Best Hotels In Zanzibar Tanzania

Finding the best hotels in Zanzibar allows you to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean in total comfort. You can choose between historical palaces in Stone Town and luxury bungalows on the white sandy beaches. These resorts provide world-class service and fresh seafood to make your holiday truly special.

Exploring the island is easier when you stay at a well-located hotel with great facilities. You will find many options that cater to different budgets and travel styles across the main islands.

These are the Best Hotels in Zanzibar, Tanzania

The hospitality sector on the island has seen massive growth with a 30% increase in luxury room capacity recently. Here are the top-rated places that offer the best mix of beauty, service, and local island charm.

1. Park Hyatt Zanzibar

This hotel is located in a grand historical mansion right on the beachfront of Stone Town. It sits within the Mambo Msiige building which dates back to the 17th century. You can enjoy an infinity pool that overlooks the busy harbor and traditional dhow boats. The rooms feature tall ceilings and carved wooden furniture that reflect the local Swahili culture. It is a top choice for those who want to explore the history of the old city. The restaurant serves amazing spiced tea and fresh fish caught by local residents every morning.

2. Zuri Zanzibar

Zuri is situated on the famous Kendwa beach, where the tide never goes far away from the shore. This allows you to swim in the bright blue water at any time of the day or night. The resort is designed like a private village with bungalows set inside a large tropical spice garden. Each room has an outdoor shower and a large deck for relaxing in the fresh air. You can take part in yoga classes on the sand or enjoy a private beach dinner. It is the best hotel in Zanzibar for travelers seeking a modern and stylish retreat.

3. Baraza Resort and Spa

Baraza is a very luxurious resort located on the quiet eastern coast of the island in Bwejuu. The design is inspired by the era of the Omani Sultans with beautiful white arches and brass lamps. You will stay in a private villa that has its own plunge pool and a large living area. The resort offers an all-inclusive plan so you can eat and drink without any extra worries. It features one of the best spas on the island with traditional massage treatments. The atmosphere is very quiet and perfect for people who want total peace and privacy.

4. Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar

Kilindi was built for a famous musician and features a very unique style with white domed pavilions. It is located in Nungwi and sits within a massive garden that spans over 50 acres of land. Each villa has a private "wet room" that opens directly onto the forest and the sea. There are no glass windows in the main areas to allow the breeze to flow freely. You will have a private butler to look after all your needs during your entire stay. It is a very romantic spot for couples who love nature and creative architecture.

5. Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort

Tulia is a small and very friendly resort located on the rocky shores of the Pongwe region. It is famous for its excellent food and the personal care given to every single guest. The resort has a fun water slide and a beautiful pool area for children and adults. You can use the free bicycles to explore the local villages and meet the friendly island people. The rooms are very modern and feature high-quality beds for a great night of sleep. It has won many awards for being the best romantic hotel in East Africa.

6. Xanadu Villas and Retreat

Xanadu offers six unique villas that are designed with a mix of African and Arabian styles. It is located on the beach in Bwejuu and provides a very intimate and quiet experience. Each villa comes with a private chef who will cook exactly what you want to eat. You can spend your day in the pool or take a kayak out to the reef. The service is very high-end and focuses on making you feel like you are at home. It is a great choice for families or small groups of friends traveling together.

7. Melia Zanzibar

Melia is a large and professional resort located on the northeast coast in the Kiwengwa area. It sits on a high cliff and has a private beach club that you can reach by golf cart. The resort offers many different types of rooms including luxury suites and private beach villas. You will find several restaurants that serve everything from local Swahili food to international buffet dishes. It has a very large swimming pool and a professional kids club for families with children. The security is very good and the gardens are kept in perfect condition every day.

8. White Sands Luxury Villas

This resort is located in Paje and is the best place for people who love kitesurfing. The wind on this side of the island is perfect for water sports throughout the year. Each villa is very large and sits in a private garden with its own swimming pool. The design is very eco-friendly and uses natural light and local materials to protect the land. You can enjoy the rooftop bar which offers a great view of the white sandy beach. The spa uses local sea salt and seaweed for its healing and relaxing treatments.

9. Essque Zalu Zanzibar

Essque Zalu is found in Nungwi and is famous for its massive thatched roof and long wooden pier. You can walk out on the pier to enjoy drinks while the sun sets over the ocean. The hotel features an art gallery and a large pool that is perfect for swimming laps. The rooms are very stylish and have large bathrooms with modern showers and deep tubs. You can take a boat from the hotel dock to go snorkeling at the Mnemba Atoll. It provides a very active and fun environment for travelers of all ages.

10. The Residence Zanzibar

The Residence is located on a very large estate on the southwest coast near the village of Kizimkazi. You can use your own private bicycle to ride between your villa and the main restaurant area. Each villa has a large private pool and a beautiful view of the tropical forest or sea. It is a very quiet part of the island where you can often see dolphins in the water. The resort offers a blend of African and Indian cultures in its food and its decor. It is a perfect getaway for those who want a lot of space and luxury.

• North Coast: Best for swimming at all times of the day.
• East Coast: Best for quiet beaches and luxury private villas.
• South Coast: Best for dolphin tours and forest walks.
• Stone Town: Best for history, markets, and local food culture.

Other Good Zanzibar Hotel Options

Aside from the top luxury spots, there are many other hotels that offer great service and unique island experiences. These options cover different parts of the island and provide a variety of activities for your holiday.

1. Neptune Pwani Beach Resort: This is a large all-inclusive resort located on the northeast coast of the island. It features traditional Swahili architecture and two large swimming pools for all the guests to enjoy. The rooms are located in small cottages that give you a sense of privacy and peace. You can enjoy many different themed dinners that change every night of the week. It is a very reliable choice for families who want a stress-free beach holiday.

2. Emerson Spice Hotel: This is a very famous boutique hotel located in a restored merchant house in Stone Town. Each room is decorated in a unique way to tell a different story of the island's history. The rooftop restaurant is one of the most popular places to eat in the entire city. You can watch the sun set over the old rooftops while enjoying a high-quality meal. It is the best hotel in Zanzibar for people who love art and historical design.

3. Matemwe Lodge: Matemwe is located on a coral cliff overlooking the lagoon and the famous Mnemba Island. It is one of the oldest lodges on this side and has a very relaxed vibe. The bungalows are made from local stone and have large verandas with hammocks for resting. You can watch the local women harvesting seaweed in the shallow water during the low tide. It is a great spot for people who want to be close to the local life. The food is very fresh and often features local fruits and spices.

4. Kisiwa House: This is another beautiful historical hotel located in the quiet streets of the old Stone Town area. It offers a very calm and elegant environment with a focus on traditional Zanzibari hospitality and service. The rooms feature antique furniture and large windows that let in the soft morning light. You can enjoy a quiet breakfast in the courtyard before heading out to the busy markets. It is a very safe and secure place for solo travelers or small families. Many guests appreciate the quietness of this hotel compared to the busy harbor area.

5. Breezes Beach Club: Breezes is a well-known hotel that has been serving travelers for many decades on the eastern coast. It is famous for its very warm and friendly staff who make you feel like family. The hotel has a very large center for water sports where you can learn to dive. You will enjoy the traditional wood carvings and the many quiet spots in the garden. The rooms are comfortable and provide a very honest and reliable level of island quality. It is a great mid-range option for those who want a professional hotel experience.

6. DoubleTree by Hilton Nungwi: This hotel offers the reliable standards of an international brand right on the beach in the north. It features a very nice pool bar where you can sit in the water while you drink. The rooms are modern and have private balconies with views of the ocean or the pool. You are only a short walk away from the local aquarium where you can see sea turtles. The hotel is very popular for its breakfast buffet which has a huge variety of food. It is a practical and safe choice for any traveler visiting the northern tip.

7. Sea Cliff Resort and Spa: Sea Cliff is located on the west coast and features the only golf course on the island. It is situated on a high cliff and has a very long pier for swimming and sunset views. The resort is very large and offers many activities like horse riding and squash for the guests. You can stay in a room with a view of the mountains of the mainland in the distance. The gardens are very large and offer plenty of space for long walks in the evening. It is a perfect choice for active travelers who want to do more than just sunbathe.

8. Qambani Luxury Resort: This is a very exclusive and small resort located on the Michamvi peninsula in the east. It features seven large villas that are designed with a mix of modern and traditional island styles. The resort has two swimming pools and a very quiet beach area for its few guests. You will enjoy the high level of privacy and the very creative meals served every day. It is a great spot for those who want to hide away from the world for a few days. The staff are very attentive and will arrange any tour or activity you want to do.

9. Konokono Beach Resort: Konokono is located on the quiet Michamvi Peninsula and offers a very secluded beach experience for visitors. The villas are spread out among the natural forest to ensure that every guest has their own space. You can enjoy the large infinity pool that looks out over the bay where the water is very calm. The restaurant serves a mix of local and international food with a focus on fresh ingredients. It is a very good place to see the stars at night because there is very little light pollution. Many people choose this resort for its quiet and natural atmosphere.

10. Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort: This hotel is located in the south near Kizimkazi and focuses on health and relaxation for its guests. It features a very large spa and a gym where you can take care of your body. The rooms are built with natural materials and are surrounded by a garden full of tropical fruit trees. You can try many different types of local fruits for breakfast every morning. The resort offers boat trips to see the dolphins and explore the nearby coral reefs. It is a very colorful and energetic place that feels very healthy and fresh.

Conclusion

Choosing the best hotels in Zanzibar, Tanzania ensures that your island holiday is both comfortable and full of amazing memories. Whether you want a luxury villa in Nungwi or a historical suite in Stone Town, there is a perfect spot for you. Every hotel on this list offers a unique way to experience the beauty and the culture of the island. Make sure to consider the tides and the location of the beach when you book your stay for the best experience. Your trip to Zanzibar will be a dream come true when you stay in one of these world-class hotels in Tanzania. Enjoy the sun and the sea during your next visit to this tropical paradise.