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Zanzibar, with its idyllic beaches, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals, is a perfect getaway for those seeking a luxurious escape.
From private villas to all-inclusive resorts, here are the top 10 Zanzibar resorts offering the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence:
Situated just 4.5 kilometers off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island Lodge is a luxurious private island retreat surrounded by spectacular coral reefs. Known for its intimate and romantic ambiance, Mnemba offers guests a unique blend of rustic exclusivity and natural beauty, with only 12 private beach bandas hidden in a tropical beach forest.
The all-inclusive rates starting at $1,650 per person per night (plus a $100 per person per night conservation fee) ensure an unforgettable stay, featuring exceptional diving, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters. Guests can enjoy daily boat trips for diving, explore vibrant underwater life, or experience intimate moments with dolphins and green turtles. The lodge also offers indulgent beachfront dining and a variety of optional activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, and deep-sea fishing.
With its serene environment and commitment to sustainability, Mnemba Island Lodge remains a top destination for those seeking privacy, luxury, and an immersion in Zanzibar's natural wonders.
2. White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa offers a unique blend of elegance, nature, and sustainability on the pristine beachfront of Paje, Zanzibar. As the only Relais & Châteaux property in Tanzania, this family-owned, award-winning resort features just 18 villas, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for every guest.
Exclusive Villas and Eco-Friendly Luxury
Each villa is designed with luxury and comfort in mind, offering spacious, elegantly appointed interiors with modern amenities. The resort is powered 100% by renewable energy, making it the first of its kind in East Africa. Its commitment to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly practices, offering a unique blend of mindful luxury and nature.
Dining, Spa, and Wellness
Guests can indulge in gourmet dining at two on-site restaurants, offering a menu inspired by the rich Swahili flavors of Zanzibar. For relaxation, the Senses Spa provides world-class treatments amidst the tropical surroundings, ensuring a serene experience.
Activities and Experiences
Whether you're looking to relax by the beach or enjoy exciting activities, Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa has it all. From water sports to personalized excursions, guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Zanzibar.
Rates and Availability
This luxurious property offers an unforgettable stay with a commitment to exceptional service and sustainability, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
3. Xanadu Villas & Retreat
Xanadu Villas offers an unparalleled luxury experience on Zanzibar’s pristine coastline. With just nine exclusive villas, this intimate retreat ensures complete privacy and relaxation, making it the perfect destination for those seeking tranquility in an extraordinary setting.
Unmatched Luxury and Privacy
Each villa at Xanadu is designed with your comfort in mind, featuring private outdoor spaces, plunge pools, and personalized service from a dedicated butler. Located steps away from the warm Indian Ocean, Xanadu provides a rare blend of African and Arabian influences in its stunning architecture and design.
Exceptional Dining and Spa Experience
Indulge in exquisite, all-inclusive cuisine crafted by both international and local chefs, using fresh seafood, organic produce, and locally sourced spices. Dining options include enjoying meals at your villa, on the beach, or at the resort's restaurant.
For ultimate relaxation, the Xanadu Spa, located right on the beach, offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Experience a tranquil atmosphere enhanced by the soothing ocean breeze.
Activities and Experiences
Xanadu Villas provides more than just luxury accommodation. Guests can explore Zanzibar’s natural beauty, from national forests and wildlife sanctuaries to hidden caves. The resort also offers boat excursions, including sailing on the 'Free Spirit', a private vessel, for an unforgettable sunset experience.
Whether you wish to unwind in luxury, explore Zanzibar’s vibrant culture and landscapes, or enjoy exclusive spa treatments, Xanadu Villas provides a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
4. Zawadi Hotel
Nestled along the stunning southeast coast of Zanzibar, Zawadi Hotel offers a private and tranquil retreat with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. With only 12 spacious villas, this intimate property provides the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, making it one of the island’s most sought-after destinations.
Exclusive Villas with Ocean Views
Each 100 sqm villa at Zawadi features an en-suite bathroom, a spacious terrace, and panoramic views of the ocean. Designed with an elegant, laid-back beach style, the villas offer a serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the beauty of Zanzibar. Guests can enjoy direct beach access, with warm, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling throughout the day.
Exceptional Dining and Personalized Service
Zawadi provides an all-inclusive experience with exceptional cuisine, combining international and local flavors. The resort’s dedicated team ensures that every guest enjoys personalized service, creating an atmosphere of ultimate comfort and relaxation.
The Perfect Location
Located just 60 minutes from Zanzibar’s airport, Zawadi Hotel is the newest addition to the prestigious Zanzibar Collection. It is positioned on one of the most coveted beaches on the island, where guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.
5. Baraza Resort & Spa
Located on the beautiful Bwejuu-Paje beach on Zanzibar’s southeast coast, Baraza Resort & Spa is a luxurious all-inclusive boutique resort known for its exquisite style and top-tier service. Recognized as one of the 60 Best New Hotels in the World by Condé Nast Traveller, Baraza captures the elegance of Zanzibar’s Omani heritage with Swahili arches, intricate décor, and hand-carved furniture.
Elegant Villas with Private Pools
Baraza offers only 30 exclusive villas, each with a private plunge pool, spacious rooms, and dedicated beach loungers, providing the ultimate comfort and privacy. Blending Arabic, Swahili, and Indian design influences, the resort exudes a unique charm, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an authentic Zanzibar experience.
Exceptional Dining and Personalized Service
Indulge in diverse island-inspired cuisine crafted from fresh local produce. Baraza’s all-inclusive packages ensure guests enjoy gourmet dining and a wide range of refreshing cocktails. With a concierge team available to personalize your itinerary, from booking dhow trips to arranging spa treatments, every detail is meticulously taken care of.
Frangipani Spa: A Sanctuary of Relaxation
The resort’s Frangipani Spa is a tranquil oasis featuring a lap pool with underwater music, offering therapeutic treatments designed for ultimate relaxation. This award-winning spa is highly recommended for those seeking rejuvenation in a serene setting.
Awards and Recognition
Baraza Resort & Spa has earned numerous accolades, including:
Condé Nast Traveller Hot List – One of the Top 60 New Hotels in the World
TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024 – Top 12 Hotels in Africa, Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Africa
Condé Nast Traveler – Top 30 Island Beaches, featuring Bwejuu-Paje beach
Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, family vacation, or just looking to unwind, Baraza Resort & Spa offers a blend of luxury, relaxation, and breathtaking surroundings, making it a premier destination on Zanzibar’s coast.
6. Fundu Lagoon
Discover pure relaxation at Fundu Lagoon, an exclusive beach resort on Pemba Island, nestled within the Zanzibar archipelago. Located along a pristine mangrove-fringed beach, Fundu Lagoon offers an idyllic escape on the southwestern shores of Pemba—a peaceful, less-traveled sister to Zanzibar's main island, Unguja.
A Unique Blend of Nature and Privacy
Accessible only by boat, Fundu Lagoon is the perfect fusion of luxury and natural simplicity, with twelve private suites—both hillside and beachfront—offering privacy, ocean views, and a peaceful jungle setting. Resort highlights include four distinctive bars, a stunning infinity pool, a relaxing spa, five-star diving facilities, and an open-air restaurant serving exquisite Swahili and international cuisine.
Luxurious Tented Accommodation with Ocean Views
With thatched roofs and tented luxury accommodations, each suite provides a sense of privacy and seclusion, featuring private terraces with sun loungers. The beachfront suites come with additional perks like private plunge pools and spacious decks. Rates start from $310 per person per night (based on double occupancy), creating an intimate island retreat.
Five-Star Diving and Marine Adventures
Fundu Lagoon is a haven for divers, hosting a five-star PADI dive center with access to untouched coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and dramatic drop-offs reaching 100 meters. Its remote location allows for an exclusive diving experience, often in serene solitude, as you explore Pemba’s remarkable underwater world.
Tranquil Activities and Island Exploration
Beyond diving, Fundu Lagoon offers curated experiences to immerse guests in Pemba's unique charm, from dolphin safaris and village visits to nature walks and spa treatments. This remote sanctuary is ideal for couples, families, and friends seeking an off-the-beaten-path escape filled with natural beauty and tranquility.
Please Note: Fundu Lagoon’s remote, quiet ambiance is best suited for guests over the age of twelve. Meals and soft drinks are included in the stay, ensuring every aspect of your holiday is truly stress-free.
7. Aluna Paje
Aluna Paje, located in the bustling center of Paje, offers a modern yet eco-conscious retreat that merges European architectural design with African-inspired details. The hotel is surrounded by preserved ancient palm trees, which rise through a sundeck where guests can enjoy the pool and bar. The rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the village—a particularly enchanting spot under a full moon, reflecting the meaning of “Aluna,” or “under the moon.”
Sustainable and Comfortable Accommodations
Aluna Paje features sustainable accommodation options, including furniture crafted from recycled dhow wood and decor created from repurposed materials like fabric scraps, milk cartons, and upcycled plastic. The hotel supports local artisans, incorporating Chako lamps made by local women. Room options include:
Family Room: A spacious 32 m² room with a kitchenette, minibar, and private terrace.
Twin and King Rooms: Cozy 28 m² rooms with terraces overlooking the garden and pool.
Apartments: Spacious 32 m² units located across from the main hotel, featuring large terraces, kitchenettes, and views of a nearby waterfall.
Activities and Relaxation
Aluna Paje serves as a gateway to Zanzibar’s vibrant attractions, from diving and kitesurfing to excursions like visiting Prison Island’s ancient tortoises or exploring Jozani Forest, home to the rare red colobus monkeys. The resort also offers a spa, a panoramic gym, and daily events for a unique experience each day.
Contact Information
Aluna Paje
Paje Beach, Paje, Tanzania
Phone: +255 777 515 483
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.alunazanzibar.com
8. The Residence Zanzibar
Nestled in 32 hectares of tropical gardens and bordered by a mile-long, pristine beach, The Residence Zanzibar offers a secluded retreat infused with natural beauty and luxury. This villa-only resort, located on Zanzibar Island off Tanzania's coast, combines elegance and cultural heritage with influences from African, Omani, and European styles.
The resort provides exclusive experiences, from spotting the rare Red Colobus Monkey to exploring Zanzibar’s renowned spice plantations. Guests can unwind with bespoke hospitality, luxurious amenities, and immersive activities that highlight Zanzibar’s distinctive landscapes and heritage.
Highlights and Seasonal Offers
Cenizaro Privilege Rate: Guests booking through Cenizaro enjoy special rates, including breakfast and dinner packages that enhance their stay.
Easter Joy Celebration: Between March 21 and May 31, 2024, visitors can partake in a luxurious spring holiday experience ideal for families and couples.
Contact Information
Address: Mchamgamle, Kizimkazi, PO Box 2404, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Phone: +255 245 555 000
Email: [email protected]
9. Zuri Zanzibar
Zuri Zanzibar offers 56 luxurious bungalows, suites, and villas, nestled within a lush tropical garden just steps away from the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean.
For travelers seeking a unique escape, Zuri Zanzibar provides an exceptional experience, blending African adventure with peaceful, scenic moments. The resort invites guests to discover the island’s rich cultural diversity and tranquil surroundings.
Location
Situated on the stunning white sands of Kendwa Beach along Unguja's northwest coast, Zuri Zanzibar is about 50 km from Stone Town and the international airport.
Culinary Experience & Wellbeing
Zuri’s culinary offerings showcase a fusion of European, African, Arabic, and Indian flavors, curated to highlight the best of Indian Ocean cuisine. The resort has three distinctive restaurants and four bars.
Guests can unwind with yoga, meditation, and wellness treatments, enjoy a swim or beach walk, explore the spice garden, or try Zuri's “wild fitness” gym area, catering to various wellness interests.
