Zanzibar
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Few place names conjure up such evocative visions as Zanzibar; from pure white sand beaches, Swahili culture and ruined Arab palaces, to unspoilt coral reefs and exotic food. The reality does not disappoint.
Some of the most interesting and best places to stay in Zanzibar are simple barefoot luxury lodges with tons of character and natural beauty but relatively basic facilities. Most people spend a night or two in Stone Town and then head to one of the picture-postcard beaches for some serious down-time.
Although luxury hotels with all the amenities are beginning to move in to the island, generally you're paying for a remote unspoilt location or romantic setting. Zanzibar has not yet lost its soul to the vagaries of commercial mass tourism so go now and enjoy it at its real, very real, unspoilt best.
Best places to stay in Zanzibar for affordable beach life
For an affordable introduction to luxury beach life, Zanzibar style, the Pongwe Beach Hotel on the island's East coast is excellent. It owns the surrounding land so a deserted beach is guaranteed.
Another quiet budget resort popular with honeymooners and families alike is Shooting Star Lodge.
Fishermen and women will enjoy the Matemwe Bungalows where fishing expeditions with the locals are a highlight. The bungalows and villas look out over the reefs of the Mnemba Atoll.
Best luxury places to stay in Zanzibar
One of the best-known and certainly one of the most luxurious places to stay in Zanzibar is the Mnemba Island Lodge. Wake up in one of the romantic thatch-sided suites built on wooden platforms over the white sand and spend days having your every whim tended to by your own personal butler. Beloved of celebrities - a Hollywood salary helps.
Another lovely if fairly pricey retreat is The Palms. That the beach is white and perfect goes without saying and the comfortable accomodation is a mix of colonial and local styles.
Best places to stay in Zanzibar - Stone Town
The closest thing to a hotel in our list is probably the Zanzibar Serena Inn in Stone Town. Reminiscent of an African Colonial Country Club it has white walls, dark wood furnishings and views over the Indian Ocean.
Also in Stone town is former tea house the Beyt al Chai. It's a down-to-earth budget option full of character.
For an equally authentic taste of Zanzibar in Stone Town, 236 Hurumzi is a rambling former palace with a great rooftop bar.
Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Zanzibar and start to plan your stay. Please feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice Contact
The best hotels in Zanzibar
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Mnemba Island Lodge
Zanzibar
Exclusive private island and haunt of celebrities. An idyllic, and more luxurious, Robinson Crusoe lifestyle. Thatched-sided bandas on stilts along the beach with views out to sea, and a personal butler. The ideal spot for honeymooners or romantics craving privacy and beach life at its best.
from $790Beach LifeBarefoot Luxury - For total relaxation.HoneymoonsSailing - Can be booked nearby. -
The Palms
Zanzibar
Six luxurious villas and a sophisticated restaurant with a relaxed feel and terrific location. Rustling coconut palms, white powder sand and the warm waves of the Indian Ocean combine to create a stunning recluse for the discerning traveler.
from $897 -
Chumbe Island
Zanzibar
Amazing Robinson Crusoe-style eco lodge on Chumbe Island. An award-winning island project perfect for honeymooners, beach life, and exploring nature.
7 rooms from $520Eco break - Leader in Marine conservation.Private villas - Beautiful thatched bungalows.Beach LifeOn an islandRecommended by - I Escape -
Fundu Lagoon
Zanzibar
Remote stylish tented beach resort. Safari-style tented rooms with private balconies, infinity pool, excellent restaurant and three bars. The ultimate getaway for honeymooners and beach lovers.
from $370Beach LifeDiving - Good diving nearby.Sailing - Can be booked nearby.Spa -
Zanzibar Serena Inn
Zanzibar
Comfortable hotel reminiscent of a colonial country club - white washed walls, linen fabrics, dark wood furnishings. Each room has a private balcony with beautiful sea views. A great spot for family fun, weddings, and business meetings.
39 rooms from $306Views - Glorious sea views.WeddingsFamiliesKids Club - Fully staffed.Recommended by - Small Luxury Hotels, Travel Intelligence -
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Zanzibar
Sixteen cottages sprawled through gardens in a gorgeous sheltered cove. Traditional lime walls and woven palm thatches on the beach. An affordable introduction to paradise on Zanzibar's east coast. Beach life at its best.
16 rooms from $160Exclusive offer - Beach offerBeach LifeValue chicRomantic BreakSecluded setting - For escaping.Recommended by - I Escape -
Shooting Star Lodge
Zanzibar
Quiet, budget resort on a glorious beach. A small lodge with private bungalows with balconies. Decorated in pure white with ornately carved four-poster beds. Lively bar and great restaurant. An intimate spot for honeymooners or a beach retreat with accommodation for families.
from $120FamiliesDiving - Good diving nearby.Four poster beds - For romantics.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Beyt al Chai
Zanzibar
Charming, tranquil budget hotel in a former tea house. Beautiful bedrooms decorated in a fusion of Arabic and African style with four poster beds and rich colours. A relaxing lounge, great restaurant. and a host of other facilities such as spa, scuba course and banqueting.
from $75Local exploringFull of characterDiving - Good diving nearby.Spa -
236 Hurumzi
Zanzibar
A taste of the real Zanzibar at this rambling Stone Town palace. Rooms full of typical Zanzibari furniture and antiques, and have verandahs that overlook the rooftops and the Indian Ocean beyond. Fabulous roof top bar and restaurant. A Zanzibari romance.
24 roomsRomantic - Good for couples.Local markets - Good for local colour.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Matemwe Bungalows
Zanzibar
Shabby chic villas perched above a white sand beach. Individual bungalows and villas with private balconies and hammocks looking out to sea. This secluded spot offers total relaxation and intimacy for honeymooners. Plenty of sea activities too, from big game fishing to scuba diving.
HoneymoonsSailing - Can be booked nearby.Diving - Good diving nearby.Kayaking - Available locally.
