Search the best hotels in Zanzibar

Best Hotels in Zanzibar on the Beach

Zanzibar is an island fringed with white beaches, bright aquamarine waters, and colourful coral reefs — a paradise for anyone who loves a beach break. So it's not surprising that it has an excellent array of beach-side accommodation, from intimate private island resorts — perfect for honeymooners — and luxury lodges set on quiet stretches of sand to lively beach clubs and simple huts on the sand — the ultimate in barefoot, beach-loving luxury. Stone Town, Zanzibar’s main town, is a lively place to stay if you’re looking for a buzzing beach break, and for the polar opposite, head off to stay on the beach of one of Zanzibar’s private island resorts. With its mix of cultural influences, and fascinating history, Zanzibar is an interesting place to stay, as well as a beautiful one, so it’s a good choice for a beach holiday if you’re looking for something unusual or unique.

Indigo Beach

Zanzibar

Paradise found in this boho-chic property on a perfect swathe of powder white sand. Simply decorated rooms are all crisp white on white with contemporary wooden furniture and luxurious bathrooms. There's a glorious pool, superb seafood and excellent price tag. Utterly spoiling.

  • Beach Life - A boho-chic set up placed on a perfect stretch of powder white sand.
  • Diving - Search for tropical fish and turtles.
  • Restaurant
  • On the beach
from £75 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Shooting Star Lodge

Zanzibar

Quiet, reasonably priced resort on a glorious beach. Private bungalows boast balconies with great sea views. Pure white rooms with ornately carved four-poster beds. Lively bar and great restaurant. Spa facilities for ultimate relaxation. Friendly and attentive staff. The ideal laid back beach hotel

  • Total relaxation - Embrace the slow pace of life- relax and rejuvenate in the spa, unwind on your private terrace and listen to the ocean.
  • Beach Life - Make the most of the white sands and turquoise seas with snorkelling, diving, sailing, fishing and beachcombing.
  • Families - Comfortable family rooms, plenty to occupy children with and a laid back atmosphere.
  • Sailing - Take a local dhow or ngalawa cruise to the nearby reef and explore from above the water!
from £120 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Next Paradise Boutique Resort

Zanzibar (P.O. Box 3363)

Next Paradise provides an authentic Africa experience in a breathtaking environment. Spacious rooms, elegantly decorated with hand carved wood furniture and precious oriental textiles. Set along a white sand, palm-fringed beach, offering views of the Indian Ocean. Romantic and idyllic.

  • Restaurant - Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a touch of Swahili cuisine
  • Traditional - Thatched-roof buildings, with hand-carved furniture
  • Views - Each room has a wonderful view of the sea
  • Romantic - Idyllic setting
from £150 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Pongwe Beach Hotel

Zanzibar (Pongwe)

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.

  • Swimming Pool - Infinity Pool
  • Fishing - Hand-line fishing equippment is available on site and game-fishing can be arranged.
  • Kayaking - Head out on the waves in the complimentary Kayaks.
  • Restaurant
from £131 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Be Zanzibar

Zanzibar (Zanzibar)

A beachfront boutique hotel just outside the village of Jambiani. Terrazzo floors, colour-washed concrete walls, wood, and woven bamboo create a natural laidback feel and blend effortlessly with the surrounding tropical vegetation. With a pool, spa, and restaurant, it's a little piece of paradise.

  • Romantic Break - Intimate rooms boast a private terrace with an outdoor bathtub or plunge pool and your own tranquil garden
  • Total relaxation - Sunbathe, read, laze on the hammocks, or enjoy a pampering spa session — a perfectly peaceful escape
  • Restaurant - Seafood and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options are on the menu
  • Spa - In-house spa with two therapists offering massages and treatments
from £209 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa

Zanzibar (Paje )

A luxury boutique hotel with private villas set on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach. Lovely sunny rooms are all white on white with floor to ceiling windows and modern bathrooms. Ideal for both quiet romantic getaways or fun-filled family holidays.

  • Fishing - Zanzibar is an excellent location for both leisure, big game and deep sea fishing
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor swimming pool and kids' pool
  • Hideaway - A sanctuary of peace and harmony
  • Spa
from £243 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Zuri Zanzibar

Zanzibar

A tropical beachfront resort comprising of private stylish villas and bungalows. Secluded rooms have a traditional feel and most enjoy fabulous sea views. The spoiling spa offers various treatments alongside yoga and meditation. Featuring a high quality restaurant and relaxing pool area.

  • Beach Life - Accommodation on the beach with views of the Indian Ocean and lots of sea-related activities on offer
  • Sights nearby - The UNESCO protected Stonetown is the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar
  • Views - Stunning views of the Indian Ocean and tropical garden
  • Private Hot Tub - Villas come with own private hot-tubs
from £308 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Chumbe Island

Zanzibar

Magical Robinson Crusoe-style eco lodge on Chumbe Island. State of the art, environmentally friendly bungalows provide simple but comfortable accommodation. Candlelit beach dining with excellent cuisine. Ideal for honeymooners and nature revellers alike.

  • Eco break - Fully protected coral reef sanctuary, forest reserve and eco-lodge, pioneer in marine conservation and eco tourism.
  • Back to Nature - Forget your gadgets and be brought back to nature with an entire island to roam, encased by white sand beaches.
  • Great walks - Head off on an intertidal walk from the island's north point to south observing the marine life, fish eagles and roseate terns
  • Diving - The scuba-diving in the reefs outside the sanctuary (it is forbidden inside) is utterly spectacular.
from £379 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Mnemba Island Lodge

Zanzibar

Exclusive private island and haunt of celebrities. Thatched-sided bandas sit on stilts along the beach with stunning views out to sea. A personal butler attends to all ones needs. The coral reefs make for excellent diving. The ideal spot for a romantic getaway.

  • Honeymoons - Think candlelit dinners under the stars, longs walks along pristine white sand and secluded lodges with plush fourposter beds.
  • Beach Life - Make the most of this private tropical island paradise, with snorkelling, fishing, beach combing and whale spotting.
  • Diving - Mnemba Island has its own dive center which provides a range of activities for all levels of skill.
  • Kayaking - Paddle the turquoise seas in a two man sea kayak, the perfect way to explore the coast.
from £623 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat

Zanzibar (Dongwe)

A luxury haven in Dongwe on Zanzibar's east coast boasting just nine villas, all with private pools surrounded by swaying palms. Rooms feature curved walls, arched windows, and African art. With a spa on the beach, personal butlers, and all-inclusive dining, it's the perfect pampering getaway.

  • Romantic Break - With just nine secluded villas, stunning interiors, private pools or hot tubs and direct beach access, it's a very romantic pick
  • Back to Nature - Get close to the wild nature of Zanzibar at Jozani Forest, home to the indigenous Red Colobus Monkey
  • Beach Life - Relax listening to the waves — the amazing Indian Ocean is right on your doorstep here
  • Spa - Located right on the beach you can have a spa experience in a treatment room or on a private balcony overlooking the ocean
from £891 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees