Zanzibar moves to its own rhythm. Mornings arrive with warm Indian Ocean light, and evenings stretch long and golden. Somewhere between the tide and the trade winds, this island opens you up. Where you stay becomes part of that story.
From beachfront villas wrapped in frangipani to rooftop hideaways in Stone Town, this guide curates Zanzibar’s most memorable stays. We chose these hotels for their atmosphere, service, design, and sense of place. Whether you’re seeking romance, renewal, or adventure, your perfect base is here.
Zanzibar at a Glance
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Tide Tips: Kendwa is one of the few beaches with tide-free swimming
- Must-Try Flavors: Clove tea, tamarind juice, coconut curry
- Cultural Hotspots: House of Wonders, Forodhani Gardens, Old Fort
📌 Quick Picks for Every Kind of Zanzibar Stay
| Vibe | Hotel | Location | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peaceful + Romantic | Pongwe Beach Hotel | Pongwe (East Coast) | Secluded beach, barefoot elegance, honeymoon magic |
| Stylish + Social | Zuri Zanzibar | Kendwa (North) | Boho-chic luxury, tide-free beach, epic sunsets |
| Heritage + Culture | Emerson Spice Hotel | Stone Town | Rooftop dinners, Swahili charm, market strolls |
| Eco-Luxe + Wellness | White Sand Villas | Paje (South-East) | Kite-surfing, spa rituals, sustainability star |
| Intimate + Exotic | Kilindi Zanzibar | Kendwa (North) | Private pools, panoramic views, butler service |
| Seafront + Sustainable | Chumbe Island Coral Park | Off coast of Stone Town | Off-grid paradise, marine sanctuary |
| Under-the-Radar | Qambani Luxury Resort | Michamvi Peninsula | Saltwater pool, secret reef, barefoot vibe |
| Tropical Boutique | Matemwe Lodge | Matemwe (North-East) | Cozy cottages, reef snorkeling |
| Elegant Heritage | Park Hyatt Zanzibar | Stone Town | Waterfront palace, spa, Swahili architecture |
Zuri Zanzibar (Kendwa)
Best for: Design lovers, social couples, and sunset seekers
One of the few beaches on Zanzibar where you can swim at any tide, Zuri Zanzibar pairs barefoot luxury with community spirit. Thatched villas are nestled in permaculture gardens, and guests choose between quiet solitude or Swahili cooking classes, yoga, and sunset mixology.
Each bungalow features a private terrace, outdoor shower, and modern Swahili design. The property is entirely plastic-free and powered partly by solar energy, making it ideal for eco-conscious travelers. The on-site restaurant fuses international flair with local ingredients, while the beach bar hosts DJ sets and candlelit dinners.
Why it stands out:
- Swim-anytime beach
- No single-use plastic
- Couples’ spa packages
- Legendary sunsets
Nearby: Mnemba Atoll trips, Kendwa beach bar scene, Nungwi Aquarium
Check out Nat Geo’s suggestions for more eco-luxe hotels in Africa.
Emerson Spice Hotel (Stone Town)
Best for: Cultural travelers and romantic explorers
Emerson Spice is a restored Swahili merchant’s mansion, now a boutique hotel filled with stained-glass windows, clawfoot tubs, and carved doors. Its rooftop restaurant is an icon of Zanzibar’s culinary scene.
Each suite is individually themed, from the Arabian Nights–inspired ‘Kate’ room to the traditional ‘Camille’ suite, filled with antiques and handcrafted decor. The call to prayer echoes through the alleys while you sip hibiscus cocktails on the rooftop.
Why it stands out:
- Rooftop tea house for sunset tasting menus
- Walkable to Forodhani Gardens and Old Fort
- Unique Swahili suites
Insider Tip: Ask about the building’s royal history and the spice trade legacy.
Explore Stone Town UNESCO site
White Sand Villas & Spa (Paje)
Best for: Wellness-focused couples and kite-surfers
White Sand Villas combines privacy, eco-design, and healing rituals on Zanzibar’s breezy southeast coast. Expect private plunge pools, butler service, spa menus with baobab oil, and local village excursions.
Each villa has a walled garden, rooftop terrace, and spacious indoor-outdoor living space. Guests can try the Baobab Bliss couples’ treatment, enjoy organic cuisine, and take kitesurfing lessons just steps from their villa.
Why it stands out:
- Wind sports center
- Organic gardens & on-site juice bar
- Outdoor bathtubs under the stars
Learn about Zanzibar’s healing plants
Kilindi Zanzibar (Kendwa)
Best for: High-end honeymooners
With two private pools per villa and views over tide-free beaches, Kilindi is a dream of curved walls, canopied beds, and total seclusion. Originally designed for a Scandinavian pop star, it’s pure indulgence.
Each pavilion offers an open-air layout, panoramic ocean views, and in-villa dining from an all-inclusive gourmet menu. Kilindi is known for its romantic ambiance, attentive butler service, and architecture that merges Middle Eastern design with natural elegance.
Why it stands out:
- 15 open-air villas
- Personal butler
- Rainfall showers open to sky
Pongwe Beach Hotel (Pongwe)
Best for: Peace-seekers and barefoot romantics
Pongwe Beach Hotel offers one of the most private coves in Zanzibar. No crowds, no loud music—just hammocks, gardens, and a natural coral pool.
Thatched-roof bungalows face a pristine white-sand beach lined with palm trees. Guests can enjoy Swahili-style dishes with seafood caught that morning. At night, the beach is lit by torches, and couples dine barefoot in the sand under the stars. This setting makes Pongwe an ideal base for a slow travel experience, where time moves with the tides.
Why it stands out:
- Tide-dependent beach, magical at high tide (why the tides matter)
- Charming cottages, Swahili design, hammock lounging
- Beachfront candlelit dinners perfect for honeymooners (see why)
Related Reads:
- 10 Romantic Things to Do on Your Zanzibar Honeymoon
- Zanzibar Weather: Best Months
- 8 Things to Do Around Pongwe
The Palms Zanzibar (Bwejuu)
Best for: All-inclusive intimacy
With only six villas, The Palms offers exclusivity and romance. Villas include private pools, oceanview verandas, and elegant butler service.
Every stay includes full board dining, cocktails, afternoon tea, and spa access at the adjacent Frangipani Spa. Guests often begin their day with sunrise yoga and end it with a moonlit dinner crafted to their preferences.
Why it stands out:
- Adults-only, no-compromise service
- Onsite spa + beachfront yoga
- Romantic dinners by candlelight
🌴 What to Pack for Zanzibar
Planning your escape to paradise? Don’t let packing slip-ups slow you down. Here’s a quick-start checklist of essentials for your Zanzibar honeymoon or tropical getaway:
✅ Essentials
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and preserve marine life. - 🌬️ Lightweight linen wraps
Perfect for beach days, breezy evenings, or temple visits. - 🔌 Travel adapters (Type G)
Zanzibar uses UK-style plugs — don’t forget your charger! - 🤿 Snorkel mask
Bring your own for spontaneous reef dips and fish spotting. - 👙 Swimsuits + easy sandals
You’ll want at least two sets for drying and beach-to-pool transitions.
🔗 Full Packing Guide + What Not to Forget:
Top Honeymoon Packing Mistakes & What to Bring
Hotel Comparison Table
| Hotel | Best For | Price Range | Tides? | Spa | Sustainability | Adults-Only? |
| Zuri Zanzibar | Design + Sunset | $$$$ | No tide issues | Yes | High | No |
| Kilindi | Luxury Romance | $$$$ | No tide issues | Yes | Medium | Yes |
| Pongwe Beach | Quiet Couples | $$ | Yes | No | Medium | No |
| Emerson Spice | Culture Lovers | $$ | N/A | No | Medium | No |
| White Sand | Wellness Travel | $$$$ | Yes | Yes | High | No |
| The Palms | Ultra-Private Romance | $$$$ | Yes | Yes | Medium | Yes |
🔍 Final Tip: Mix and Match
For the perfect trip, pair a beach retreat like Pongwe or Xanadu with a night or two in Stone Town at Emerson Spice or Park Hyatt.
You’ll get the best of Zanzibar—its beaches and its soul.
