Zanzibar, Tanzania
Sand underfoot: the best resorts in Zanzibar to book now
Where to stay in Zanzibar for seaside luxury
There’s something hypnotic about Zanzibar. Just off Tanzania’s coast, this group of islands has been shaped by centuries of African, Arab and Indian Ocean influences. You feel it in the food, the language and the easy warmth of local life. These days, it’s also home to some of East Africa’s most beautiful beach resorts. Many are small-scale and locally run, combining local design with barefoot luxury. Villas framed by palms, open-air dining that focuses on local catch and coconuts and low-impact design that nods to tradition without feeling staged. From the coral coves of Pongwe to the west-coast sunset stretch, Zanzibar’s resorts invite you to slow down, dig your toes in and rediscover the simple pleasure of time suspended between sea and sky.
Top photography courtesy of Bawe Island Resort
Overview: Zanzibar’s best resorts
01
Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat
Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat sits along Michamvi’s southeast coast, the result of a South African couple’s vision for a retreat where privacy and design merge. Each villa is distinct, featuring organic domes, hand-carved doors and plunge pools formed from local coral stone. Inside, polished timber floors meet linen and woven accents, while the open layouts frame the palms and ocean. The on-site spa works with local botanicals and the restaurant’s Swahili-fusion tasting menus change daily depending on the fishermen’s catch. Privacy reigns, yet the service is intuitive. A private butler arranges everything from sunset dhow sails to a beach dinner under lanterns.
Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat
Zanzibar
Dongwe
Tanzania
Affiliate link (what is it?)
Photography courtesy of Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat
02
Ycona Luxury Resort
Ycona Luxury Resort is the newcomer that everyone in Zanzibar is talking about. Set on a secluded stretch near Kizimkazi, it’s a 2024 opening with an eco-first approach that feels ahead of the curve. The resort runs entirely on solar energy, recycles greywater through a botanical garden system and was built without cutting a single tree. Villas are sculptural, their whitewashed curves and open layouts framing uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Interiors are smooth concrete and timber, light and spare but not cold. At Ycona Luxury Resort, wellness is at the forefront. Start the day with a morning beach meditation session, followed by a plant-forward breakfast prepared by a Milanese chef. When the sun starts to set, you can enjoy inventive cocktails featuring local botanicals while taking in the sunset views.
Ycona Luxury Resort
Marumbi
Zanzibar
Tanzania
Affiliate link (what is it?)
Photography courtesy of Ycona Luxury Resort
03
Tulia Zanzibar
Tulia Zanzibar, set on Pongwe Beach, is the resort that bridges playful and polished. It’s known for its artistic flair. A splash of colour in an island scene often dominated by neutrals. Gardens bloom with bougainvillaea and tropical fruit trees, while the villas mix Afro-Arabic motifs with contemporary elements. It’s also one of the few resorts in Zanzibar that fully embraces inclusivity and fun. We love the complimentary services, you get your first massage and private yoga session for free. The energy at the pool area is lively, with waterslides, bicycles and cocktails by the infinity pool. There is also an on-site restaurant that emphasises Swahili ingredients and a commitment to sustainability, sourcing seafood and produce locally.
Tulia Zanzibar
Zanzibar
Pongwe
Tanzania
Affiliate link (what is it?)
Photography courtesy of Tulia Zanzibar
04
Bawe Island Zanzibar
Bawe Island Zanzibar is pure escapism. A 15-minute boat ride from Stone Town, this private island resort offers just a handful of villas strung along a white-sand crescent. It’s the sort of place where you kick off your shoes on arrival and don’t see another guest for days. Interiors combine stone, teak and linen in a muted palette, prioritising tactility over decoration. Days follow the natural rhythm of tides and light, with meals served at leisure and privacy uncompromised. The resort’s appeal is entirely in its quiet immersion. The soft roll of waves, the scent of frangipani and a sense that the island itself is the primary inhabitant.
Bawe Island Zanzibar
Zanzibar
Tanzania
Affiliate link (what is it?)
Photography courtesy of Bawe Island Zanzibar
05
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is what happens when design meets consciousness. Owned by a family of eco-minded entrepreneurs, it’s part of the Relais & Châteaux collection but feels refreshingly independent. The resort was built around a permaculture garden and powered by wind turbines, with villas that open out to private pools and shaded outdoor lounges. Interiors balance Scandinavian restraint with Swahili texture, featuring smooth concrete floors, billowing linen and carved wooden screens. Its restaurant, helmed by Chef Jan Buchel, focuses on zero-kilometre dining, with much of the produce grown onsite. The beach here is also one of the best for kitesurfing, attracting a creative, slow-living crowd.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
Paje Beach
Paje
Tanzania
Affiliate link (what is it?)
Photography courtesy of Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
Share this
Stay in the know
Sign up for the latest hotspot news from Southern Africa.
