Located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, Zanzibar (locally known as Unguja) is a tropical paradise known for its idyllic beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. The island, also called the “Spice Island,” boasts a unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences, making it a truly diverse and enchanting destination.
When considering hotels the island offers three major areas, each offering something for everyone. The north with the main cities of Nungwi and Kendwa, have resorts and great diving and snorkeling spots. The south and south-eastern side host Zanzibar city, with the bustling streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town, and the small fishing village of Kizimkazi. The eastern side of the island is a long stretch of white powdery sand beaches facing the Indian ocean, with popular resort cities such as Paje and Jambiani.
In this hotels roundup I will cover some of the best accommodations of this wonderful island. Because of it’s world renowned beaches I will concentrate mostly on the resorts and beach accommodations
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$$$ Luxury
Essque Zalu Zanzibar
The luxurious Essque Zalu Zanzibar is a beachside resort located in Nungwi, boasting stunning views of the Indian Ocean and a lush forest. The resort features a large outdoor pool and a spa, with direct access to the beach for guests. The spacious suites are a blend of contemporary and Swahili design and come with either ocean or garden views from a balcony or terrace. Each suite is equipped with air conditioning, a mini-bar, and a bedroom, living area, and bathroom. The resort also offers 3 restaurants and 3 bars, including The Jetty, which serves modern Arabic cuisine, and The Market Kitchen, which offers fine dining options. Guests can also enjoy snacks, cocktails, and refreshments at the 1506 Bar and Terrace, The Jetty, and The Baobab Bar.
| Overall (based on 90 verified reviews) | 88 |
| Cleanliness | 94 |
| Staff & service | 88 |
| Amenities | 88 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 92 |
| Eco-friendliness | 76 |
Xanadu Villas & Retreat
Xanadu Villas & Retreat is a resort located in Bwejuu that offers a restaurant, spa center, year-round outdoor pool, private beach area and bar. Free WiFi and parking are available for guests. All rooms have a balcony with pool view and some also have a patio. The resort has a 24-hour front desk, private butler service, shared lounge, hairdresser’s, and gift shop. Water sports and bike hire are available, and guests can also enjoy activities like snorkeling and diving. Car hire is also provided. The resort is close to Breezes Beach Club & Rising Sun Dove Center and African Blue Divers, and the nearest airport is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
| Overall (based on 1 verified review) | 100 |
| Cleanliness | 100 |
| Staff & service | 100 |
| Amenities | 100 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 100 |
| Eco-friendliness | 100 |
The Residence Zanzibar
The Residence Zanzibar is a luxurious resort located on a white sand beach, a 55-minute drive from Zanzibar City. The property offers free WiFi and a garden. Adult guests can relax at the Jetty Lounge Bar. The villas at the resort offer views of the garden, pool, or ocean and come equipped with air conditioning, private pools, and flat screen TVs with satellite channels. There is also a mini-bar and coffee maker in each villa, as well as a private bathroom with toiletries. The property serves an American breakfast and has two restaurants on site. Other amenities include a glass-walled swimming pool, spa, wellness center, and fitness center. Guests can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, visits to a nearby forest reserve, and dolphin safaris. The village of Kizimkazi is just 20 minutes away by car.
| Overall (based on 139 verified reviews) | 90 |
| Cleanliness | 94 |
| Staff & service | 92 |
| Amenities | 88 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 92 |
| Eco-friendliness | 86 |
Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa – Deluxe All Inclusive
Kilindi Zanzibar is a luxurious beachfront resort located on the north-west coast. The resort offers modern pavilion-style accommodations with private plunge pools and open-air living areas, as well as spa facilities and an infinity pool. Guests can enjoy various dining options including private dinners, a beachfront restaurant, and a shisha lounge. The resort also offers activities such as fishing, snorkeling, diving, and canoeing. Zanzibar Airport is about an hour’s drive away from the resort.
| Overall (based on 50 verified reviews) | 94 |
| Cleanliness | 98 |
| Staff & service | 96 |
| Amenities | 96 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 98 |
| Eco-friendliness | 96 |
Kilindi Zanzibar
Kilindi Zanzibar is a luxurious beachfront resort located on the north-west coast. The resort offers modern pavilion-style accommodations with private plunge pools and open-air living areas, as well as spa facilities and an infinity pool. Guests can enjoy various dining options including private dinners, a beachfront restaurant, and a shisha lounge. The resort also offers activities such as fishing, snorkeling, diving, and canoeing. Zanzibar Airport is about an hour’s drive away from the resort.
| Overall (based on 18 verified reviews) | 92 |
| Cleanliness | 92 |
| Staff & service | 96 |
| Amenities | 82 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 88 |
| Eco-friendliness | 70 |
Safira Blu Luxury Resort & Villas
Safira Blu Luxury Resort & Villas is a 5-star hotel located in Nungwi. It offers amenities such as free bike rentals, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and room service. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a kitchenette, and a private bathroom. Some rooms have balconies. The hotel serves continental breakfast and guests can use the hot tub. Activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and games like pool, ping pong, and darts are available. The nearest airport is 40 miles away.
| Overall (based on 1 verified review) | 100 |
| Cleanliness | 100 |
| Staff & service | 100 |
| Amenities | 100 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 100 |
| Eco-friendliness | 100 |
Zuri Zanzibar
Zuri Zanzibar is a beachfront resort in Kendwa Beach, offering guests a private beach and free WiFi. The property also has an outdoor pool, garden, terrace, and bar. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a wardrobe, desk, and flat screen TV. Some rooms have views of the pool and garden. A continental breakfast is available daily and the on-site Maischa Restaurant serves Middle Eastern cuisine. Guests can also enjoy snorkeling and the nearby Coral Reefs Snorkel.
| Overall (based on 84 verified reviews) | 94 |
| Cleanliness | 96 |
| Staff & service | 92 |
| Amenities | 94 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 96 |
| Eco-friendliness | 96 |
$$ Boutique & Eco-friendly
Amani Boutique Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Amani Boutique Hotel is a 5-star accommodation in Paje, near Paje Beach. It offers an outdoor pool, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace. The hotel has a restaurant and air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private bathrooms. Some rooms have a balcony with sea views. The hotel also offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. An American breakfast is served every morning. Nearby attractions include Jozani Forest, located 13 miles away.
| Overall (based on 7 verified reviews) | 98 |
| Cleanliness | 100 |
| Staff & service | 100 |
| Amenities | 100 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 94 |
| Eco-friendliness | 84 |
The Nest Boutique Resort
Located in Paje, The Nest Boutique Resort offers luxurious 5-star accommodations with amenities such as a fitness center, garden, and restaurant. The resort is situated right on Paje Beach and is only 12 miles away from Jozani Forest. Additionally, guests can enjoy a bar and a tennis court just steps away from the beachfront property. The resort offers airport transportation and a bicycle rental service for convenience. The guest rooms at The Nest Boutique Resort are equipped with air conditioning, a fridge, minibar, electric tea pot, and a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. Some rooms also have a terrace and sea views. Free WiFi is available in all rooms and each room features a safety deposit box, bed linen and towels. The resort offers guests a vegetarian breakfast every morning. Overall, The Nest Boutique Resort is a luxurious and convenient option for individuals looking to relax and unwind in beautiful Paje.
| Overall (based on 4 verified reviews) | 80 |
| Cleanliness | 94 |
| Staff & service | 94 |
| Amenities | 60 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 100 |
| Eco-friendliness | 100 |
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa – Relais & Chateaux
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a high-end resort situated on the pristine beach of Paje on the east coast of Zanzibar. As a member of Relais & Chateaux, it offers luxurious amenities such as a spa, two restaurants, three bars and a kite surfing center. The villas are air-conditioned and include a private plunge pool, lounge and dining area, as well as outdoor bathing facilities. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in their villa or at the restaurant, which serves a menu featuring local spices, fresh seafood and organic vegetables. The spa, located in a tropical garden, offers massage rooms and hot tub access. The resort also has a large swimming pool for guests to enjoy. As part of its services, the resort offers free bicycle hire and can arrange excursions through the tour desk. Stone Town is located 25 miles away, while the nearby villages of Jambiani and Paje are within 0.9 and 0.6 miles from the resort, respectively. The nearest airport is Zanzibar International Airport, located 31 miles away.
| Overall (based on 69 verified reviews) | 96 |
| Cleanliness | 96 |
| Staff & service | 96 |
| Amenities | 100 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 98 |
| Eco-friendliness | 90 |
Jambiani Villas
Jambiani Villas is a accommodation option situated in Jambiani, spread over three properties, Kaskazi, Katikati, and Kusini, all located just a short distance from each other. Each property is situated right on the beach and includes outdoor pools and complimentary WiFi. The villas and apartments offer various amenities such as terraces, seating areas, and full kitchens equipped with refrigerators. The property also features a garden, barbecue facilities, and a terrace, with the Katikati property boasting a rooftop terrace and the La Shira restaurant. Other amenities include a shared lounge and free parking.
| Overall (based on 122 verified reviews) | 94 |
| Cleanliness | 98 |
| Staff & service | 96 |
| Amenities | 88 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 94 |
| Eco-friendliness | 90 |
Zanziblue
Zanziblue in Matemwe offers luxury accommodations with a private beach and beautiful sea views. The property has an outdoor pool, water sports facilities, and barbecue amenities. Free WiFi is also available. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, seating area, and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy a continental, à la carte, or vegetarian breakfast during their stay. The villa also has a terrace and offers bicycle and car rental services. Activities such as cycling and canoeing can be enjoyed nearby. Zanziblue is located near Dove Spot, approximately 5 miles away.
| Overall (based on 5 verified reviews) | 100 |
| Cleanliness | 100 |
| Staff & service | 100 |
| Amenities | 100 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 100 |
| Eco-friendliness | 100 |
$ Budget & Local experience
Blue Reef Sport & Fishing Lodge and Bungalows
Blue Reef Sport & Fishing Lodge and Bungalows is a lodge located in Jambiani that offers a restaurant and WiFi access. Amenities in the rooms include a private bathroom with a shower and bath or shower, as well as free toiletries and a fan. The property also features a garden, terrace, bar, and water sports facilities. Activities such as cycling, fishing, and snorkeling can be enjoyed on site or nearby. The lodge also offers free parking and a shared lounge and luggage storage.
| Overall (based on 39 verified reviews) | 90 |
| Cleanliness | 92 |
| Staff & service | 92 |
| Amenities | 74 |
| Property conditions & facilities | 84 |
| Eco-friendliness | 68 |
