When deciding a resort on the island of Zanzibar in Africa to stay at, travelers have a few important options to consider, including the following: Do you want to have privacy at your hotel, or do you want to be part of a lively social scene? Do you want an air of refined luxury or one with a more casual demeanor? Do you prefer a resort where you pay as you go or one that is all-inclusive?
The majority of Zanzibar's most prestigious hotels are villa-only properties, meaning that guests' living quarters are private homes rather than hotel rooms at these resorts. The location is quite popular with newlyweds on their honeymoons, and some of these couples may prefer the intimacy that can be found at a small boutique hotel like The Palms, which has only seven villas.
Chumbe Island Coral Park is an eco-resort that features its very own forest sanctuary as well as a protected coral reef, and it may appeal to guests who are looking for an eco-tourism experience. The Hotel Riu Palace is the place to be if you want to experience a lively social scene together with nightly live music performances at your resort where you are staying. If you are planning a trip to Zanzibar with your children, the Breezes Beach Club & Spa has a wide variety of activities and events designed just for children.
There is no resort on Zanzibar that is more than 90 minutes away from either the airport (ZNZ) or the ferry terminal in the Stone Town region, and most visitors arrive on the island by either flying or taking a ferry to get there.
We have compiled a list of the top resorts in Zanzibar so that you can easily plan your trip to Tanzania's islands.
1. Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar
The Baraza Resort & Spa begins with a wonderfully lovely location right on Bwejuu-Paje Beach. The resort is an all-villa, luxury boutique property that features all-inclusive amenities. The beach is consistently recognized as one of the best in the world, and the Baraza Resort is widely considered to be among Zanzibar's finest accommodations.
In the same way as other hotels on the island do, Baraza combines the culture and design style of local African Swahili with the culture and design style of Zanzibar's colonial influences (Arabic and Indian). The thirty villas have a magnificent yet rustic feel to them because to the handmade furniture, antiques, and artwork from local artists that can be found in each one.
There are villas with one bedroom, villas with two bedrooms, and larger villas with two bedrooms called Royal Sultan and Royal Beach. Some of them are beachside, some face the ocean, while others are located within the property's verdant gardens. The smallest villas are approximately 1,600 square feet (148 square meters), while the Royal Beach Villa is nearly 3,000 square feet in size. Every one of the villas features an own terrace in addition to a plunge pool.
The Frangipani Spa is of the highest caliber and has the atmosphere of a traditional Middle Eastern hammam. You can choose from a comprehensive selection of holistic massage and aesthetic treatments, in addition to participating in a yoga program.
There are three distinct dining areas, one for each of the three meals that are served throughout a day. The dinner features both a buffet and table service on alternating nights. The menu features cuisine from Africa, India, Asia, and Persia, in addition to a diverse assortment of foods from the continental cuisine category, such as steak, chicken, and pasta. The cuisine makes extensive use of regional spices and food that is in season.
2. The Palms, Zanzibar
The Palms is undoubtedly the nicest resort in Zanzibar for couples because it offers an exceptionally private and intimate experience and there are only seven villas on the property. Because the all-inclusive hotel is a part of The Zanzibar Collection, visitors have access to a number of other larger resorts in the collection, each of which features a greater variety of dining establishments, amenities, and activities. After that, you can ride the complimentary shuttle back to your own personal paradise within The Palms villas.
These mansions are truly wonderful in every way. Each one is comparable to a small house and comes with its very own veranda. The verandas look out over the Indian Ocean and come equipped with a private plunge pool and a Zanzibar bed, which is a type of sun bed with four posts.
The resort provides its visitors with a few one-of-a-kind possibilities to engage with the African culture of the area. Cooking workshops, lessons on local crafts, and even lessons in the Swahili language and local history can be arranged with the resort's resident mwalimu (which literally translates as "teacher" in Swahili).
The Palms has its own restaurant, and guests who wish to dine in the dining room must adhere to a certain level of decorum, which requires men to dine in long pants. Of course, you are also free to dine in the privacy of your own villa, or you can have The Palms design a uniquely romantic dining experience for you, such as a picnic on the beach or a secluded lunch in the garden.
Top 10 Places in Tanzania mainland & Zanzibar with the best hotels & Resorts.
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1. Unguja Island
2. Arusha
3. Manyara
4. Kilimanjaro
5. Dar es Salaam
6. Mara
7. Morogoro
8. Pemba, Island
9. Pwani (Mafia Island)
10. Mwanza
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The Water Club is a comprehensive beachside activity center that is located just down the beach at The Palms' sister resort, the Baraza. If you want to have some fun in the gorgeous blue waters of the Indian Ocean, you can visit The Water Club. In the crystal clear, warm water, you can have a lot of fun on the water (wakeboarding or surfing), above it (kitesurfing or kiteboarding), or under it (snorkeling or scuba diving), depending on whatever activity you choose.
3. Breezes Beach Club & Spa
The Breezes Beach Club & Spa, another resort located on Bwejuu Beach, is also a property that is part of The Zanzibar Collection. This means that you have access to the restaurants that are located at their other properties, as well as the Frangipani Spa and The Water Club beach activity center that are located at the neighboring Baraza Resort & Spa. There is a complimentary shuttle service that runs between each of the resorts.
It is one of the finest resorts in Zanzibar for families to stay at The Breezes Beach Club & Spa because it is particularly kid-friendly (children under the age of 12 stay for free when accompanied by an adult staying in a deluxe room) and it has a lot of activities for children to see, learn about, and do. The resort provides guests of all ages with a variety of opportunities to learn about and engage with the surrounding area. Their Zanzibar Swahili Experience program will take participants to the neighborhood school as well as the neighborhood mosque so that they may interact with members of the neighborhood. You may even take lessons from a local pro on how to play bao, which is an ancient game that came before chess and backgammon. The instructor holds classes every morning on the beach.
Other one-of-a-kind activities available at this resort include going on a coral reef safari walk while the tide is low or taking a trip on the resort's dhow, which is a traditional fishing boat. When returning to land, visitors can also take advantage of the resort's gardening staff to learn how to climb palm trees.
Your meals are provided on a half-board basis, which means that breakfast and dinner are the only meals that are paid for by you. The Salama Dining Room and The Sultan's Table gastronomy restaurant at Breezes have a dress code that requires gentlemen to wear long pants. This dress code is in place to maintain a level of formality during dinner service. At The Breakers Grill, lunch is served with a menu that features barbecue and seafood dishes. You also have the option of ordering room service, eating in the café beside the pool, or grabbing a snack at the coffee bar in the lobby.
4. Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort
This villa-only property emphasizes on service and delivering a highly intimate experience for each visitor, making it one of the finest resorts for romantic getaways, couples, and honeymooners. It is also one of the top resorts for romantic getaways.
There are four distinct layouts to choose from when it comes to the accommodations, and the primary differentiator is how close they are to the beach. There are options available with an oceanfront location, a partial sea view, a garden view (from which you cannot see the ocean), and with or without an outdoor Jacuzzi.
There aren't any buffets here, despite the fact that you can stay here on an all-inclusive basis. Every day, the Tulia's Zanzibari chef will create an ever-changing lunch consisting of three courses and a dinner consisting of five courses. A breakfast-only option is also available, which is ideal if you intend to spend the majority of your time off the property visiting the island during your stay. Various local musicians will entertain you while you eat dinner (and sometimes even dance), giving you the opportunity to enjoy both activities simultaneously.
The resort provides its guests with water sports equipment such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, in addition to an e-scooter, so that they are able to explore the area surrounding the resort. Free airport transfers and a complimentary massage at the Tulia's holistic spa are additional luxuries that come with staying at this hotel.
5. Zanzi Resort
The Zanzi is yet another smaller resort, and although it is only around 30 minutes away from the airport, it gives guests the feeling of staying at a private beachside boutique hotel despite having only six villas and seven bungalows.
You have the option of staying in a bungalow or a villa, both of which include their very own private sun terraces and gardens. There are bungalows with one or two bedrooms, and some of them come with their very own little area of beach. You have the option of adding butler service, which will make your stay even more exquisite. The architecture and interior design are influenced by modern African aesthetics; for example, some of the rooms have thatched roofs and exposed beam ceilings.
A large swimming pool, an outdoor fitness center, and a spa that specializes in Japanese hot stone techniques are all available for guests' enjoyment. You are welcome to take the resort's very own ngarawa, which is a traditional fishing boat (similar to an outrigger canoe), on the water to go fishing or snorkeling.
The restaurant known as Zanzi may be found smack dab in the middle of all those beautiful gardens. Each evening, guests are treated to a three-course dinner with a selection of entrées from which to choose. Breakfast is served all day long, and lunch is served at midday. You can also eat in the privacy of your own bungalow, or the resort can set up a meal for you on the beach or on their jetty (both of which have excellent views of the setting sun). In addition, barbecues are served a couple of times per week.
6.The Relais & Chateaux-accredited Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
This five-star luxury eco-resort on Zanzibar's Paje Beach provides guests with an experience of polished, international five-star luxury on a level that cannot be found at any other resorts on the island. The resort is owned and operated by a family, yet it is included in the collection of premium hotels that are managed by Relais & Chateaux. This indicates that extremely high standards for both luxury and service are expected of it.
At the White Sand, guests have the option of staying in either rooms or villas. Villas include their very own private pools and offer stunning ocean views. Because each villa consists of two separate units, it is possible that you and other guests will have to share the common areas and utilities if you do not book the entire villa. It is possible to book a room in one of the villas or in one of the other buildings located in the garden. The garden rooms each have their own private patio with a hot tub outside, while the bathrooms in the villas are like something out of a five-star resort, complete with rain showers and outdoor bathtubs.
You have a choice between two restaurants: the Doors to Zanzibar, which is more elegant, and the Beach Restaurant, which is more relaxed. Both are excellent, but you need to make a reservation in advance to see either one of them. Breakfast and dinner are included in the base rate for reservations, and guests have the option to upgrade to an all-inclusive package. You also have the option to dine in the comfort of your own room or have a more unique eating experience, such as sitting at a private table on the beach.
related link: What It's Like to Stay at One of the World's Most Expensive Hotels: A Private Island Resort in the Middle of the Indian Ocean
7. The Residence Zanzibar [The Residence]
Even though the uneven dirt road that leads to this top resort on Zanzibar may be your initial impression, all of your future impressions will be of the tranquil beachside and exquisite surroundings. One of the most luxurious resorts on the island of Zanzibar is The Residence Zanzibar, which features a private beach that stretches for one mile.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the highest level of privacy possible throughout their stay at this all-villa resort, which is located on a lush, exclusive 80-acre estate. There are a total of 66 villas, and each one features a swimming pool and a terrace all to itself. The one- and two-bedroom villas are like miniature homes, equipped with enormous bathrooms designed in the style of luxurious spas. Some of them are right on the beach, while others look out into the grounds.
The luxury experience is elevated with the possibility to check in at your villa and the availability of room service around the clock. Guests also have the choice to remain in their villas. In the event that you feel the need to leave the privacy of your space, the villas also come equipped with bicycles that will allow you to explore the surrounding area, which may include nearby spice plantations.
When you're hungry, you have a variety of options available to you in terms of locations and situations to dine in. You have the option of being served on the beach, by the pool, or at the Dining Room restaurant that is located poolside. The Pavilion serves food that is influenced by both the Middle East and the Mediterranean, while the Dining Room is known for its world cuisine (of course, using spices that are acquired locally).
8. Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
The Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar is situated directly on the powdery white sands of Nungwi Beach, often considered to be among the finest beaches in all of Africa. RIU is a significant resort corporation that operates approximately one hundred resorts all over the world, the vast majority of which offer all-inclusive holiday packages, and they are experts in providing such getaways. When it comes to lodging, activities, and food, the resort offers a little something for everyone, so it doesn't matter if you're traveling to Zanzibar with your family, your significant other, or your group of friends; you won't be disappointed.
At the Riu Palace, there are no standard hotel rooms; instead, all of the junior suites and full suites are equipped with their very own private balcony or terrace, in addition to complimentary high-speed internet access. Intricate tilework and beautiful stone bowl sinks carved by hand can be seen in bathrooms designed in the spa tradition. The ocean can be seen from the premium rooms, while the courtyard can be seen from the standard suites. Villas and beachfront villas, each with their own private pool, are also available for individuals who are looking for the highest possible level of luxury throughout their stay.
There are daily entertainment and activity programs geared toward children aged 4 to 12 as well as adults. The evening features live music as well as other forms of adult entertainment. Everything you need to have a good time at the beach is provided, including canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. You can also take a complimentary scuba diving lesson in the resort's pool (there is a dive program at the resort for certified divers). The Riu Palace features a sizable fitness center in addition to an extensive array of different fitness classes. Classes in aerobics, yoga, and Pilates are just some of the activities that are included as part of the all-inclusive package.
The meals are served in a buffet format with show-cooking stations. They have themed meals twice a week, such as Italian night and barbecue night, for example. You are need to make reservations in order to eat at any of the resort's three table-service restaurants, which are included in the price of the all-inclusive package. The first restaurant is a steakhouse, the second specializes on Asian fusion cuisine, and the third serves only fresh seafood. You also have the option of dining in the privacy of your own suite, or the resort can arrange a candlelit meal for two on the beach or by the pool.
9. Park Hyatt Zanzibar
The Park Hyatt is one of a kind due to the fact that it is the most convenient resort in all of Zanzibar to stay at if you wish to be located in Stone Town, which is the historic district of the capital city. Stone Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be readily explored on foot by visitors staying at this hotel because of its convenient location close to a number of important landmarks, including the Old Fort and Mercury House. It is similar to an urban resort, except it is located directly on the beach and provides all of the beach activities that you could want, such as snorkeling and kayaking.
It might be difficult to obtain a polished, international level of basic luxury and service in Zanzibar, especially in Stone Town. The Park Hyatt provides this degree of luxury and service for its guests. The resort has 67 rooms, some of which have direct access to the beach and others of which overlook the city of Stone Town. The rooms and suites are spacious, decorated in a contemporary manner, and equipped with the most up-to-date technical conveniences available, such as digital climate controls, complimentary high-speed wireless internet access, and a large 46-inch high-definition television with full connection.
Each bathroom features a rainfall shower, a separate bathtub, and high-end bath items as standard. There are 11 suites available at the hotel, some of which have multiple bedrooms and large oceanfront terraces that are fully furnished. They additionally install an HDTV that is 55 inches in size in the living room.
Stone Town's bewildering variety of Zanzibari street cuisine and restaurants are conveniently located a short distance away and can be reached on foot, but the resort also features its own dining alternatives. In homage to the Arabic culture that influenced the construction of the island, the Dining Room was created to feel like the welcoming atmosphere of an Omani household. The Library and the Veranda, which is located outside, both serve lighter fare for lunch and dinner (they serve food until midnight), and the menu in the Living Room is available throughout the day. You may also eat in the Pool Lounge, which is located right next to the ocean-view infinity pool, or you can request food to be delivered to your room, which is an option that is available around the clock.
10. Zuri Zanzibar
This stunning beachfront hotel was created using environmentally responsible design and construction practices, and it features bungalows, suites, and villas that together create a private and tranquil luxury resort atmosphere. The Zuri is located on Unguja Beach, which is in the northwest part of the island. The hotel is approximately a 90-minute drive from both the airport and the ferry station.
The private beach of the resort, which faces west and is surrounded by a coral reef, is accessible for swimming at any time of the day and is ideal for snorkeling or even scuba diving. In addition to these activities, guests are welcome to swim, relax on a raft, body surf, paddleboard, or kayak. Guests are invited to participate in what is known as a Sunset Zuri party on the beach a few times per week around sundown. The party features a local DJ or live band.
The accommodations have furniture that is up to date, architectural aspects that are classic, and artwork created by local artisans. They offer indoor-outdoor living in a tropical setting and come with equipped patios. The majority of the villas are ocean-facing, and the garden include bungalows, which are comprised of one huge room, as well as suites, which feature a living area in addition to a bedroom that is located in a separate section. All of the bathrooms are lavish, and some even have outdoor showers. The suites also feature outdoor Jacuzzis, and many villas come with their very own private beaches.
Breakfast and dinner are included in the room fee, and guests also have the option to upgrade to an all-inclusive or full-board package. Upendo, the resort's primary restaurant, offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and the ocean beyond. Breakfast and dinner are both offered there. The cuisine is from around the world, with a particular emphasis on African cuisine.
At Maisha, guests can enjoy a meal by the pool from a menu that features a novel blend of European and Indian Ocean cuisine during the day and cuisine from the Middle East and Oman in the evening. In addition, there is a restaurant on the beach called Beach as well as a lounge called Dhow that is only accessible to those staying in suites or villas. It is possible to arrange for "Dining by Design" events, as well as private dinners on the beach and in various areas throughout the resort.
The resort also offers a program called Wellbeing by Elements, which aims to nourish both your mind and spirit. In order to nourish the full being, Zuri offers everything from specialized meals to meditation and art therapy to yoga and other forms of physical activity. The MAUA spa offers more conventional forms of body and beauty care.
11. Melia Zanzibar
The Melia Zanzibar is a huge beach resort that offers all-inclusive services. It is situated on 40 acres of land and has more than 300 meters of sandy beachfront. Because of the coral reef that is located immediately offshore, the beach is a safe spot for swimming and playing because it is sheltered from currents and riptides.
The Melia provides guests with a selection of many different types of hotel rooms and suites to choose from, ranging from standard rooms with a view of the garden that are ideal for budget-conscious tourists to expansive private villas that are perfect for those who are looking for an exclusive and luxurious experience. Every accommodation has its own private balcony or terrace, and some of the apartments even have outdoor tropical showers.
Guests staying in villas have the option of purchasing a butler service, which is included in the Level VIP plan. Guests also receive local phones so they can text their butler immediately. Adults are restricted from staying in the hotel's more intimate seaside suites and villas. There is a selection of family rooms available, each of which has a private bedroom in addition to spacious living and eating areas.
The Level of the Melia Zanzibar provides guests with a comprehensive VIP experience. It features VIP handling during check-in, a Level club lounge that serves food around the clock, specially enhanced lodgings, priority bookings at the restaurants, everything being included in the package, and access to unique Level-exclusive places in the restaurants, the pool, and on the beach.
There are a total of five distinct settings to choose from while planning a meal, with the Jetty Lounge serving as the standout option. At the very end of a very long jetty, there is a restaurant with an international cuisine that serves tasting plates and other small snacks nearly directly over the water. Level and Premium guests, including those staying in suites and villas, get exclusive access to the Aqua restaurant. The primary restaurant is called Spices, and it features a buffet as well as three different show-cooking stations. There is also seating available in the garden, which is located outside.
Chumbe Island Coral Park comes in at number 12.
This is a true one-of-a-kind lodging option, and it is Zanzibar's greatest resort, if you want to appreciate the natural beauty of the island in its pristine state while having as little of an influence as possible on the environment. The formerly uninhabited Chumbe Island is now home to a wildlife sanctuary that serves as a non-profit, all-inclusive eco-resort developed for the purpose of conservation and sustainable management of the island's resources. The island is home to a protected forest that is home to a wide variety of flora and animals, as well as a sanctuary for coral reefs that is located near offshore.
Each and every component of the eco-tourism resort was built with cutting-edge sustainability technology, with the overarching goal of ensuring that the resort leaves no trace on the surrounding ecosystem, both in terms of its impact and its carbon footprint. Everything is developed and made out of eco-friendly materials from start to finish. In addition to reusing rainwater and gray water, solar power and solar water heating are utilized. Rainwater and gray water are collected. To reduce their negative effects on the surrounding natural environment, some people even flush composting toilets.
The eco-lodge features seven beautiful eco-bungalows, each of which has a palm-thatched roof, a spacious living space with handcrafted furniture and locally-made artwork, and a hammock bed for guests to sleep in. The completely off-grid flats come with a sizable bathroom and feature an own power supply. Solar panels are used to generate electricity, and the sun's rays warm rainwater that has been collected and stored. The architecture of the open-air structure enables air flow and acts as a natural air conditioner.
The cuisine is not only excellent but also environmentally friendly and obtained from the surrounding area. In addition to catering to a wide variety of dietary preferences (vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher), the restaurant offers a comprehensive selection of fish and meats that are derived from local sources and practice sustainable practices. The menu is an amalgamation of Arabic, Indian, and African cuisines, just like Zanzibar itself, which is a melting pot of cultures.