Best Luxury Hotels in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Upendo Beach, a secluded boutique hotel nestled along a white sand tidal beach on Michamvi Peninsula, provides guests with luxurious villas and spa services. The largest of the three beachfront villas features 5 suites, a private swimming pool, decks and sea view, while two additional villas are ideal for couples or single travelers with a bedroom, a private roof top with swimming pool and sun deck. Families or groups can book the 5 bedroom villa on exclusive basis or book each suite individually. The beach bar and restaurant offers fresh seafood, local and international cuisine, while the infinity pool provides views of The Rock Restaurant. On Sundays, guests can enjoy brunch accompanied by music. Upendo Beach is a short 100 m from Pingwe village and 13 km from Paje village, with Zanzibar Airport located 60 km away. For any needs, 24-hour management and butler service is provided.

Rooms: 9 Stars: 4

Boutique Hotel Matlai is located in Michamvi, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It features air-conditioned villas with terraces, infinity pools and panoramic views. Each villa is equipped with a refrigerator and dining area, and the en-suite bathrooms come with a hairdryer and bathrobe. Breakfast and dinner are prepared by a private chef with both Kiswahili and international cuisine. The bar on the beach serves cocktails and refreshments. Guests can relax in the landscaped garden or hammock, or book a massage. Other services offered include grocery deliveries, a ticket service and a tour desk, as well as activities like snorkelling, darts and fishing. Chwaka Bay Conservation area is 5 km away and Zanzibar International Airport is 65 km away. Free WiFi access is available.

Rooms: 6 Stars: 4

Experience the pinnacle of luxury at Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort, located 27 km from the city of Zanzibar. Boasting an outdoor pool with waterslides, private beach area with beach service, and elegantly decorated rooms with private terraces, minibars, Nespresso machines, and private bathrooms, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Enjoy an a la carte all inclusive concept tailored to individual tastes, as well as complimentary one-way airport transfers, a one hour massage per stay, and unlimited complimentary yoga classes during your stay. Nearby attractions include Nungwi (36 km), Kendwa (34 km), and Kisauni Airport (29 km).

Rooms: 16 Stars: 5

Kizikula, a 4-star boutique hotel, opened in November 2020 in Kizimkazi. Just 700 metres from Kizimkazi Dimbani Beach, it offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, a private bathroom and a balcony, some of which have sea views. Other amenities include free bikes, free parking, a restaurant, room service, a concierge service, luggage storage and a garden with a terrace. Guests can enjoy à la carte, continental or full English/Irish breakfast. Jozani Forest is 48 km away.

Rooms: 11 Stars: 4

Karibu Beach Resort is the perfect destination for luxury in Zanzibar. Located in Pongwe, just steps away from the beach, this 5-star boutique hotel will open its doors in October 2021. Its air-conditioned rooms come with free WiFi, a private bathroom, wardrobe, safety deposit box and some with balconies and sea views. Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a terrace, restaurant and bar. Room service, luggage storage and a paid airport shuttle service are also available. Breakfast is served daily. Nearby attractions include Kiwengwa Beach (700m) and Peace Memorial Museum (34km). The nearest airport is Abeid Amani Karume International (35km). Experience a luxurious stay in Zanzibar with Karibu Beach Resort.

Rooms: 14 Stars: 5

Nestled on the picturesque Bwejuu Beach, The Palms Zanzibar offers a luxurious all-inclusive resort experience. Relax and take in the stunning views of the Indian Ocean from the comfort of your private plunge pool or terrace. Enjoy a range of activities such as snorkelling, windsurfing and diving, or pamper yourself at the Sanctuary Spa. The resort has 24-hour front desk, a swimming pool, PADI Dive Center, tennis court and tropical garden. The elegant villas are furnished with natural, warm colours and feature a seating area, satellite TV, WiFi and private plunge pool. Dine on exotic spices, fruit and flavours at the restaurant or enjoy a drink at the two bars. Stone Town and the Zanzibar International Airport are 63 km away.

Rooms: 6 Stars: 5

Experience the best of luxury at Smiles Beach Hotel, a newly-refurbished hotel situated on a secluded stretch of Nungwi Beach. Relax in the lush tropical garden or on the sun loungers and hammocks, and take in the stunning views of the Indian Ocean from the balcony of your air-conditioned room. Enjoy satellite TV and free Wi-Fi, and a carved wooden bed in each room. The beach-side restaurant serves Zanzibari and seafood dishes with fresh, local ingredients. Located 200 metres from downtown Nungwi and 60 km from Stone Town, the hotel is 65 km from Zanzibar Airport.

Rooms: 22 Stars: 4

Marijani Beach Resort, a boutique hotel located in Pwani Mchangani, is opening its doors in October 2021. Just 500 metres from the beach, the hotel offers a range of amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, garden and free private parking. Rooms come with a balcony, air conditioning and flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk. WiFi is available throughout the property. Within a short distance from the hotel, visitors can explore the Peace Memorial Museum and Kichwele Forest Reserve. The nearest airport, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, is 48 km away.

Rooms: 82 Stars: 5

Welcome to Paje Blu Boutique Hotel, a stunning 4-star hotel opened in September 2021 and situated just 60 metres from Paje Beach. Boasting an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge, it offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom, desk, bed linen and a balcony with a sea view. The hotel also features a hot tub, evening entertainment, room service and a restaurant serving African, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. For the little ones, there is a children’s playground. Bwejuu Beach is 1.4 km away and Jozani Forest is 18 km away. Enjoy the perfect getaway and explore everything Paje has to offer!

Rooms: 9 Stars: 4

Experience luxury at Z-Lodge Zanzibar, a 5-star boutique hotel located in Kiwengwa, just steps away from the beach. Enjoy the outdoor pool, garden and terrace with a bar, as well as air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private bathrooms. Snorkel in the area or explore further afield with car hire. Enjoy room service and a 24-hour front desk, plus currency exchange. Each room has a desk, bed linen and a patio with a garden view. Dine on American, Indian, Japanese and vegan cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Peace Memorial Museum and Kichwele Forest Reserve are within easy reach, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 43 km away, with a paid airport shuttle service available. Z-Lodge Zanzibar opens in September 2021.

Rooms: 27 Stars: 5