7 Best Zanzibar Luxury Resorts for a Lavish Stay in 2024
Looking for the best Zanzibar Luxury Hotels?
You’re in the right place. Zanzibar is full of beautiful luxury accommodations from luxury resorts, villas, boutique hotels, over and underwater villas, and hotels.
Separating the best from the mediocre is time-consuming, but I’ve done the work for you. The 7 best Zanzibar luxury resorts and hotels are featured in this post.
I love Zanzibar and have visited a couple of times solo, with friends and family. I know the best areas to stay in Zanzibar and what to expect on each side of the island.
Don’t have time to read the full article? Book Zuri Zanzibar – a top luxury resort in Zanzibar with an impressive rating of 4.6/5 stars
Zanzibar has gained popularity among travelers seeking a tropical paradise on the East African coast.
Whether traveling solo, with family, or as a couple, you’ll find plenty of luxury accommodation options on all sides of the island from Nungwi to Paje to Stone Town.
Let’s dive into the 7 best luxury hotels in Zanzibar which all have been vetted for high ratings.
Top 3 Picks: Best Zanzibar Luxury Resorts
#1 TOP PICKZuri Zanzibar
- Private villas
- Top rated wellness classes
- Beachfront location & tropical gardens
Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront location
- Best all inclusive luxury resort in Zanzibar
Xanadu Villas & Retreat
- Unique villas
- Exclusivity
- Beachfront location with private beach
- Huge outdoor swimming pool
The Best Zanzibar Luxury Resorts
1. Zuri Zanzibar
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | Location: Kendwa | Check Rates and Availability
Zuri Zanzibar is a top-rated luxury resort in Zanzibar. A popular choice among international travelers looking for the best luxury accommodation Zanzibar offers.
This 5-star hotel and resort is located in Kendwa, northwest area of Zanzibar island.
Zuri Zanzibar offers different styles of luxury accommodation options. From beachfront villas, bungalows, and suites located in a large tropical garden.
Amazing place, perfect service, lovely staff, great food…. But what was the best, peace, absolute peace and relaxation! If you want to relax in paradise, forget about everyday stress, this is the best place. Thank you Zuri staff to made my best holiday. Will come back soon.
Lucie (see more reviews)
Lush green tropical gardens surround each bungalow. All bungalows have air conditioning, a private terrace, free WIFI, an outside sitting area, a hammock, and indoor & outdoor showers.
Bungalow options include single and interconnecting units as well as a jacuzzi bungalow.
The villas include:
- 3-bedroom oceanfront villa – Comes with a butler service, a private infinity pool, a private beach, and a sitting area with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
- 2 bedroom oceanfront villa – Has a semi-private beach, private jacuzzi, outside bathtub, amazing view of the Indian Ocean, and access to VIP semi-private beach.
- Garden villa – Comes with a private garden, a small library, and a large terrace with a dining area. Guests also have access to the VIP semi-private beach.
Suites at Zuri feature jacuzzi suites surrounded by tropical gardens, and oceanfront suites with stunning sea views and a jacuzzi on deck.
This 5-star hotel offers wellness classes, water sports, and spice garden tours for their guests among other perks. Depending on the room you book you may have free additional services.
2. Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | Location: Pongwe | Check Rates and Availability
Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort is known as the best all-inclusive resort in Zanzibar for families and solo travelers.
With near-perfect ratings on all booking platforms, it’s easy to see why.
When they say all-inclusive, they mean it! We’ve all been to an “all-inclusive” resort that isn’t really all-inclusive. That’s not the case here you won’t be disappointed.
Staff were wonderful and this was the first all inclusive that was literally all inclusive for food, drinks, cocktails etc.
Nicholas (see more reviews)
Guests enjoy private airport transfers, complimentary one-hour massage once per stay, and unlimited complimentary yoga classes during their stay.
The resort is family-friendly with kids’ play areas, babysitting services are available at an additional fee.
For accommodation, guests can choose a sea view or terrace view room. Past guests rated the beds at Tulia highly as they are comfy ensuring a good night’s sleep. All rooms are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and terraces.
Free parking is available if you hire a car. Looking to book a car in Zanzibar, I recommend using Discover Cars.
If looking for a room with a private pool, make sure to book the seafront luxury villa with a private Pool.
3. Xanadu Villas & Retreat
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | Location: Bwejuu| Check Rates and Availability
Are you looking for unique villas with a world-class service, Xanadu Villas is the place to be.
Located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar surrounded by breathtaking views and tropical gardens.
This resort has 6 unique luxury villas each with a unique architecture. It offers total privacy and exclusivity you won’t find in many other resorts.
When you stay at Xanadu, you feel like you are at your holiday home with a private beach.
Our stay at Xanadu completely exceeded all expectations. From the moment we got there we relaxed thanks to the fantastic guest relations staff who greeted us. Xanadu is beyond peaceful, it’s architecture and setting make you feel like you’re the only people there. The service we received from our personal butler, the food we ate, the rest we had was more than we could have ever asked for.
Emma (see more reviews)
All rooms have free WiFi, air conditioning, private butler services, a balcony with a pool view, and villas with a private pool and outdoor lounging.
In addition, you get free parking and airport shuttle services. Car and bike rentals are available for those wishing to explore the surroundings.
With multiple activities and wellness opportunities offered at the resort, you won’t run out of things to do.
It’s close to many stunning beaches, diving and snorkeling sites, and Jozani forest where you’ll find the red colobus monkeys of Zanzibar.
This retreat and spa center is a top choice for couples on honeymoon and families looking for top luxury resorts in Zanzibar.
4. The Mora Zanzibar
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | Location: Matemwe | Check Rates and Availability
The Mora Zanzibar is one of the top-rated premium resorts in Zanzibar and it’s easy to see why. Popular among solo travelers as well as those traveling with kids.
When you book this Premium Zanzibar hotel, you’ll be on a private white sandy beach on Muyuni Beach. The beaches in this region are very pristine and rarely crowded.
In addition, you will be at the perfect location for sunrises as this resort is located on the northeast tip of Zanzibar Island overlooking Mnemba Island.
Best beach ever ! The kids club was fun. The ice cream parlor. They let us check in early which was great.
Munira (see more reviews)
This resort is only a 15-minute boat ride to Mnemba Reef a popular world-class snorkeling and scuba diving spot.
If you want to experience the vibrant nightlife in Nungwi but don’t want to stay in the area, this is a good choice.
The rooms have air conditioning, free WiFi, 3 free swimming pools including an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a kids club and pool, and a wellness center.
If you are looking for a luxurious suite with a private pool, make sure to book their presidential suite. It has a private pool, private entrance, a sea and garden view, a spa bath, and a terrace/balcony.
5. Le Mersenne Zanzibar
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 Stars | Location: Matemwe | Check Rates and Availability
A premium hotel in Zanzibar located on the island’s eastern peninsula in Michamvi. The prices are very affordable compared to many luxury resorts in Zanzibar.
If you love Marriot hotels, then you will love the Le Mersenne Zanzibar, Autograph Collection. The service is world-class, and the rooms are huge and modern.
The accommodation options include sea-view villas, standard rooms, and 10 overwater villas.
You can stay in an overwater villa without breaking the bank as the rooms are affordable.
“i cant even find the right words for this beautiful place with the most beautiful and welcoming staff! the pictures definitely dont do them justice! a must stay with beautiful rooms and views. delicious foods and exceptional service! asante sana…”
Jason (see more reviews)
In addition to breathtaking views, the hotel has Free bikes, car parking, airport transfers, and a well-equipped fitness center.
The rooms have air conditioning, a private balcony, free WiFi, and a private beach. If looking for a private pool, you will find ocean-view villas with private pools.
There are meal options for everyone including vegan and gluten-free options.
While its location may seem far away as it’s on the far east coast, it is a perfect destination to relax with pristine beaches to explore.
6. LUX Marijani Zanzibar
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | Location: Pwani Mchangani| Check Rates and Availability
A luxury boutique hotel located on a beachfront in Pwani Mchangani on Zanzibar’s east coast.
From the Arabian-Swahili architecture fusion, and the interior decor, to the delicious meals, everything in this hotel feels cozy and top quality.
“Attention to details. Friendly staff and comfortable and clean rooms. The activities offered are nice and the food is delicious.”
Ayoub (see more reviews)
When you stay at the LUX Marijani you have access to a private beach, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, a private balcony, a large outdoor swimming pool, and amazing sea views.
If you wish to visit other beaches you are in luck as the hotel is close to many other beaches such as Kiwengwa and Matemwe Beaches.
7. The Residence Zanzibar
Photo (Expedia)
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | Location: Kizimkazi| Check Rates and Availability
One of the best luxury resorts for families in Zanzibar. Located on the southwest coast of the island.
Located on a beachfront with a private beach. The Residence has an adults-only lounge bar, a kids’ play area with lots of toys, a huge garden area with free Wifi, two restaurants as well as butler services.
“Overall ambience, quality of service, quality of food, comfort and facilities.”
Saibal (see more reviews)
The villas have a garden view or ocean view with private pools. All rooms have air conditioning, a minibar, an outside sitting area, and free WiFi.
In addition, there is a large infinity pool with a sea view. Enjoy an evening swim as you watch the sunset.
