Zuri Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a tropical island archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, perfect for a honeymoon hideaway. Powdery white beaches meet clear turquoise waters, ideal for snorkelling or diving on pristine coral reefs. Stone Town’s winding streets are filled with layers of Swahili, Arab, and African history and life here moves slowly. Think dining on exotic food in the ruins of Arabian palaces, browsing lively spice markets, dhow sailing trips, and long days by the sea. It’s a dream for honeymooners, with romantic hotels ranging from private island resorts and luxury beachfront stays to boutique hideaways and easy-going, relaxed hotels along the coast.

For a private island

Mnemba Island Lodge

  • Chumbe Island is a back-to-basics eco-lodge set inside a protected marine reserve. Open-air bandas on the beach keep things simple but comfortable, with solar power and stunning views of the surrounding reef. Evenings revolve around romantic candlelit dining in the domed restaurant, while days can be spent on guided forest walks, snorkelling and climbing the nearby lighthouse.
  • Mnemba Island Lodge is an ultra private island hideaway with thatched bandas raised above powdery sand. Each opens out onto wide ocean views and has simple four-poster beds. A dedicated butler handles everything from beach dinners to excursions, so you can simply sit back and enjoy your honeymoon without having to organise a thing. Expect world-class diving, snorkelling with dolphins, and romantic meals right on the shore.

For total luxury

Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat

  • Set on Zanzibar's east coast, in Dongwe, Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat is an intimate hideaway. With just nine villas, each with a private pool tucked among palm trees, it's ideal for a romantic honeymoon escape. Interiors feature curved walls, arched windows and bold African artwork. Guests can expect all-inclusive dining, a beachfront spa, and dedicated butler service that keeps everything effortless and truly personal.
  • With only six villas set on a white sand beachfront, The Palms, Zanzibar leans into total privacy and calm. Interiors blend colonial touches with local Zanzibar style, while the open-air restaurant has a relaxed, intimate vibe. Coconut palms, Indian Ocean views and live taarab music set a low-key, romantic mood.
  • Zuri Zanzibar is a tropical beachfront resort on Zanzibar’s coast with villas promising stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Interiors use traditional design and African artwork. The spa offers a range of couples treatments plus yoga and meditation, while the pool and restaurant sit in relaxed gardens. There's easy access to Jozani Forest and Stone Town nearby for couples keen to adventure beyond the resort.

For a boutique base

White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa

  • Next Paradise Boutique Resort sits on Zanzibar’s northeast coast at Pwani Mchangani. With just 12 rooms and a quiet, low-key feel, it's the ideal spot for a honeymoon hideaway. All rooms feature carved wooden furniture, Swahili textiles and verandas facing the ocean. The restaurant serves freshly caught seafood and Italian-Swahili dishes, while the pool, beach access and tour desk keep things easygoing.
  • Set on a private stretch of pristine beach, White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a boutique hotel featuring seafront villas with terraces and garden pools. The interiors are bright with white-on-white design, huge windows and antique touches throughout. It's a great spot for honeymooners thanks to its privacy, calm atmosphere, serene spa, and intimate beachfront dining.

For great value

Shooting Star Lodge

  • Small and owner-run, Shooting Star Lodge feels personal from the moment you arrive. Rooms open onto the ocean, with simple, bright interiors and terraces made for watching the tide roll in. You can dine by the water, unwind in the spa, or join boat trips and snorkelling nearby. It’s unpolished in the best way, with a genuinely relaxed feel for honeymooners who want space and sea views, without the hefty price tag.

Still not sure?

  • See all our recommendations for all the best places to stay in Zanzibar,
  • Explore our suggestions in Stone Town and the whole of Tanzania,
  • Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Written by Amelia Shirley

8 Best Honeymoon Hotels in Zanzibar

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 £155 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

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 £471 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

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 £608 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Palms, Zanzibar

Zanzibar (South East Coast)

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.

  • Honeymoons - You would be hard pushed to find a more romantic or beautiful honeymoon hideaway.
  • Sailing - Try sailing in the Indian Ocean this holiday, we offer daily lessons to experience to sport and hiring for the more experienced.
  • Cooking classes - Cooking classes are organized regularly where guests learn to prepare some classical Swahili dishes.
  • Swimming Pool - Each villa has a private plunge pool, and all have acces to the main pool overlooking the sea.
from £917 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

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 Break - Beautiful paradise location
from £330 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

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 £1203 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

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 £874 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

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 £825 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

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