (1BR) is beachfront and has sitting areas inside and outside, a private bathroom and a private plunge pool. Next to Umande Villa is Alfajiri Villa (1BR), our honeymoon suite. The Villa is beachfront and features one bedroom, a spacious lounge, a private plunge pool and a romantic balcony with an ocean view. What do we offer our clients: -Accommodation in a private villa. Activities in and around Xanadu The on-site activities manager will assist guests in arranging any activities, water sports or excursions on the island. Guided activities including sea kayaking, snorkelling and Sup boarding from Xanadu’s beach are included in the rates. The private Kiota Spa guests can indulge in various treatments to feel completely renewed and refreshed. The most exciting private villa retreat to hit Zanzibar, guests are being blown away by the food, service and beach, as well as the quiet opulence of the villas.   read more read less

Set on a remote, picturesque beach on Pemba Island, this rustic and boutique resort is paradise personified. Award-winning barefoot beach luxury on the African shores of the Indian Ocean. Unwind and discover the peace of Pemba Island. Nicknamed the ‘The Spice Island’, Pemba is known for its aromatic clove harvests which perfume the ocean air with a sweet floral fragrance. It’s a great spot if you’re travelling as a couple. Fundu Lagoon oozes romance with its quaint African tented-style lodgings, cerulean sea and private dining by the shore. ACCOMMODATION The rooms at Fundu Lagoon vary in size and category – from 12 standard rooms to two suites and two ‘superior’ suites – but all share very similar features. All are large walk-in tents set on wooden decks, with a veranda, small lounge area and en-suite bathroom. The dark wooden floors, huge beds and crisp cotton sheets make the rooms feel stylish and comfortable, reminiscent of a tented safari lodge. Yet canvas walls add a rustic feel, resulting in a cosy room that has character and comfort rather than a luxury. Sandy paths and wooden walkways lead through Fundu's tropical forest, linking the rooms to the various parts of the lodge, where there are plenty of places to relax, all – like the rooms – with views out to sea. The main bar and lounge are set slightly above the beach on a wooden deck, under a high thatched roof. Natural fabrics and wicker furniture add to the rustic style – Fundu feels very in keeping with its surroundings. This is often a sociable and friendly spot before dinner and can become quite lively at times. The managers and dive team are usually around to chat with guests in the evenings and to discuss activities for the following day. read more read less

Chumbe Island Coral Park is one of the most state-of-the-art, eco-friendly lodges in East Africa and a diver's paradise. Situated in a Marine Protected Area off the coast of Zanzibar, Chumbe Island Coral Park is set in the heart of an award-winning private nature reserve. This boutique eco-lodge in Tanzania offers accommodation in unique bungalows situated right on the beach. Upon its inception, Chumbe Island Coral Park recruited former fishermen from neighbouring villages and provided them with training to become park rangers. They played a vital role in early outreach programs to raise awareness within the local communities about marine ecology and the sustainable management of natural resources. Today, Chumbe’s strong ranger team patrols and monitors the reserve using non-confrontational and educational approaches to deter poaching and guide visitors. The nature reserve includes a coral reef sanctuary – the first gazetted marine park in Tanzania – and a forest reserve. Thanks to its protection, the reef is home to 90% of East Africa’s hard coral species, and over 400 fish species, and is a vital feeding ground for green and hawksbill turtles. The forest reserve harbours highly specialised flora that has developed to survive without any groundwater – the bedrock of the island comprises fossilised coral that is unable to store rainwater. It’s also a sanctuary for a plethora of birds, rare and endangered species like Ader’s duiker, and a healthy population of coconut crabs (the world’s biggest arthropod). The coral reef is next to the island and you can experience a cornucopia of wildlife and their beauty is enough to catapult you into a higher state of consciousness. The interior of the island holds one of the last remaining coral rag forests in Zanzibar: an ancient coral reef that was raised from the sea by tectonic movement. Exploring the island is a blissful and peaceful experience and overhead flies a multicoloured sky of birds. The reserve includes a fully protected Coral Reef Sanctuary and Forest Reserve that harbour rare wildlife, a Visitor and Education centre, a small eco-lodge, nature walks and historical monuments. All buildings and operations are based on state-of-the-art eco-technology aiming at zero impact on the environment (rainwater catchment, photovoltaic energy and solar water heating, composting toilets, vegetative greywater filtration etc.).   read more read less

A beautifully restored 19th century Swahili sultan’s palace, the Emerson Spice Hotel is a multi-storied small hotel in Stone Town with an inner courtyard, 11 unique antiques-filled rooms, and one of Zanzibar’s best restaurants. An inspired and lovingly restored Merchant’s House, this Boutique Hotel has eleven stylishly furnished rooms structured around an airy central courtyard. The hotel hosts two restaurants: The Secret Garden, located in the distinctive Ruins of the adjacent garden and the rooftop ‘Tea House’ one of Stone town’s most renowned restaurants offering a stylish ambience amidst the sound of the calls to prayer from the town’s many mosques. The Emerson Spice Hotel offers it’s guests a magical authentic experience, with every room immersing you into a different world that is inspired by movies, books, operas, and other real life characters. High ceilings, stained glass windows, large stone bathtubs, characterful wooden balconies, and a beautiful inner courtyard all combine to make this the most romantic hotel in Stone Town! All 11 rooms (except Mimi) have their own private veranda (although guests in Mimi are welcome to use the rooftop tea house as their outside space.) read more read less

Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa, a luxurious beachfront retreat with traditional Swahili charm, welcomes you to the pristine white sands of Zanzibar’s east coast. Known as one of the island’s most prestigious properties, Bluebay offers exceptional beachside comfort with elegant accommodations, fine dining, diverse leisure facilities, the renowned Oasis Spa, and award-winning service. Set on 30 acres of lush tropical gardens and shaded by over 1,000 palm trees, Bluebay’s spacious rooms and suites blend traditional Zanzibari style with modern comforts, some right along the ocean’s edge. Savor fresh, locally inspired cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and contemporary flavors in our dining venues. Bluebay is perfect for those seeking sun, relaxation, and the unique culture of Zanzibar, as well as for meetings, conferences, and group events. Our expert team is ready to help you plan memorable weddings, private gatherings, or an unforgettable honeymoon. At Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa, every detail is crafted for a magical experience on Zanzibar’s beautiful coast. read more read less

A luxurious Boutique hotel in Stone Town, Kisiwa House is noted for its elegant blend of Zanzibar décor and gracious Swahili hospitality.Superbly located on a quiet street in the heart of Zanzibar historical centre within easy walking distance of famous landmarks, museums, antique shops and restaurants. Kisiwa House provides every modern convenience to the business or leisure traveller, promising an unforgettable experience of professional service, superb comfort and unmatched elegance.Get inspired, discover the new and unusual. Enjoy the charm of an old and typical Zanzibar town house. read more read less

Unguja Lodge, a quaint upscale establishment located near Kizimkazi at the southern end of Zanzibar, provides guests with a genuinely personal experience of Zanzibar in a casual and unassuming setting. The southern tip of Zanzibar has some of the island's most beautiful coves and coastline. Here, overlooking the curve of Menai Bay, rocky outcrops emerge from the indigenous coastal forest. And it's where you'll find Unguja, a character-filled lodge tucked away on the edge of a coral cliff. It's a laid-back place that embraces strict eco-friendly principles and has a strong sense of local identity. If you're longing to unplug yourself from the outside world, this attractively rustic lodge is just the ticket. Watch out for the visiting monkeys, though – they tend to snatch tempting items! Accommodation at Unguja Lodge Accommodation consists of 10 spacious Private Villas and 2 Family Houses. From your ocean view terrace you can watch the local fishermen sailing the Indian Ocean. A breathtaking sunrise and sunset is all yours, and all bungalows are beautifully decorated in Zanzibar style. All offer the following amenities: spacious bedroom with double bed (185 x 215 cm), mosquito net, ceiling fan and private safe open plan sitting room (baraza-style) open plan spacious shower room separate toilet loft with extra DBL bed private terrace Dining Experience The restaurant serves an excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner. The chef makes use of many local Zanzibar ingredients such as fresh seafood and exotic spices. A private barbeque lunch on one of the small deserted islands near the southern coast is a special treat and can be organized for you. Early morning tea and coffee are served in the villas. Tropical Experience The lush tropical gardens at Unguja Lodge are dotted with baobab trees. Don’t be surprised to see colobus monkeys in the trees and fascinating elephant shrews - like oversized mice on stilts with extended noses - foraging in the leaf litter. In these gardens, you’ll find the PADI dive school and shop, run by One Ocean where you can organise dives and snorkelling to the nearby coral. This is the only PADI operation in the area, and there is no minimum number of people required for their dives, as can sometimes be the case at other centres. There is some good diving and snorkelling to be done in Menai Bay, with at least 20 recognised dive sites and some healthy coral formations. Activities at Unguja Lodge Snorkelling: A traditional dhow takes you to the most beautiful parts of the protected Menai Bay. After snorkelling a barbeque lunch can be organized for you on the beach of a deserted island not far from the Kizimkazi coast. Dolphin encounters: Kizimkazi is well known for the many dolphins which inhabit the area. With a dhow, Unguja Divers takes you out to find them. Although they are wild animals they swim close to the boat for you to watch and enjoy. Exploring Zanzibar: Visits to all of the interesting places on Zanzibar will gladly be organised for you. Additionally, to the well-known places of interest such as Jozani Forest Reserve, Stonetown, spice farms and Prison Island, you will also have the possibility to visit many less-known places as well. With each tour, you will be under the professional care of a local guide selected to suit your itinerary. A tour through the local village of Kizimkazi (guided by one of the villagers) is offered too. Location of Unguja Lodge Unguja Lodge is situated at the Southern tip of Zanzibar, near Kizimkazi Mkunguni. It is a very quiet part of the island with pristine beaches and lush green surroundings. Unguja Lodge offers a variety of activities to keep guests entertained, such as tours, a wide choice of beach sports and entertainment for all the family and kids. read more read less