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Hotels
The Best Hotels in Zanzibar
Off the coast of East Africa, the Zanzibar archipelago is home to luxury and boutique hotels where you can stay. Our editorial team has compiled a list of the best 5-star hotels for a trip to Tanzania.
1. LUX* Marijani | Luxury Hotel in Zanzibar
Located on the coconut-palmed beach of Pwani Mchangani, on the island’s peaceful northeast coast, this Zanzibar boutique hotel by LUX* (which is behind some of the most beautiful hotels in Mauritius) is set against a postcard-perfect backdrop. But beyond its exceptional location, the property also captivates with its identity inspired by the island’s spice-trading past, at the crossroads of African, Arab, and Indian influences. This cultural blend inspires the Omani-style architecture, with a Swahili coastal touch. Whitewashed walls and coral stone, terrazzo tiles, and carved wooden doors reminiscent of those in Stone Town, the capital… Every detail tells the story of the artisans who crafted them.
The rooms and suites, nestled in tropical gardens just steps from the beach, are a sanctuary open to Zanzibar’s nature and light. The Deluxe beachfront rooms feature shades of white accented with touches of brass and wood, a nod to the island’s Arab influence. The hotel also offers two interconnected rooms measuring 76 and 85 m² that can accommodate up to four adults and two children.
The experience is also enriched by wellness and fine dining. The LUX* ME spa invites guests to slow down with massages, facials, and relaxing rituals, while the restaurants celebrate local flavors with creative cuisine featuring seafood, spices, and tropical fruits. Added to this is a collection of experiences that let you discover Zanzibar in a different light: yoga on a sandbar, a walk through a native forest, a visit to a spice plantation, exploring Stone Town, or a dhow cruise to the archipelago’s crystal-clear waters.
LUX* Marijani
82 rooms, rates starting at 184 euros per night
Beach Road, Pwani Mchangani, Tanzania
Official website
2. White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
The only Relais & Châteaux property in the country, this is one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful 5-star resorts. A total of 21 rooms, suites, and villas are spread across the property, some of which feature a spacious bathtub, a shared or private pool, or a garden. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly or romantic suites with views of the surrounding nature, there’s something for every traveler.
The highlight? The 525 m² family villa: 5 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a walk-in closet, and a rooftop terrace with hot tubs to complement the 730 m² of lush outdoor space.
At the Doors to Zanzibar restaurant, the chef presents a sun-inspired menu: garden tomato carpaccio, watermelon and feta salad, tuna tartare, El Almuerzo gazpacho… A refreshing seaside vibe that you can extend at the spa with an infrared sauna, jacuzzi, and hammam, before indulging in one of the in-house treatments.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
21 rooms, rates starting at 641 euros per night
Paje Beach, Paje, Tanzania
3. The Residence Zanzibar
Located in the southwest of Zanzibar Island, this idyllic resort on the shores of Menai Bay is perfect for a relaxing stay in a picturesque natural setting. The 66 villas are spread across a 32-hectare estate that guests can explore on foot or by bicycle. Each villa features a private pool and terrace, ensuring peace and privacy throughout your stay. The Pavilion restaurant will delight even the most discerning palates with dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Indian cuisines, while The Dining Room serves cuisine enhanced by local spices. As for the spa, the wellness center offers a range of treatments that perfectly blend relaxation and fitness.
The Residence Zanzibar
66 rooms, rates starting at 322 euros per night
Mchangamle, Kizimkazi, Tanzania
4. Zuri Zanzibar
Located at the northern tip of the island, Zuri Zanzibar, a 5-star resort hotel, is a tropical paradise on the shores of the Indian Ocean that opened its doors in 2018. The 56 bungalows, suites, and villas are surrounded by lush gardens and offer access to a unique white-sand beach. In terms of decor, the dark wood furniture creates an African ambiance, blended with contemporary design in soft, luminous colors. The three restaurants serve fusion cuisine with a variety of influences, which guests can enjoy in the evening while admiring the sunset. Explore the two magnificent diving spots right in front of the hotel and unwind in one of the massage rooms.
Zuri Zanzibar
56 rooms, rates starting at 540 EUR per night
Kendwa, Zanzibar, Tanzania
5. Emerald Zanzibar
A hidden gem located on the island of Zanzibar, owned by eight members of an Italian family who have been working together for 40 years, the Emerald Zanzibar is the island’s only 5-star hotel and a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World group. Its location in the far northeast of the island is ideal for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere. Its “Luxury All-Inclusive” concept allows guests to stay within their vacation budget while enjoying excellent food and a fully equipped gym. The hotel also features tennis courts, large swimming pools—including a massive elevated infinity pool with breathtaking ocean views—and a spacious luxury spa offering unique treatments and massages using local ingredients such as coffee, orange, and cinnamon. Its vast, pristine beach, lapped by turquoise waters, is perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and many other water sports.
What are the rooms like? The resort features 250 rooms across 7 different categories. They are bright, spacious, and extremely comfortable, with most featuring a balcony overlooking the lush gardens.
Good to know? The hotel’s dive center offers Zanzibar’s best snorkeling spots, located on Mnemba Island. Accessible by boat from the beach, Mnemba is a private island where, even if you can’t go ashore, you can explore magnificent coral reefs with a mask, fins, and snorkel. Note to parents: the large “Dolphin” Kids Club offers activities for children ages 3 and up.
Emerald Zanzibar
250 rooms, rates starting at 364 euros per night
Muyuni Matemwe Zanzibar, Zanzibar 919
Official website of the property
Its location, in the far northeast of the island, is ideal for those looking for a peaceful atmosphere
6. &beyond Mnemba Island Lodge
Want to live like Robinson Crusoe? Head straight to &beyond Mnemba Island, a 5-star lodge located on a private island less than 2 km² off the coast of Zanzibar. This paradise is located in a coral atoll northeast of the island, sure to delight all diving enthusiasts and nature lovers. Twelve spacious bungalows with rustic charm—known as “bandas”—offer a beachfront stay on what is undoubtedly one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches. Each guest enjoys personalized service that combines tranquility and privacy. Yoga classes, massages, and candlelit dinners are available à la carte.
&beyond Mnemba Island Lodge
12 rooms, rates starting at 1,832 euros per night
Mnemba Island, Tanzania
Official website of the property