Zanzibar is the perfect finale to an East African safari. After days of dust and dawn game drives, the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the Spice Island offer a restorative contrast. The island’s coastline is dotted with resorts ranging from ultra luxury retreats to family friendly properties. The best Zanzibar beach resorts are clustered on the northern and eastern coasts, each offering a different atmosphere. The northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa offer dramatic sunsets, calm swimming waters, and a lively social scene. The eastern beaches of Paje and Jambiani offer wide expanses of sand, world class kitesurfing, and a more laid back vibe. This guide to the best Zanzibar beach resorts covers every category. Luxury resorts like Zuri Zanzibar and Kilindi Zanzibar offer private villas, infinity pools, and exceptional service. Honeymoon properties like &Beyond Mnemba Island and Baraza Resort offer romance and seclusion. Family friendly resorts like The Residence and Meliá Zanzibar offer kids clubs, babysitting services, and activities for all ages. Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, travelling with children, or simply seeking paradise, this guide to the best Zanzibar beach resorts will help you choose the perfect place to unwind after your safari.
Zanzibar sits in the Indian Ocean, approximately a one hour flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. The island offers a complete change of pace from the savannah. Instead of lions and elephants, you have dolphins and turtles. Instead of dust, you have powder white sand. Instead of early morning wake ups, you have lazy breakfasts overlooking the ocean. The best Zanzibar beach resorts are designed to help you decompress after the intensity of a safari. Many offer spa treatments, yoga classes, and water sports. The island also has a rich cultural heritage, with Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleys, spice plantations, and Swahili cuisine. The best Zanzibar beach resorts combine beachfront luxury with easy access to the island’s attractions. Whether you want to do nothing but read and swim, or fill your days with diving, snorkelling, and cultural tours, Zanzibar delivers. This guide to the best Zanzibar beach resorts helps you choose the right property for your post safari relaxation.
Zuri Zanjibar is a luxury resort located on the northern coast near Kendwa. The resort offers fifty five villas and rooms, each designed with contemporary Swahili aesthetics. The rooms are spacious, with king sized beds, en suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, and private verandas. The resort has three restaurants, two bars, a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness centre. The food is exceptional, with a focus on local ingredients. Zuri Zanzibar is known for its stylish design and excellent service. The beach is beautiful, with white sand and turquoise water. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for luxury travellers who want a contemporary, design forward experience, Zuri is a top choice. Prices range from USD 400 to USD 800 per night.
Kilindi Zanzibar is an ultra luxury resort located on the northwestern coast. The resort offers fifteen pavilions, each with a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and rooftop terrace. The pavilions are set within tropical gardens, offering complete privacy. The resort has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a spa. The food is excellent, with multi course tasting menus. Kilindi is adults only, making it ideal for couples and honeymooners. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for ultimate privacy and romance, Kilindi is a top choice. Prices range from USD 600 to USD 1,200 per night.
Baraza Resort and Spa is a luxury resort on the southeastern coast near Bwejuu. The resort is designed in a Swahili style, with stone walls, carved doors, and arches. The resort offers thirty rooms and suites, each with a king sized bed, en suite bathroom, and private veranda. The resort has a restaurant, three bars, a swimming pool, and a spa. The food is good, with a focus on seafood. Baraza is known for its elegant design and high levels of service. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for travellers who want a classic, elegant beach experience, Baraza is an excellent choice. Prices range from USD 400 to USD 700 per night.
Diamonds Dream of Zanzibar is a luxury resort on the eastern coast near Kiwengwa. The resort offers spacious suites and villas, each with a king sized bed, en suite bathroom, and private veranda. The resort has multiple restaurants, bars, a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness centre. The food is good. The resort is known for its extensive facilities and family friendly atmosphere. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for travellers who want a large resort with plenty of amenities, Diamonds Dream is a good choice. Prices range from USD 300 to USD 600 per night.
Beyond Mnemba Island is the most exclusive resort in Zanzibar. Located on a private island off the northeastern coast, the resort has only ten bandas, each with a king sized bed, en suite bathroom, and private veranda overlooking the beach. The island is surrounded by a coral reef, offering exceptional snorkelling and diving. The resort has a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. The food is exceptional. The resort is adults only and operates on an all inclusive basis. &Beyond Mnemba Island is known for its absolute privacy and exceptional service. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for honeymooners seeking total seclusion, Mnemba Island is the ultimate choice. Prices range from USD 1,200 to USD 2,500 per night.
Essque Zalu Zanzibar is a luxury resort on the northern coast near Nungwi. The resort offers forty rooms and suites, each with a king sized bed, en suite bathroom, and private veranda. Many suites have private plunge pools. The resort has multiple restaurants, bars, a large swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness centre. The food is excellent. Essque Zalu is known for its beautiful design and romantic atmosphere. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for honeymooners who want luxury without the extreme price of a private island, Essque Zalu is a top choice. Prices range from USD 400 to USD 800 per night.
Hideaway of Nungwi Resort and Spa is a luxury resort on the northern tip of Zanzibar. The resort offers spacious suites and villas, each with a king sized bed, en suite bathroom, and private veranda. Many villas have private plunge pools. The resort has multiple restaurants, bars, a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness centre. The food is good. Hideaway of Nungwi is known for its stunning beach and romantic sunset views. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for honeymooners, Hideaway offers a good balance of luxury and value. Prices range from USD 350 to USD 650 per night.
The Residence Zanzibar is a luxury resort on the southwestern coast. The resort offers sixty six villas, each with a king sized bed, en suite bathroom, and private plunge pool. The resort has multiple restaurants, bars, a swimming pool, a spa, and a kids club. The kids club offers supervised activities for children of all ages. The food is good. The Residence is known for its spacious villas and family friendly facilities. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for families, The Residence offers excellent value and privacy. Prices range from USD 350 to USD 700 per night.
Meliá Zanzibar is a luxury resort on the northeastern coast. The resort offers one hundred and twenty four rooms and suites, each with a king sized bed, en suite bathroom, and private veranda. The resort has multiple restaurants, bars, two swimming pools, a spa, a fitness centre, and a kids club. The kids club offers activities for children aged four to twelve. The food is good. Meliá Zanzibar is known for its extensive facilities and beachfront location. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for families who want a large resort with plenty of activities, Meliá is a top choice. Prices range from USD 250 to USD 500 per night.
TUI Blue Bahari Zanzibar is a mid range resort on the eastern coast near Paje. The resort offers comfortable rooms and suites, each with a king sized bed and en suite bathroom. The resort has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a kids club. The food is good. The resort is located on a beautiful stretch of beach, ideal for kitesurfing. TUI Blue Bahari is known for its good value and family friendly atmosphere. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for budget conscious families, TUI Blue Bahari is an excellent choice. Prices range from USD 150 to USD 300 per night.
| Resort Name | Location | Category | Price per Night (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| &Beyond Mnemba Island | Private Island | Honeymoon/Luxury | 1,200 to 2,500 | Private island, exclusive, top tier diving |
| Kilindi Zanzibar | North West | Luxury | 600 to 1,200 | Adults only, private plunge pools, pavilions |
| Zuri Zanzibar | Kendwa | Luxury | 400 to 800 | Stylish design, excellent dining, spa |
| Essque Zalu Zanzibar | Nungwi | Honeymoon | 400 to 800 | Romantic, pool, spa, beautiful design |
| Baraza Resort | Bwejuu | Luxury | 400 to 700 | Swahili style, elegant, high service |
| Hideaway of Nungwi | Nungwi | Honeymoon | 350 to 650 | Stunning beach, romantic sunsets |
| The Residence Zanzibar | South West | Family | 350 to 700 | Private plunge pools, kids club, villas |
| Meliá Zanzibar | North East | Family | 250 to 500 | Large resort, kids club, multiple pools |
| Diamonds Dream | Kiwengwa | Luxury | 300 to 600 | Extensive facilities, family friendly |
| TUI Blue Bahari | Paje | Family/Budget | 150 to 300 | Good value, kitesurfing beach, kids club |
Nungwi is on the northern tip of Zanzibar and is known for its dramatic sunsets and calm swimming waters. The beach is wide and beautiful, with local dhow boats dotting the horizon. The best Zanzibar beach resorts in Nungwi include Essque Zalu Zanzibar (honeymoon), Hideaway of Nungwi Resort (honeymoon), and several mid range options. Nungwi has a lively atmosphere, with restaurants and bars within walking distance. It is a good choice for travellers who want to be able to walk out of their resort and explore.
Kendwa is just south of Nungwi, with similar calm waters and beautiful sunsets. The beach is quieter than Nungwi. The best Zanzibar beach resorts in Kendwa include Zuri Zanzibar (luxury). Kendwa is known for its full moon parties and relaxed vibe. It is a good choice for couples and luxury travellers.
Paje is on the eastern coast and is known for its wide, white sand beach and world class kitesurfing. The trade winds blow from June to October, creating perfect conditions for kitesurfing. The best Zanzibar beach resorts in Paje include TUI Blue Bahari (budget family) and several boutique hotels. Paje has a laid back, bohemian atmosphere. It is a good choice for kitesurfers and budget travellers.
Jambiani is south of Paje, with a similar wide beach and kitesurfing conditions. The village is traditional and less developed than Nungwi. The best Zanzibar beach resorts in Jambiani include several boutique hotels and eco lodges. Jambiani is a good choice for travellers who want a quiet, authentic experience away from the larger resorts.
Zuri Zanzibar and Kilindi Zanzibar are the best luxury beach resorts in Zanzibar. Zuri offers contemporary design, excellent dining, and a beautiful beach at Kendwa. Kilindi offers ultimate privacy with private plunge pools and pavilions, and is adults only. For travellers seeking the best Zanzibar beach resorts in the luxury category, both are excellent choices. &Beyond Mnemba Island is the most exclusive option for those with a very high budget.
&Beyond Mnemba Island is the best honeymoon beach resort in Zanzibar for couples seeking total seclusion and luxury. The private island setting, exceptional service, and top tier snorkelling make it unforgettable. For honeymooners on a slightly lower budget, Essque Zalu Zanzibar and Hideaway of Nungwi offer romance, beautiful beaches, and excellent amenities. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for honeymooners, these are the top recommendations.
The Residence Zanzibar is the best family friendly beach resort in Zanzibar. The villas are spacious, each with a private plunge pool. The kids club offers supervised activities, and the resort is safe and family oriented. Meliá Zanzibar is also excellent for families, with a large kids club and multiple pools. Among the best Zanzibar beach resorts for families, these two properties offer the best combination of luxury and family friendly facilities.
The best beach in Zanzibar depends on what you are looking for. Nungwi and Kendwa on the north coast offer calm swimming waters and spectacular sunsets, making them the best Zanzibar beach resorts locations for swimming and relaxation. Paje on the east coast offers wide beaches and world class kitesurfing, making it the best for water sports. For most travellers, the northern beaches are the best choice for a classic beach holiday.
You should book the best Zanzibar beach resorts as early as possible, especially for travel during peak season from December to February and July to October. &Beyond Mnemba Island and Kilindi Zanzibar can be fully booked six months in advance. Zuri Zanzibar and Essque Zalu also fill up early. For family friendly resorts, book three to five months ahead for peak season. Nomara Safaris handles all resort bookings as part of your Tanzania safari and beach extension package.
Zanzibar is the perfect way to end your East African safari. The best Zanzibar beach resorts offer the relaxation, luxury, and beauty you need after days of wildlife viewing. Whether you want a private island honeymoon, a luxury escape, or a family friendly beach holiday, Zanzibar has the perfect resort for you. At Nomara Safaris, we have personally visited and vetted the best Zanzibar beach resorts across the island. We know which resorts have the best beaches, the best service, and the best facilities for your needs. Contact Nomara Safaris to begin planning your Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach extension. Tell us your budget and your preferences. We will recommend the best Zanzibar beach resort for your dream holiday.