Our recommendations for the best beach hotels in Zanzibar

A castaway-fantasy paradise off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, Zanzibar has always wowed with palm-swayed coral beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, spectacular dive sites, and wonderful weather. But it’s now shining brighter for its new wave of chic hotels and resorts, all of which are a huge draw for wave-chasers who like their luxuries. We’ve checked into the best places to stay in what 19th-century Scottish explorer David Livingstone described as 'the most beautiful place on Earth'.

Baraza Resort & Spa

The scene: Architecturally the most glamorous of Zanzibar’s new lodgings, this welcoming resort is set in 70 hectares of bougainvillaea, frangipani and jasmine along the white sands of Bwejuu-Paje, near to the island’s coolest kitesurfing destination. Trips to the reef that contains the only National Geographic dive site in East Africa can be arranged at the dive centre.

The sleep: The 30 one and two-bedroom villas tend to house families on one side and honeymooners and couples on the other. Complete with views of the gardens or the 240-metre private stretch of Bwejuu Beach, all feature Arabic, Swahili and Indian design, hand-carved furniture, beautiful antiques, intricate brass lanterns, and white and gold hues. Walk-in dressing rooms, well-stocked minibars, bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs, terraces with curtained daybeds, and private plunge pools complete the opulent touches.

The stay: Everything at this place warrants the price tag; from the oh-my wining and dining spots to the Swahili-style spa that features indoor and outdoor relaxation rooms as well as a yoga centre, fitness centre, and tennis court. There’s also a library, outdoor pool, PADI-approved dive centre, and a range of activities including Swahili history lessons, palm weaving on the beach, and cookery lessons held by the chefs who will teach you all about local spices. The resort also has a dhow for those who want to sail to the mysterious mangroves of Michamvi.

More information and to book: Baraza Resort & Spa

The Z Hotel

The scene: Opened in 2010 as the first designer-led boutique property in Zanzibar (minimalist fans will notice Philippe Starck’s stamp on the place), this away-from-it-all bolthole is located on the island’s northwestern tip. The sugary sands of Nungwi Beach are within rolling-out-of-bed distance. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is an hour and 40-minutes away by car.

The sleep: The spoiling and sleek rooms, suites, and oceanfront villas offer an effortless mix of comfort and contemporary design. All have marble flooring, Italian bathrooms, beds dressed with Egyptian cotton linens, bespoke furniture made from locally-sourced coconut wood, and French doors leading onto balconies or terraces. For families or groups of friends who need more space, there are two additional villas located just a ten-minute drive away in peaceful Kidoti (both have pools and are staffed with a chef, waiter, butler, housekeeper, and driver).

The stay: With a strong emphasis on relaxing, the facilities make the most of the bathtub-warm Indian Ocean waters; think scuba diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, sunset cruises, and bronzing to perfection on the beach. The hotel also boasts a large outdoor infinity pool, a mini spa for beauty treatments and therapies, and an on-site shop selling African jewellery, soaps, spices, and precious stones. There’s also an excellent al fresco restaurant for ingredient-driven cuisine and a relaxed bar for end-of-day cocktails, Asian-fusion tapas, and sharing platters.

More information and to book: The Z Hotel

Zuri Zanzibar

The scene: This high-design beachfront resort has peace and privacy nailed with an off-the-beaten track location in the village of Kendwa, around an hour from Stone Town and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, this is one of the finest stretches of beach on the Tanzanian archipelago. And the sunsets aren’t too shabby either.

The sleep: Spread across the grounds, the 55 thatch-roof bungalows and suites will impress the style-conscious. Complete with garden or ocean views, all have natural materials, comfortable beds with mosquito nets, walls adorned with African murals, and indoor-outdoor bathrooms with organic toiletries. There’s also outdoor terraces with wicker furniture and hammocks made for afternoon snoozing. If you need more living space, the salubrious villas feature open-air Jacuzzis, entertainment rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, and private pools.

The stay: In addition to a 32-metre-long infinity pool and a silky-sand beach with safe swimming waters, there’s an on-site dive centre with PADI-approved courses, a blissful spa for top-to-toe pampering, a yoga deck (private lessons are available), and outdoor ‘wild fitness’ gym areas. You’ll also find a fragrant spice garden where you can stroll, meditate, or take Swahili cookery classes. Equally standout are the on-site restaurants for European, African, Arabic, and Indian cuisine and the adjoining bars for sophisticated cocktails, fruit daiquiris, and delicious smoothies.

More information and to book: Zuri Zanzibar

Essque Zalu Zanzibar

The scene: Set in a natural cove and surrounded by powder-white sands, crystalline Indian Ocean waters, and gardens thick with tropical shrub, this contemporary-style property run by the Essque brand of hotels is set on Zanzibar's northernmost tip, near to Nungwi Beach. You’ll be a ten-minute drive from Kendwa and an hour from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.

The sleep: There’s 40 suites spread throughout the gardens and eight thatch-roof villas with either three or four bedrooms. All are designed to a high spec; think chic décor with Swahili touches, traditional artworks, neutral colour tones, and European-style furniture. Further amenities include shaded outdoor seating areas, king-size four-poster beds, personalised minibars, and flatscreen TVs with digital channels. The villas have private pools, spacious living and dining areas, and fully-equipped kitchens (there’s a private chef for off-duty days).

The stay: You’ll have access to a wealth of facilities, including a come-hither infinity pool, a blissful spa offering treatments with natural plants and oils, a small gym, and a dive centre for PADI-approved courses and a selection of non-motorised activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling (deep-sea fishing and water-skiing are also available). There’s also three superb restaurants for à la carte menus that draw focus on seafood and local cuisine and a jetty bar for all the sheesha smoking, cocktail drinking, and sunset watching you can muster.

More information and to book: Essque Zalu Zanzibar

Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa

The scene: A persuasive draw for those who want to play, relax, and retreat on Zanzibar’s north-west coast, this tropical charmer has a chilled-out spirit and an endless array of activities. Its secluded corner on the stunning Kendwa Beach puts you just seconds from idyllic white sands, non-tidal swimming waters, and comfortable sunloungers with Balinese-style umbrellas.

The sleep: You’ll feel spoiled rotten in any of the 72 breezy rooms, suites, or villas - all of which are light-filled spaces with a mix of contemporary décor and classic African design touches. Expect wood-carved fixtures and fittings, white and gold hues, stylish living spaces, and terraces for daytime lazing and sunset-watching. Amenities include air-con, ceiling fans, flatscreen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. The more salubrious villas offer Jacuzzis, private beach tents, and the benefits of a butler (some also have pools).

The stay: There’s plenty here worth sticking around for: pilates and yoga classes, a gym with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and optional personal training, and a tranquil spa for indulgent treatments and holistic therapies using organic products. You’ll also find two excellent restaurants for ingredient-driven cuisine infused with local spices as well as a couple of laid-back bars for killer cocktails. Equally alluring is the outdoor swimming pool, the nearby watersports centre, and the helpful concierge team who can arrange sunset cruises and island tours.

More information and to book: Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa

The Residence

The scene: Fronting a dazzling mile-long beach on Zanzibar’s southwest corner, this thoughtfully designed villa resort occupies 32 hectares of gorgeous tropical gardens. You’ll be just 20 minutes from the village of Kizimkazi and 55 minutes from Stone Town. Tours of the island’s famous spice plantations and visits to the nearby Jozani Forest Reserve can be arranged.

The sleep: The design style in the 66 freestanding villas draws inspiration from Swahili, Omani, Indian, and British cultures. You’re can also look forward to a private pool, canopied king-size bed, flatscreen TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee-making facilities, and oversized bathroom with freestanding bathtub and posh bath products. Best of all, there’s Indian Ocean views from every single room. A private butler service is available for the duration of your stay. The villas also have terraces with daybeds, umbrellas, and outdoor showers.

The stay: Away from the white sands, swim in the infinity pool, borrow a bike to explore the local area, and enjoy heavenly pampering in the state-of-the-art spa complete with six treatment pavilions - each with their own private garden, outdoor shower, bathtub, and relaxation area. There are two restaurants: one for international cuisine infused with Zanzibar spices and the other for gourmet fare with Indian, Arabic and Mediterranean influences. For those who desire total privacy, in-villa dining or private barbecues on the jetty can be arranged.

More information and to book: The Residence

The Palms

The scene: The exclusive sister property to Breezes and Baraza is located along Zanzibar's southeast coast. Not only will you have front row views of the award-winning Bewjuu Beach and the Indian Ocean, but you’ll be just an hour’s drive from the cultural wonders of Stone Town. Please note that this resort is for children aged 16 and over.

The sleep: There’s just six thatch-roof villas, all with a sophisticated design scheme that combines coffee, caramel and cream hues with dark grained polished floors and colonial grandeur. All have a spacious living room, dressing room, two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and a large furnished terrace with outstanding Indian Ocean views. There’s also a silk-draped four-poster bed, flatscreen TV with satellite channels and DVD player, tea and coffee-making facilities, and minibar. All villas have their own private plunge pool.

The stay: The ultra-luxe beach boutique vibe is best suited to honeymooners and couples looking for peace, privacy, and a personalised service. There’s a divine spa for feel-good facials, body treatments and massages and a water club for activities such as sailing, diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, and kite surfing. Further activities include Swahili lessons, palm weaving on the beach, and cooking classes. For eats and treats, the elegant plantation-style restaurant is perfect for tucking into mouth-wateringly good cuisine prepared with the island’s famous spices.

More information and to book: The Palms

Zawadi Hotel

The scene: The newest addition to the prestigious Zanzibar Collection portfolio, this ultra-luxe boutique hotel overlooks the white-sand Paje beach on Zanzibar’s east coast. Not only will you be only an hour’s drive from the airport and Stone Town, but you’ll also be within easy distance of Paje, Bwejuu, and the Jozani Forest Reserve that’s famous for its red colobus monkeys.

The sleep: Framed by swaying coconut palms and bougainvillea, the nine seductive villas look out over private plunge pools to the Indian Ocean. Complete with a chic and minimalistic décor scheme with off-white and cream colour accents, all have huge double beds with luxurious memory foam mattresses, flatscreen TVs with digital channels, and large bathrooms with walk-in showers and freestanding bathtubs. You’ll also have a spacious outdoor terrace with cushioned daybeds, bougainvillea and palm trees galore, and incredible views you’ll never tire of.

The stay: While it’s tempting to spend most of your time unwinding on the sands and listening to the sound of the waves, the PADI-approved diving courses and snorkelling trips to the Oba-Oba lagoon are definitely worthy of your attention. There’s also a 900-metre-long jogging trail with chin-up bars, benches, monkey bars, and a special set of weights placed at regular intervals. And it’s just as joyous at the bar and restaurant, an ocean-facing spot where you can enjoy spice-infused cuisine and refreshing drinks (a full moon party is organised here once a month).

More information and to book: Zawadi Hotel