LUXURY HOTELS IN ZANZIBAR: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Luxury Hotels in Zanzibar : Near Tanzania Mainland in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is a distinctive archipelago of about 50 coral islands. Prior to being combined with Tanganyika in 1964 to form Tanzania under President Julius Nyerere, Zanzibar was a sovereign nation. It currently enjoys some autonomy and has its own President. Different cultures have influenced Zanzibar over the years to shape the island into what it is today. The local culture has been influenced by Sumerians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, Omani Arabs, Dutch, and British settlers at various points in history, resulting in the current fusion.
When the Sultan of Muscat relocated his court to Zanzibar in the early 19th century, the island experienced its heyday. As the slave trade flourished and spice cultivation particularly that of the clove tree, advanced, Zanzibar rose to prominence as the center of East Africa. The archipelago is now a popular travel tourist destination where travelers can bask in the sun on stunning beaches, explore Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), breathe in the lingering aroma of the space plantations, or become mystified by the island’s extensive history and culture.
Zanzibar, also known as the “Spice Islands,” maintains a vibrant heritage, adorned with scents of the past and traditional sailing dhows painting the horizon. The Zanzibar Islands embrace Swahili and Islamic influences in both culture and architecture, and spice tours, visits to ancient mosques, and even a former Sultan’s palace will keep you on your toes. It’s a veritable treasure trove of experiences, from dolphin and whale watching to snorkeling on pristine coral reefs and kayaking through mangrove forests. If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar, here are our top ten Zanzibar luxury hotels and best resorts for those idyllic, white sand, swaying palm tree island escapes:
- ZANZIBAR SERENA HOTEL
The Zanzibar Serena Hotel is located on the Zanzibar seafront, among the exotic sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbor, and colorful bazaars of Stone Town. This lavish retreat, comprised of two historic buildings designed in traditional Swahili style, captures the elegance of a bygone era. Each of the 51 rooms and suites has been designed with a relaxed sophistication in mind, with wood-framed louver doors opening onto private balconies with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. The cool, white walls, high ceilings, and crisp royal blues and whites exude coastal serenity and charm. The rooftop restaurant serves fresh-caught seafood and has spectacular views of the bay, making it the ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring Spice Town. Baharia Restaurant serves authentic Swahili banquets weekly by the pool, while Masahani Bar serves signature cocktails and hosts live performances by traditional Taarab bands.
- THE MELIA ZANZIBAR
The largest resort complex on the island, The Melia Zanzibar, which was formerly a Kempinski property, is situated on Zanzibar’s east coast. There are 124 rooms in total spread across two light-filled stories, all of which have spacious baths and have views of the beach or gardens. The resort’s calm white-sand beach, which is protected by a fringing reef, has a long, shallow drop-off that prevents swimming (as opposed to wading) at low tide. However, snorkeling is always an option thanks to the lengthy jetty directly in front of the hotel. Golf carts transport visitors to an all-day swimming area a kilometer (0.62 miles) south of the hotel outbuildings, with departures every 20 minutes. The Gabi Beach Club in this location has loungers in the Balinese style and a grill. The resort’s spa is run and managed by qualified Thai therapists, and it features a large outdoor lap pool, two private outdoor massage pavilions, and six private treatment rooms.
- THE RESIDENCE ZANZIBAR
On the south-west coast of the island, within a lush, forested 32-hectare estate, is where The Residence Zanzibar is located. The Residence Zanzibar is just one hour from the airport and the country’s capital, Stone Town. It is situated on a mile-long stretch of powdery white sand beach that is bordered by coconut palms and lapped by the Indian Ocean’s crystalline waters. The resort’s 66 luxuriously appointed villas, which are inspired by the island’s diverse cultures, combine contemporary design with the elegance of the island’s African, Omani, and European heritage and provide the ideal balance of space and privacy. On the lounge deck outside, which is equipped with wicker chairs and daybeds and overlooks a private swimming pool and tranquil garden, beach, or ocean views, unwinding is simple. Visitors can unwind by their personal pool, on the beach, or by cycling or walking through the gardens.
- BARAZA RESORT AND SPA
One of Zanzibar’s most upscale boutique hotels, Baraza, is situated along the Bwejuu-Paje beach, which the renowned Conde Nast Traveler magazine ranked among the top 30 beaches in the world. This all-inclusive resort evokes Zanzibar’s history from the time of the Sultans with its blend of Arabic, Swahili, and Indian design, Swahili arches, intricate hand-carved cement décor, beautiful antiques, handmade furniture, and intricate brass lanterns. All of the Zanzibari furniture in Baraza is handcrafted by regional craftspeople who have mastered the woodcarving technique for which Zanzibar is renowned. At Baraza Zanzibar, there is one Presidential two-bedroom suite, fifteen two-bedroom villas, and fourteen one-bedroom villas. The lavish interiors of the roomy villas include elaborate fabrics, hand-carved furniture, large bathrooms with opulent fixtures, and roomy terraces with private plunge pools.
- HOTEL RIU PALACE ZANZIBAR
The stunning island setting of Zanzibar’s Nungwi neighborhood is home to the Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar. The resort is located within a magical 10-hectare tropical spice garden that is lovingly cared for by soft-spoken Zanzibaris and a swarm of soaring butterflies. This expanse of gardens, brimming with exotic flowers, gently slopes down to Nungwi Beach’s powder white sands, which are lapped by the most crystalline blue seas. Each of the 100 rooms and suites has a private terrace with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s inspiring gardens. They have interiors decorated in a chic contemporary style with subtle Zanzibar accents and are intended for visitors looking for privacy and space. Dreamy sunsets, with hues of burnt orange and blushing rose, are spectacled every evening as the sun sets over Africa and the Indian Ocean.
- DIAMONDS, STAR OF THE EAST
Diamonds Star of the East, an exclusive enclave situated within the grounds of another hotel, Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est, offers an all-inclusive haven of peace, privacy, and relaxation. This barefoot sanctuary is located on Zanzibar’s northwest coast and faces a sparkling white sand beach where the Indian Ocean meets it. Each of the 11 villas, which have one or two bedrooms, is situated in a stunning tropical garden brimming with vibrant flowers. The villas are a blend of Swahili style and contemporary flair, with thatch roofs and clean, white modern structures that blend in with the surroundings. Each has a terrace and private plunge pool, and the four-poster beds are surrounded by white muslin. A personal assistant is available to you twenty-four hours a day to see to all of your needs.
- CONSTANCE AIYANA
You will completely give in to your senses at Constance Aiyana, which is mysteriously located on the fragrant Pemba Island along the 2000-year-old Indian Ocean trade route. Aiyana is completely in tune with Mother Nature because it was constructed ecologically using locally sourced materials like limestone, aggregates, and coconut brooms. The Aiyana hotel’s high ceilings, pastel colors, fragrant gardens, and water feature are mystically soul-stirring and were inspired by the stunning African architecture. Constance Aiyana has 30 magnificent villas, all of which face the idyllic Pemba Ocean and are decorated with a minimalistic, opulent Zanzibari flair. Pemba can be reached from Dar es Salaam or via a 30-minute light aircraft flight from Zanzibar. It can be included in a safari trip that includes multiple destinations, or it can be a stand-alone exotic vacation.
- ESSQUE ZALU ZANZIBAR
On Zanzibar’s northeastern coast, in a secluded natural cove, is the small, oceanfront Essque Zalu Zanzibar. There are 40 different suites available to guests, and if you need more room to spread out, there are also 8 villas, all of which have beautiful views of the azure ocean or a lush tropical garden. All of the suites provide an opulently decorated area made of native materials, embellished with local artwork, and covered by a traditional pitched makuti roof. The villas’ inclusion of kitchens, private swimming pools, and their own butlers adds a touch of extra opulence. Essque Zalu, Zanzibar, is situated on the edge of the ocean, but there isn’t a beach there. Instead, a lengthy jetty that juts out into the water allows visitors to swim and descend at high tide. Beach lovers can find comfort at the close-by Nungwi Beach, which is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the world.
- PARK HYATT ZANZIBAR
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is the ideal location from which to explore Stone Town, the capital city of Zanzibar and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its rich culture, heritage, and historical significance. The hotel offers the ultimate haven in the midst of the city’s maze of winding alleys, bustling markets, mosques, and famous Zanzibari doors, which feature magnificent ornate wooden carvings. The hotel is situated majestically on the beachfront in the center of Stone Town. The hotel is housed in two structures, one of which is Mambo Msiige, a typical Zanzibari mansion with a history that dates back to the 17th century and is rich in history, grace, and mystique. The Park Hyatt Zanzibar offers both discerning business travelers and luxury vacationers unique, intimate, and life-changing experiences, from the roomy guest rooms and authentic cuisine to the breathtaking views from the oceanfront infinity pool.
- &BEYOND MNEMBA ISLAND, TANZANIA
Beyond Mnemba Island is the ideal location for you if you have ever secretly wished that you could live alone on a stunning tropical island without having to lift a finger to fend for yourself. A maximum of 20 guests can stay at a time at this romantic, private hideaway, which is a world-renowned barefoot beach paradise just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar. Ten beachside Bandas look out onto pristine sands from the dappled shade of the casuarina pine forest and overlook the Mnemba atoll (a scuba diver’s dream), where guests can unwind and relax in the privacy of their own stretch of beachfront. Everyone can find something to do on Beyond Mnemba Island, which offers everything from kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling to massages on the beach and total relaxation.
