Known for turquoise waters, spice-scented streets, and powdery white beaches, Zanzibar blends tropical beauty with centuries of Swahili culture and history. We have handpicked the best hotels in Zanzibar based on expert recommendations and thousands of guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel: The Garden
Best boutique hotel: Kizikula
Best luxury hotel: Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
Sort list by price or by rating
Zanzibar City already feels distant from much of the world, but Kiwengwa Beach on Unguja’s northeast coast is even more secluded. Nestled between jungle and white sand, Mvuvi Boutique Resort stands out with its traditional thatched design and peaceful atmosphere, creating the feeling of a hidden tropical retreat.
Blending Swahili heritage with modern comfort, the resort features local décor, contemporary amenities, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy diving, snorkeling, cultural excursions, and wildlife visits to Jozani Forest. Mediterranean-Swahili cuisine is served on a terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean, completing the resort’s calm and immersive island experience.
Kizikula is a striking boutique hotel on Zanzibar’s south coast, created by friends from Dubai with global design influences. Collaborating with architects from Mumbai and a landscape designer from Auckland, they crafted a distinctive retreat using locally sourced coral limestone, raw concrete, warm wood, and local textiles, blending modern minimalism with island character.
Set along a rocky shoreline, the hotel features sweeping sea views, an infinity pool, and a dramatic staircase leading into crystal-clear waters. Guests can enjoy a lively poolside bar and restaurant, a relaxing spa, and private, secluded rooms, while families benefit from a dedicated children’s pool.
Tucked within the maze-like alleys of Stone Town, Sharazad Wonders is the urban counterpart to Jambiani’s laid-back beach retreat. Created by Italian hotelier Francesca Scalfari, the hotel combines elegant hospitality with traditional Swahili design, featuring carved shutters, brass-studded doors, coral stone, and rich, moody interiors.
With just eight rooms, the hotel offers a calm, intentional atmosphere far removed from the city’s bustle. Its plant-based restaurant attracts both travelers and locals, while the overall experience focuses on simplicity, comfort, and quiet charm.
This cozy little escape feels like a tropical secret wrapped in palm trees and ocean breeze. The rooms are simple but charming, and the peaceful garden gives the whole place a laid-back island rhythm. It’s the kind of spot where mornings drift by slowly with coffee and birdsong.
What really makes the hotel stand out is the warm atmosphere and friendly staff. The beach is close, the food is fresh, and everything moves at Zanzibar’s wonderfully unhurried pace. Perfect for travelers who want calm days, salty air, and sunsets that look painted by hand.
Set on Zanzibar’s southwest coast, The Residence Zanzibar spans 79 acres of tropical gardens beside the Indian Ocean. Its 66 private villas blend African, Omani, and European design, featuring wooden ceilings, carved details, private pools, and open-air bathrooms with soaking tubs and outdoor showers.
A 500-foot jetty offers access to kayaking, paddleboarding, and sunset views, while the warm lagoon is ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Spread across lush grounds with bicycle and golf cart access, the resort also features a secluded six-pavilion spa focused on wellness and relaxation.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a barefoot luxury retreat on the white sands of Paje Beach, blending rustic island charm with elegant comfort. Palm-thatched villas sit among tropical gardens, creating the feel of a peaceful seaside village along Zanzibar’s stunning south-east coast.
Guests can unwind at open-air spa huts, learn kitesurfing with expert instructors, or relax by the ocean. Evenings bring rooftop sunset drinks and spice-inspired dining, featuring dishes like saffron tiger prawns and fragrant fish curries that celebrate Zanzibar’s rich culinary heritage.
Zuri Zanzibar blends tropical luxury with the island’s rich Spice Island heritage. The resort features private bungalows, suites, and villas surrounded by lush gardens that lead to the beach past an infinity pool, spice garden, and open-air gym. Guests can also enjoy a spa, three restaurants, and beautifully designed interiors glowing with hanging lanterns.
Nestled on Stone Town’s waterfront, the UNESCO-listed Park Hyatt Zanzibar combines Swahili history with quiet luxury. Partly set in a restored 19th-century mansion, the hotel features carved doors, airy courtyards, and elegant interiors that reflect Zanzibar’s rich cultural heritage.
Guests can unwind by the infinity pool, enjoy spa treatments using local ingredients, and dine on seafood and spiced cocktails as dhows drift across the horizon at sunset. Beyond the hotel, Stone Town’s winding alleys, vibrant markets, and spice-scented streets create an immersive island experience, while the serene rooms offer refined comfort and thoughtful local touches.
Discover more
