Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles off the mainland. This East African island is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural fusion of African, Arab, European, and Indian influences. Zanzibar consists of many small islands and two larger ones: Unguja (the main island, commonly referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba Island.
Zanzibar is celebrated for its pristine white sand beaches, coral reefs, and warm, turquoise waters. It also boasts a lush interior, with spice plantations and the Jozani Forest, which is home to the endemic Red Colobus Monkeys.
Zanzibar offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Many are located along the coastline, offering fantastic ocean views and beach access.
This article explores the the best beach resorts in Zanzibar.
Zanzi Resort
Zanzi Resort is situated on the coastline and is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. The resort offers direct access to a private, secluded beach, creating an exclusive and tranquil atmosphere for guests.
The resort offers a range of accommodation options, including villas and bungalows. Each accommodation option is spacious and private, featuring its own pool and a patio that overlooks the Indian Ocean. The interior design combines modern comfort with African aesthetics, emphasizing locally sourced materials and art.
Zanzi Resort has a restaurant that serves a mix of international and Zanzibari cuisine, made using fresh local ingredients. The resort also offers a private dining experience where meals can be served at any location within the resort, including the privacy of your own villa.
The resort offers a variety of activities and facilities. The spa provides a selection of treatments, and there’s an outdoor pool for all guests. As for activities, there are options for snorkeling, diving, and various tours around the island to experience the local culture and history.
Zanzi Resort is known for its personalized service and attention to detail, offering a luxurious and comfortable experience for its guests. Each guest is assigned a personal service attendant who ensures all their needs are met during their stay.
The resort values sustainability and incorporates eco-friendly practices. It also strives to contribute positively to the local community, often employing local staff and sourcing locally made goods and products.
Sea Cliff Resort & Spa
Sea Cliff Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel located on the West Coast of the exotic Island of Zanzibar, near Mangapwani.
Nestled on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the resort provides stunning panoramic views and direct access to the beach. The setting is quite tranquil, surrounded by lush, tropical gardens.
The resort features 120 rooms, including deluxe rooms, superior rooms, junior suites, and luxury villas. Each room is designed with a Swahili touch to reflect Zanzibar’s rich history and culture and includes modern amenities for guests’ comfort.
Sea Cliff Resort & Spa offers two main restaurants, each offering a variety of dining experiences. The “Mangapwani Restaurant” offers a mix of international and local dishes, while “Kobe Restaurant” provides a more casual dining experience near the pool. There are also three bars throughout the resort.
The resort features two swimming pools, a fitness center, and the Shwari Spa, where guests can enjoy a variety of treatments. The resort also offers a range of activities, including water sports, horse riding, a kids club, and a games room. One of the unique features of the resort is its 9-hole golf course.
Guests often praise the friendly and attentive service at Sea Cliff Resort & Spa. The staff is dedicated to ensuring guests have a comfortable and memorable stay.
While specific sustainability initiatives at Sea Cliff Resort & Spa aren’t listed in my latest update, many resorts in Zanzibar undertake efforts to minimize their environmental impact and support local communities.
Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est
Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est is a luxury all-inclusive resort located on the northern tip of Zanzibar, near Nungwi. Set within an exotic tropical garden and facing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, it’s a popular choice for visitors seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.
The resort offers a range of accommodations to suit different needs, including luxury villas, suites, and rooms. Many of them feature stunning ocean views, private terraces, and modern amenities for comfort and convenience.
As an all-inclusive resort, Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est provides a variety of dining options. Guests can enjoy meals at several onsite restaurants and bars that offer a mix of local and international cuisines.
The resort features a salt-water pool, a fitness center, and the Mvua African Rain Spa, which offers a range of treatments inspired by African natural ingredients. For the active traveler, there are plenty of water sports and recreational activities available, including diving, windsurfing, canoeing, and a tennis court. The resort also offers cultural and nature excursions.
The resort is known for its attentive service and friendly staff. The all-inclusive package often includes not just food and drink, but also activities and entertainment.
Diamonds Resorts has a stated commitment to sustainability, with measures in place to reduce water and energy consumption, manage waste responsibly, and support local communities.
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Zanzibar – Nungwi
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Zanzibar – Nungwi is a popular resort located in the northern part of Zanzibar island. It’s ideally situated on Nungwi Beach, known for its beautiful white sands and clear, blue waters.
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Zanzibar – Nungwi offers a range of comfortable rooms and suites, many of which have ocean views. The rooms typically feature modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers.
The resort features multiple dining options, including a restaurant serving international and local cuisine, a bar offering a range of beverages, and room service. As it is part of the Hilton chain, the resort follows high standards for its food and drink offerings.
The resort has a variety of amenities such as an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a spa offering a variety of treatments. It’s positioned on the beach, offering guests easy access to the sea and a variety of water activities, including snorkeling and diving.
Known for its friendly and professional staff, the resort offers a high standard of service. Like all DoubleTree hotels, guests are greeted with a warm chocolate chip cookie upon check-in, a signature touch of the brand’s hospitality.
Its location in Nungwi means it’s well-positioned for guests to explore the local area, including the village of Nungwi and other nearby attractions.
The Z Hotel
The Z Hotel is a boutique resort located on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar Island, specifically in the region of Nungwi. It offers a stylish, contemporary setting with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.
The Z Hotel offers a range of room types to suit various guest needs, from Deluxe Garden View rooms to Roof-Top Suites, all of which are furnished in a contemporary design with modern amenities.
There are several dining options at the Z Hotel. The main restaurant, Saruche, offers an open-air dining experience with an African and European fusion menu. Cinnamon, the hotel’s café bistro, serves a variety of food throughout the day, and the Z Cocktail Bar is a great place to unwind.
The hotel features a mini spa offering a range of treatments, an infinity pool, and a private stretch of beach. Excursions, like dhow cruises, diving, and visits to Stone Town can be arranged.
Its location in Nungwi, a popular tourist destination in Zanzibar, means guests have easy access to beautiful beaches and the opportunity to experience local culture and activities.
The Z Hotel is committed to sustainable practices, which include solar-heated hot water systems, rainwater harvesting, and supporting local community projects.
Zanzibar Beach Resort
Zanzibar Beach Resort is conveniently located near Zanzibar’s main city, Stone Town. It offers easy access to local attractions and the airport, making it a popular choice for travelers.
The resort provides a variety of accommodation options ranging from standard rooms to spacious villas. Each room is designed to provide comfort and luxury, with amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, and Wi-Fi.
The resort features a variety of facilities including a swimming pool, fitness center, and conference facilities. Dining options typically include restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from local Tanzanian dishes to international fare.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring local attractions, relaxing on the beach, and participating in water sports.
Meliá Zanzibar
Meliá Zanzibar is a luxury beachfront resort located on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania. As part of the Spanish Meliá Hotels International chain, this all-inclusive resort is renowned for its beautiful setting and exceptional service.
Meliá Zanzibar offers a range of accommodations, including garden rooms, beach villas, and private pavilions. All rooms and suites are designed with an elegant, contemporary style and come equipped with modern amenities.
The resort features several restaurants and bars, offering a variety of cuisine options. From international buffet-style dining to beachside BBQs and fine dining experiences, guests can enjoy a wide selection of food and drink.
Meliá Zanzibar provides a host of facilities, including an infinity pool, fitness center, and the Anantara Spa, which offers a range of treatments. A variety of activities can also be arranged, such as water sports, cooking classes, and excursions to local attractions.
The resort is known for its high level of service, with staff members dedicated to ensuring guests have a memorable stay. As an all-inclusive resort, many services and amenities are included in the stay.
Located on a beautiful 40-acre estate with a gorgeous beach and an unspoiled coral reef, the resort offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa
Gold Zanzibar Beach House and Spa is a luxurious resort located on the beautiful northwestern shores of Zanzibar, specifically on Kendwa Beach. Known for its pristine white sands and brilliant sunset views, this beach is considered one of the best in Zanzibar.
The resort offers a variety of room options, from deluxe garden rooms to luxury beachfront villas, each equipped with modern amenities and designed with an African and Italian touch. Some accommodations come with private pools and ocean views.
Gold Zanzibar Beach House and Spa offers two restaurants and two bars, providing a variety of dining experiences. Their main restaurant, the Kilimanjaro Restaurant, serves both local and international cuisine.
The resort features a large swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness center, and a spa offering a variety of treatments. A plethora of activities can also be arranged by the resort, such as diving, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and cooking classes.
The resort is known for its high level of service, with staff dedicated to making guests’ stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Kendwa Beach is one of the few beaches in Zanzibar that is not affected by tidal changes, meaning you can swim at any time of the day. The resort’s location on this beach, combined with its lush tropical gardens, creates a tranquil and beautiful environment for guests.
Serena Zanzibar
The Zanzibar Serena Hotel is an upscale hotel located in Stone Town, the cultural heart of the Zanzibar Archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. As a part of the prestigious Serena Hotels group, this property is known for its elegant accommodation and high-quality service.
The hotel offers a selection of rooms and suites, all of which are designed with a combination of Swahili and Arab influences to reflect the rich cultural history of Stone Town. Each room comes equipped with modern amenities.
The Zanzibar Serena Hotel features a couple of dining options, including a sea-view restaurant that serves a variety of international and Swahili dishes and a coffee house that offers light meals and refreshments.
The hotel has a swimming pool and offers a variety of activities, such as dhow cruises, spice tours, and visits to Jozani Forest Reserve. In-house cultural activities and performances are also part of the hotel’s offering.
As part of the Serena Hotels group, the Zanzibar Serena Hotel is known for its high standards of service, with a friendly and attentive staff that is dedicated to ensuring guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Situated in the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the hotel offers easy access to local attractions, including the House of Wonders, the Sultan’s Palace, and the Zanzibar National Museum of History & Culture.
Sandies Baobab Beach Zanzibar
Sandies Baobab Beach is a resort located on the northwestern coast of Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania. It’s known for its picturesque setting on the white sands of Nungwi Beach, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Sandies Baobab Beach offers a range of accommodations, including beachfront rooms and bungalows. The rooms are designed with a blend of modern and traditional Zanzibari elements and equipped with contemporary amenities for guests’ comfort.
The resort features a main restaurant that serves a selection of international and local cuisine. Guests can also enjoy drinks and snacks at the resort’s bar.
Sandies Baobab Beach offers a variety of facilities, including a swimming pool, a wellness center, and a beach volleyball court. Activities such as water sports and local tours can also be arranged.
The resort is known for its friendly and attentive service, ensuring guests have a comfortable and memorable stay.
Situated on Nungwi Beach, one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches, the resort offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. It’s also relatively close to attractions like the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond and the Nungwi Natural Aquarium.
Pemba Lodge
Pemba Lodge is a sustainable eco-resort located on Shamiani Island, off the coast of Pemba Island in Tanzania. Known for its commitment to local communities and the environment, the lodge offers an authentic and eco-friendly experience in a picturesque setting.
Pemba Lodge offers eco-friendly accommodation in the form of seafront bungalows. The bungalows are constructed with locally sourced materials and feature traditional Zanzibari design elements.
The lodge serves meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood and organic fruits and vegetables. They offer a variety of dishes that showcase the rich flavors of Swahili cuisine.
The lodge provides a range of activities for guests to enjoy, including snorkeling, fishing, bird watching, and guided village tours. They also arrange boat trips to Pemba Island and other nearby islands.
Pemba Lodge is known for its warm hospitality and its commitment to sustainable tourism practices. The lodge works closely with the local community and contributes to local development projects.
The lodge is located on the pristine Shamiani Island, offering guests a secluded and peaceful retreat. The surrounding waters are home to vibrant coral reefs, making this a fantastic location for snorkeling and diving.
KonoKono Beach Resort & Spa
KonoKono Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury resort located on the southeastern coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania. Known for its pristine location and luxurious amenities, it offers guests a tranquil and scenic escape.
KonoKono Beach Resort offers a variety of villas, all featuring spacious living areas, private plunge pools, and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The design incorporates traditional elements with modern comforts, creating an atmosphere of relaxed luxury.
The resort features several dining options. There’s the main restaurant offering a mix of international and local cuisines, and a beach bar for light snacks and refreshing cocktails. Private, romantic beach dinners can also be arranged.
The resort boasts a spa offering a range of wellness treatments, a gym, and a beautiful infinity pool. Activities can also be arranged, such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and excursions to local attractions.
KonoKono is known for its warm hospitality and attentive service, ensuring guests have a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
The resort is situated on the Michamvi Peninsula, which is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Its location offers guests a secluded and peaceful experience.
Nungwi Dreams By Mantis
Nungwi Dreams by Mantis is a luxury boutique hotel located on the northern tip of Zanzibar, in the village of Nungwi. Known for its breathtaking views and top-tier amenities, it offers a memorable experience of the island’s coastal beauty.
Nungwi Dreams offers a range of accommodations, from deluxe rooms to rooftop suites, all tastefully designed with modern and traditional Zanzibari influences. Some rooms feature private plunge pools and terraces with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
The hotel features an onsite restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. There’s also a bar where guests can enjoy a selection of drinks.
The hotel has a swimming pool and offers a range of water-based activities, such as snorkeling and diving. The hotel’s beachfront location allows guests to engage in various water-based activities, such as snorkeling and diving. Excursions to local attractions can also be arranged including trips to nearby attractions such as the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond.
Known for its excellent hospitality, the hotel provides personalized service to make sure guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Located in Nungwi, guests can enjoy the beauty of one of Zanzibar’s most stunning beaches. The hotel is also relatively close to attractions such as the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond.
Dongwe Club
Dongwe Ocean View is a luxury hotel located on the stunning southeast coast of Zanzibar, right on the pristine white sands of Dongwe Beach. With its picturesque surroundings and top-tier facilities, it offers a unique and memorable island experience.
Dongwe Ocean View offers various types of accommodations, including sea view rooms, bungalows, and suites. Each unit is tastefully decorated, reflecting a mix of modern comfort and traditional Zanzibari elegance. Most rooms boast an ocean view, private balcony or veranda, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms.
The hotel features a restaurant that offers an eclectic menu with a variety of cuisines, including local Swahili dishes, Italian cuisine, and Indian food, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant overlooks the Indian Ocean, providing diners with stunning views. A bar also serves a range of beverages, including expertly crafted cocktails.
Along with a spectacular outdoor swimming pool, the hotel offers a range of facilities to enhance guests’ stay. These include communal lounging areas and services like laundry and room service.
Given its prime beachfront location, Dongwe Ocean View provides numerous water-based activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The hotel also arranges excursions to local attractions, like the historic Stone Town, Jozani Forest Reserve, and spice plantations, giving guests a chance to immerse themselves in Zanzibari culture and nature.
The hotel is renowned for its warm hospitality and attentive service. The staff at Dongwe Ocean View are dedicated to ensuring guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, providing personalized services and assistance whenever needed.
Situated on the beautiful Dongwe Beach, guests have immediate access to white sands and clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Its location allows guests to enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of the island.
Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa
Karafuu Beach Resort and Spa is a luxurious property located in Pingwe, on the south-eastern coastline of Zanzibar. Known for its stunning beachfront location and top-notch facilities, it offers guests a unique and memorable tropical experience.
The resort provides a variety of accommodation options, ranging from garden rooms to beachfront cottages and private villas. Each room is elegantly decorated and equipped with modern amenities, and many offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Karafuu Beach Resort and Spa boasts several restaurants and bars, serving a range of cuisines from traditional Zanzibari dishes to international fare. Guests can enjoy their meals in a variety of stunning settings, including beachfront locations.
The resort features a large outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a well-equipped fitness center. The onsite spa offers a range of treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The resort offers a range of water sports, including diving, snorkeling, and canoeing. Other activities such as beach volleyball, table tennis, and billiards are also available. The resort can also organize excursions to nearby attractions such as the Jozani Forest and the historic Stone Town.
Known for its warm hospitality, the resort’s staff strive to provide personalized service to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests.
Karafuu Beach Resort and Spa is located on a stunning stretch of beach in Pingwe, offering direct access to white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.