The Best Zanzibar Resorts & Hotels PERSONALLY Reviewed

Are you seeking the best hotels in Zanzibar? The gorgeous island has a long, colorful past and has drawn in tourists for decades. They come to soak up the beautiful white beaches, warm weather, and the perfect relaxing stop while on safari in Tanzania.

When we arrived on the island of Zanzibar after driving across Africa for four months, we set out to find the best hotels in Zanzibar. After all, the hotels and Zanzibar resorts are designed for decompression after a long safari in Tanzania. It’s the perfect place to trade your safari outfit and binoculars for a bathing suit and coconut water.

The island’s coastline features white sand beaches and the turquoise waters of a tropical Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is the perfect place to sit on the beach, drink coconuts, and forget. However, there is depth to the sunny island, a history that dates back centuries and involves enslaved people, sultans, spices, war, and culture.

The Best Zanzibar Resorts & Hotels

Kilindi Zanzibar

The most exclusive of all the resorts in Zanzibar is, without a doubt, Kilindi Zanzibar. The resort is near Kendwa on the island’s North and is one of the top Zanzibar hotels on the beach. Its extensive grounds give plenty of privacy to its 15 villas that pop up from a lush hillside.

The white-washed domed villas feel like a sultan’s palace that should only be fit for a king or a pop celebrity. The resort was formerly the private residence of ABBA band member Benny Andersson. It’s the best hotel in Zanzibar for honeymoon vacations.

Privacy is key at Kilindi; each villa has two private plunge pools, an open rainfall shower, and a personal lounge area. The villas on the island feel at home and are decorated with few details. Guests will instead find small touches like seashells, a book, or a few pieces of furniture. Each room has a valet to deliver meals, plan activities, collect laundry, and assist with whatever guests need while staying at the resort.

The infinity pool at Kilindi Zanzibar overlooks the most beautiful bay in Zanzibar, filled with dhows and turquoise water. Guests at Kilindi are given complete freedom. Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be served anytime and anywhere. The food at Kilindi is superb, and every course is cooked from the freshest ingredients, as the chef opts to grow and buy locally. It is easily the best food on the island, but there is nothing pretentious about the atmosphere in which it is served.

We opted to always have breakfast from the comfort of our private lounge area, while lunch was spent around the pool, and dinner was spent in some of Kilindi’s secret hideaway spots. It may have taken some convincing for us to get dragged away from Kilindi. Kilindi may take the top accolade for the best Zanzibar hotels, but it comes with the highest price tag. See our full Kilindi review.

Kilindi Zanzibar highlights for us: Privacy of villas, stunning and secluded beaches, and the best food on the island.

The Residence Zanzibar

Another one of the best resorts in Zanzibar is The Residence. Guests don’t get a room at The Residence Zanzibar – instead, they get a large villa steps away from the beach. Yes, this place is one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar.

Each villa has a spacious bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower, bathtub, and double vanity. The bedroom in the villa features a king-sized four-poster bed that faces sliding glass doors that reveal a private patio. The room’s highlight lies on the patio; each villa has a beautiful glass-tiled private pool. The pools at The Residence Zanzibar truly sparkle.

We found it difficult to depart from our villa; however, the main pool and restaurant must be the property’s centerpiece. It was, by all accounts, the best pool we found on the island. The sparkling water of the massive infinity pool comes to a dramatic end, with glass walls providing light and views out to the private beach. This is where we passed our time – poolside with a good book and waiting for a singing attendant to deliver us ice cream daily.

The private beach near Kizimkazi is one of the most secluded on the island and one of the best beaches in Zanzibar. The white sand beaches here are perfect for those wanting a private beach escape. We started feeling too relaxed, so we took to the water with the resort’s paddleboards and some snorkel gear. We found plenty of activities at the resort to keep ourselves entertained, between birding, biking, swimming, water sports, and billiards.

The whole feel of the hotel keeps in touch with the island. The main reception is a large open building with ottoman-style archways and the scent of spices floating through the air. The restaurant serves up a mix of contemporary food and draws inspiration from the island’s spice history. The Residence has a clear spot on this list of best hotels in Zanzibar.

The Residence Zanzibar Highlights: Crystal clear pools, modern room, amenities, fast WiFi.

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is an exquisite hotel delivered in a way only capable of a Park Hyatt and is easily one of the best hotels in Zanzibar. The hotel finds a perfect balance between the brand’s signature look and the former palace the main building now occupies.

The hotel’s interiors embody the atmosphere of Stone Town with features such as intricate chandeliers, archways, lanterns, trellises, carved wood, and crown molding.

The beds are heavenly, the robes are fresh, and a TV is built over the bathtub. The room’s private balconies are a splendid way to soak up afternoons sipping on espresso from the in-room Nespresso machine. The rooms at the Park Hyatt are the most comfortable on Zanzibar.

Despite our views of everyday beach life from our room, we used the pool, gym, and hotel library well. The hotel pool is the perfect place to spend the day watching the lively Stone Town beach. When the evening rolls around, we recommend their happy hour, where we pick up two bourbon cocktails at half price and make our American selves happy. If you tire of the hotel grounds, the property is in the center of Stone Town. We love wandering the streets of Stone Town, which has all the charms of Arabic medinas but none of the hassle.

The Park Hyatt Highlights for us: Park Hyatt brand, balcony, fitness center, beautiful room, fast WiFi, comfort, and location.

Emerson Spice

Out of all the Zanzibar hotels, this one is the most unique. Emerson Spice is a restored Merchant’s House turned boutique hotel in Zanzibar in the center of Stone Town. In my opinion, it is the most unique and best hotel in Stone Town.

The hotel has eleven rooms that are all individually decorated and named accordingly. Our room was Semele, a room too beautiful for her own good, covered with pastel blue walls, stained windows, and ceiling-to-floor burgundy curtains.

The rooms are filled with antique furniture and rich textures. Small touches like locally produced soaps, towels, antique books, and even aircon are featured in each room. Passion has been poured into the Emerson Spice, and it is obvious. We felt as if we’d been cast away in the old days. Time slowed down, and we soaked up the atmosphere of the buzzing Stone Town streets from our private balcony.

Food at the Emerson Spice is a special occasion; eating here is one of the best things to do in Zanzibar. We dined in the newest addition to Emerson Spice, their Secret Garden restaurant. The restaurant is hidden away in ruins neighboring Emerson Spice.

Diners revel in the open-air restaurant while the head chef prepares most meals in a blaze of smoke on a charcoal grill. We couldn’t resist and went delicious with their seafood platter, a mix of fresh lobster, prawns, and barracuda.

Emerson Spice Highlights for us: The abundance of charm and character, Secret Garden restaurant, and its excellent location.

Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort

Pongwe is in the running for not only the best beach in Zanzibar but one of the best in the world. Taking in this secluded white sand beach can be done with the Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort, a quiet all-inclusive hotel in Zanzibar. Tulia means “relax” in Swahili, which is precisely how the intimate resort is designed. The 15 villas are spread across a lush garden and central pool bar.

Guests are greeted by a friendly staff and whisked away to rooms waiting with a bottle of wine, greeting card, and a bed of flowers. The rooms here are spacious, comfortable, and modern. The large king bed sits on a platform and provides views from the room to the garden or sea.

The best part? Tulia advertises the fastest WiFi on the island. As travel bloggers, we can attest and confirm that the WiFi at Tulia was indeed the fastest; we have the stats!

Tulia is an all-inclusive Zanzibar hotel, with inspiring food and cocktails included in the price. We spent the morning on the stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. In comparison, our afternoons were spent sipping pina coladas around the unique hotel pool.

The pool is also home to one of the only waterslides on the island. We could not resist acting like a pair of kids again and went for races down the slide.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort have local and international chefs cooking delicious food from an ever-changing menu. After dinner, the pool bar is the perfect place to relax with a nightcap while staring at the Zanzibar night sky. Tulia hit all the marks for us and had the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and intimacy.

Tulia Beach Resort Highlights for us: Intimate feeling with attentive staff, fast WiFi, beautiful pool and beach, and of course, the waterslides!

Emerson on Hurumzi

Located a five-minute walk away from the Emerson Spice is the sister hotel, the Emerson on Hurumzi. The building was built in the 1870’a by Sir Tharia Topna, a powerful merchant in Zanzibar. Just like the Emerson Spice entering the hotel is akin to being transported back in time.

There was no end to Stone Town when we entered our room as the city drifted in through trellised walls from the balcony. Our room, North, features a rooftop shower and bathtub that provides cityscape views. The beautiful antiques feel right at home in the room.

Dinner on the Rooftop Tea House was our most memorable in Zanzibar and should be experienced by all who visit Stone Town. Diners sit atop cushions and large Persian rugs on the hotel’s roof while a velvet roof dances in the wind. Evening cocktails begin at 18:00, and dinner is served at 19:00. Make sure to book a spot in advance as the demand is high.

The restaurant serves a blend of Persian and Omani food on a tasting menu every night. If you’re lucky, you can visit on an evening with live entertainment from one of the many talented bands in Zanzibar.

We enjoyed a healthy and light breakfast on our room’s private balcony when morning rolled around. The Emerson on Hurumzi and the Emerson Spice embody everything in Zanzibar, and you don’t leave the island when you lay your head down at night. You remain in its heart.

Emerson on Hurumzi Highlights for us: Rooftop Tea House dinner and entertainment, large and comfortable bathtubs, breakfast on the patio overlooking Stone Town.

Essque Zalu Zanzibar

Essque Zalu is one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar. This Zanzibar hotel is not for the faint of heart; at Essque Zalu, bigger is better. It is one of the largest Zanzibar resorts, but the intimacy of Zanzibar has not been lost. Essque Zalu Zanzibar sits at the Northern end of Zanzibar, close to Nungwi Beach.

The rooms are comfortable with large beds, patios, walk-in closets, lounges, rainfall showers, and a desk. We spent some time reading a book from our patio in the beautiful gardens of the Zanzibar resort.

Guests can spend their days soaking up the sun by the massive pool at Essque Zalu Zanzibar. The hotel’s location on top of a small cliff may not present access to the beach; however, what Essque Zalu lacks in the beach makes up for a beautiful jetty.

Yes, the longest jetty in Zanzibar resides here and is the perfect place to come and relax any time of the day. It’s also one of the only parts of the island where you can catch sunrise and sunset!

The hotel features two Zanzibar restaurants, and we decided to have dinner at both. The Jetty offers relaxed vibes and a grill. At the same time, Market Kitchen served up better meals in a more polished atmosphere. The restaurant staff impressed us with their attentiveness, smiles, and welcoming attitude.

We also loved getting in a workout with the fitness center after overeating the delicious food in Zanzibar.

Highlights of Essque Zalu Zanzibar: The intimate and picturesque jetty, well-equipped fitness center, and exceptionally well cared for gardens and grounds.

Boutique Hotel Matlai

Nestled along the picturesque coastline, Boutique Hotel Matlai in Michamvi welcomes guests to an idyllic retreat where luxury meets the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

The hotel features a collection of exquisite villas, each boasting its own infinity pool and showcasing breathtaking sea views. Staying connected is effortless, with complimentary WiFi available throughout the premises.

Indulge in air-conditioned villas with charming terraces and outdoor furnishings that offer stunning sea views. The villas provide all modern amenities, including a dining area with a generously sized table and a convenient refrigerator.

Dining at Boutique Hotel Matlai is a treat for the senses. A private kitchen chef is at hand to prepare complimentary breakfast and dinner. Each dish is a culinary masterpiece, from traditional Kiswahili delicacies to international cuisine. For an added touch of relaxation, the beachside bar serves an array of cocktails and refreshments against the backdrop of the ocean’s splendor.

For nature enthusiasts, the Chwaka Bay Conservation area is just 5 km away, providing an opportunity to explore local flora and fauna. Arrival and departure is convenient as Zanzibar International Airport is only 65 km from Boutique Hotel Matlai.

Belvedere Zanzibar Resort

Located on the captivating southeastern shoreline of Zanzibar, the enchanting Belvedere Resort awaits discovery within the quaint village of Jambiani. This charming beachfront haven presents a tropical escape with an inviting restaurant, a laid-back bar, and lush gardens that embody paradise’s essence.

Stepping into the world of Belvedere Resort unveils a collection of bungalows, each with its private entrance that leads to a picturesque terrace overlooking the mesmerizing expanse of the Indian Ocean. The bungalows, topped with traditional thatched roofs, are thoughtfully equipped with essential comforts, including a cooling fan, a cozy sofa, a functional desk, and a gracefully draped mosquito net that envelops the bed in tranquility.

A culinary journey awaits at Belvedere Resort, where breakfast is a delightful affair in the onsite restaurant. The bar complements the experience with a diverse selection of beverages, catering to every taste and preference. The resort’s surroundings offer a tapestry of activities to explore, from invigorating cycling adventures to captivating fishing expeditions and captivating diving experiences.

For nature enthusiasts, the enchanting Muyuni Forest lies within a convenient 5-kilometer radius, presenting an opportunity to immerse in the local wilderness.

Chumbe Island Coral Park

Chumbe Island is a protected private island near Zanzibar, hosts a Coral Reef Sanctuary and Forest Reserve funded by ecotourism. It is one of the best Zanzibar resorts for those looking to escape it all. Experience eco-bungalows blending seamlessly with nature, offering king-size beds, African art-adorned living spaces, and self-contained bathrooms. Activities include snorkeling, nature trails, and historic ruins, all complemented by a Visitor and Education center.

Full-board stays on Chumbe Island immerse you in sustainability, while a boat transfer from Mbweni, 6 km from Stone Town, ensures easy access. Embrace luxury, conservation, and nature’s tranquility on this cherished island getaway.

Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas

Presenting a delightful haven amidst the tropical beauty of Zanzibar, Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas stands out as a resort of distinction. Situated in the captivating village of Matemwe and merely 6 kilometers from famous dive spots, this is one of the best Zanzibar resorts to stay.

Indulgence reaches new heights at the in-house restaurant, where guests can savor the flavors of Africa and delectable fresh seafood dishes. Each room at the resort unveils a charming terrace, creating a private sanctuary for relaxation.

The day here begins with a sumptuous breakfast offering a range of options, including gluten-free and lactose-free choices. For an added touch of charm, the onsite bar serves as a gathering place for guests, accompanied by live Afro Funk Jazz music multiple times a week, along with lively afternoon DJ sessions on Saturdays!

Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas takes wellness to heart, offering complimentary yoga classes from Monday to Friday. Adventurous souls will enjoy cycling, diving, and snorkeling activities, all easily accessible from the resort. Guests can take advantage of free bike hire services to explore the surroundings.

As the sun sets, nearby attractions beckon. Mnemba Island, a mere 7 kilometers away, and the captivating Muyuni Beach, at 8 kilometers distance, promise unforgettable experiences.

Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa

Facing the tranquil shores, Emerald Zanzibar Resort offers travelers a personalized 5-star haven in Matemwe. Offering more than just luxury, this resort becomes a cherished retreat with its shared lounge, inviting terrace, and cozy bar. There’s also a kids club, making this one of our top Zanzibar resorts for families. The resort offers a sauna, hot tub, and well-equipped business center for relaxation.

Step inside the well-appointed rooms with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a handy fridge, and a thoughtful coffee machine. Begin your day with continental, American, or vegetarian breakfasts, setting the tone for culinary delights. The resort’s restaurant indulges your palate with African, Chinese, and Italian cuisine. Special dietary needs are met with vegetarian, dairy-free, and halal dishes.

Muyuni Beach is steps away, inviting strolls, while the enchanting Kichwele Forest Reserve is a short drive of 33 km. The resort provides a paid airport shuttle service to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, less than an hour away.

Kwanza Resort by SUNRISE

Facing the captivating shoreline of Kizimkazi, the alluring Kwanza Resort by SUNRISE promises an exquisite 5-star retreat. Stepping onto its premises, one is greeted by a serene garden, a welcoming shared lounge, and a picturesque terrace that sets the stage for relaxation.

Within this haven, guests are embraced by an exceptional experience, indulging in the flavors of the on-site restaurant, seamless room service, and the round-the-clock assistance of a dedicated 24-hour front desk, enhanced by complimentary WiFi throughout the property.

The resort’s leisure offerings are equally inviting, including an inviting outdoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness center, captivating evening entertainment, and an animated kids’ club designed to create lasting family memories.

For families seeking a touch of adventure, the resort boasts a dedicated children’s playground, while enthusiasts can engage in billiards, table tennis, and darts for added excitement. Just a stone’s throw away, the tranquil Kizimkazi Mkunguni Beach awaits, while the equally captivating Kizimkazi Dimbani Beach is a mere 1.9-kilometer journey away.

Book A Safari in Tanzania

Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari, you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book it for you. They suggested camps and lodges and then presented you with a large bill. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion.

Timbuktu is a new platform allowing you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day. You can select the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you through booking your safari. Experts on staff can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details like a travel agent. Another great option is Safari Bookings. Safari Bookings offers safaris all around Africa in every price range!