Zanzibar is known as an African island paradise in the Indian Ocean, while mile after mile of sandy beaches to explore and relax on. Ungoja and Pemba are the main islands, and there are other small ones worth visiting too. This destination has a unique blend of cultures and has thousands of years of history as a major port. Take a dhow safari in a Swahili Boat, learn about spices grown in the region, explore local food markets, and see the colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest. Zanzibar also enjoys a warm, sunny climate year-round.
The group of islands that make up Zanzibar has some amazing beach and island resorts to stay at for a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of fun in the sun. Popular places to stay are luxurious hotels, all-inclusive resorts, campsite retreats, and beach home rentals. These are our top tropical resort picks for Zanzibar to check out!
Spice Island Hotel & Resort
Spice Island Hotel & Resort is well-suited for families, business travelers, and romantic holidays. It’s located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar between the Paje and Jambiani villages. Beach lovers will enjoy that it’s next to a main beach and has a private stretch of beach too. There are spacious apartments to choose from surrounded by a botanical garden, an on-site restaurant that serves popular Zanzibar dishes, a spa and wellness center, and guest barbeques along with live entertainment.
Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa
Guests can spend day after day at the Karafuu Beach Resort and Spa and never get bored. There are tennis courts, board games, billiards and ping pong tables, beach volleyball, and a dive center here to stay entertained. Karafuu also has multiple restaurants serving anything from international buffets to seafood specialties, as well as swim-up bars and a shisha lounge area. With a reproduced African village, Masai Village offers traditional Swahili and Masa dinners with traditional dance performances, while the lavish spa offers private ocean-view treatment rooms and a private sun deck.
The Manta Resort – Pemba Island
The Manta Resort prides itself on helping guests get as far away from civilization as possible while still being comfortable and pampered. This is a great place for nature lovers and travelers looking for a dose of serenity. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the local culture from the friendly family members on staff. This is also a great place to stay for diving enthusiasts because some of the best coral reefs in the region surround the area. Excursion offerings include snorkeling trips, dhow sailing trips, rainforest hikes, school trips, and sunset cruises. There’s also a spa, restaurant overlooking the ocean, beach lounge, and pool here. If you’re looking for a luxury stay, choose their famous underwater room.
Fundu Lagoon – Pemba Island
Travelers looking for a true getaway in Zanzibar will love Fundu Lagoon, which is a resort only accessible by boat. It’s located in southwestern Pemba Island and features Makuti thatched tented suites and rooms that are tranquil and embrace the natural surroundings. It specifically caters to honeymoon couples, small groups, families with children 12 years and older and corporate retreats looking for peace and privacy. Guests can visit the on-site restaurant, multiple bars and pool, as well as a spa that infuses local healing spices into its treatments. The dive center can help you explore marine life and coral reefs, and the beaches are right at your doorstep while staying here.
Breezes Beach Club & Spa Zanzibar
Breezes Beach Club & Spa Zanzibar is a romantic getaway spot that’s a great pick for foodie couples. It’s located along the quiet southeast coast of Zanzibar Island, and suites, deluxe, and standard rooms are available. Frangipani Spa is designed in a sophisticated Swahili style with spices and candles and offers treatments like Thai massage, Balinese massage, foot treatments, and safari treatments meant to rejuvenate you after long days of exploration.
Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa
Another award-winning resort in Zanzibar is Bluebay, which is located among 30 acres of tropical gardens and over a thousand palm trees. It shares a private stretch of beach with its sister property, Sultan Sands Island Resort, and rooms are bright and spacious. Fresh seafood and contemporary cuisine are enjoyed at the Makuti Restaurant, which enjoys magnificent views over the swimming pool and ocean. Alternatively, opt for the beachfront Bahari Grill, which is famous for its fresh seafood and Italian specialities. There’s even a kids club where little ones can enjoy cultural experiences, indoor and outdoor activities and even an introduction to the Swahili language.
Baraza Resort & Spa
Located along the Bwejuu, Baraza is a luxury all-inclusive hotel in Zanzibar that has spacious villas with one and two bedrooms. This is a family-friendly option with family villas on one side and honeymooner villas on the other. There’s even a kids’ club onsite so parents can enjoy some quiet time and relaxation. The white sandy beach is right outside, and the luxurious pa is decorated in the style of an Arabian harem with gold and silk. Also, the shop inside the hotel sells beautiful jewelry and silk kaftans.
Chapwani Private Island Resort
What could be more exotic or remote than a private island? Chapwani is located among coral reefs and blue ocean waters and sits on 12 acres northwest of Zanzibar town. You can only reach the resort by 15-minute boat ride, with relaxing massages, an outdoor pool, snorkeling and excursions to nearby islands waiting for you when you arrive. This is a great place to get away from it distractions and technology since there are no phones or TVs in the rooms, yet plenty of nature in all directions. You can also enjoy deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, sunset sailing and birdwatching.
