A view of a Zanzibar beach resort
Zanzibar beach resorts are among the finest in the Indian Ocean, offering powder-white sand, turquoise water, and world-class hospitality. Choosing the right resort is one of the most important decisions for your Zanzibar holiday. The island has distinct beach regions, each with its own character. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north offer swimmable beaches and vibrant sunsets. Paje and Jambiani on the east coast offer kite surfing and quiet charm. The south-east coast around Michamvi offers seclusion. Stone Town offers cultural immersion. This guide to Zanzibar beach resorts covers the best luxury lodges and beachfront properties in every region, with prices, amenities, and insider tips. Whether you want a romantic honeymoon, a family holiday, or a diving adventure, this guide will help you find the perfect Zanzibar beach resort.
Looking for a complete Zanzibar itinerary? See our 5-Day Zanzibar Island Discovery trip.
Zanzibar is not one beach. It is an island with distinct coastlines, each offering a different experience. The north (Nungwi and Kendwa) has deep water and swimmable tides year-round. The east coast (Paje, Jambiani) has dramatic tides, shallow lagoons, and world-class kite surfing. The south-east (Michamvi) is quieter and more exclusive. The west coast near Stone Town is convenient for culture and history but less ideal for swimming. The best Zanzibar beach resorts are positioned in the region that matches your priorities — whether that is swimming, seclusion, watersports, or culture. This guide covers the finest properties in every region so you can choose the one that fits your trip.
Zuri Zanzibar is one of the finest luxury resorts on the island, set on a private stretch of beach in Kendwa. The resort has a mix of bungalows, suites, and villas, each with contemporary design, private terraces, and outdoor showers. The resort has three restaurants, a spa, a swimming pool, and a beach bar. The beach at Kendwa is one of the few on the island where you can swim at any tide. Zuri is known for its impeccable service, beautiful design, and romantic atmosphere. For travelers seeking the best Zanzibar beach resorts for a honeymoon or luxury holiday, Zuri Zanzibar is a top choice. Prices range from USD 500 to USD 1,200 per night.
Kendwa Rocks is a well-established beachfront hotel on Kendwa Beach. The hotel offers a range of rooms and bungalows, from standard to deluxe, all with easy access to the beach. The hotel is known for its legendary full-moon parties, beach bar, and dive centre. The water at Kendwa is swimmable at all tides, making it a favorite for families and swimmers. Kendwa Rocks is more relaxed and social than the ultra-luxury resorts, with a friendly atmosphere. For travelers who want a beach resort with personality and direct beach access, Kendwa Rocks is an excellent choice. Prices range from USD 150 to USD 400 per night.
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort is a five-star property on Nungwi Beach. The resort has spacious rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the ocean. The resort has multiple restaurants, a spa, a fitness centre, and a large swimming pool. The beach at Nungwi is famous for its sunsets and its swimmable tides. Royal Zanzibar is known for its excellent service and its all-inclusive options. For families and couples seeking a classic five-star beach resort experience, Royal Zanzibar is a strong choice among Zanzibar beach resorts. Prices range from USD 300 to USD 700 per night.
The Residence Zanzibar is a luxury resort set on a private stretch of beach between Paje and Jambiani. The resort has a collection of private villas, each with its own plunge pool, garden, and butler service. The resort has a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and a large swimming pool. The beach on the east coast has dramatic tides, but the resort’s pool and private villas make it a beautiful place to relax regardless. The Residence is known for its privacy, space, and exceptional service. For travelers seeking the most exclusive Zanzibar beach resort experience on the east coast, The Residence is the top choice. Prices range from USD 600 to USD 1,500 per night.
Paje by Night is a boutique hotel on Paje Beach, one of the best kite surfing destinations in the world. The hotel has a range of rooms, from standard to suites, all with easy access to the beach. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, and a kite surfing school. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, popular with younger travelers and watersports enthusiasts. For travelers who want a Zanzibar beach resort focused on kite surfing and beach culture, Paje by Night is an excellent choice. Prices range from USD 100 to USD 250 per night.
Dhow Inn Boutique Hotel is a boutique property on Paje Beach, offering stylish rooms and suites just steps from the sand. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool. The design is contemporary with Swahili touches. The location on Paje Beach gives guests easy access to kite surfing, snorkeling, and the famous Paje nightlife. For travelers seeking a stylish, well-located boutique option among Zanzibar beach resorts, Dhow Inn is a strong choice. Prices range from USD 150 to USD 350 per night.
The Palms Zanzibar is an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort on Michamvi Peninsula. The resort has just six private villas, each with a plunge pool, a personal butler, and direct beach access. The resort has a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. The atmosphere is intimate and exclusive, with a focus on privacy and personalised service. The Palms is widely considered one of the most romantic resorts on the island. For honeymooners and couples seeking the ultimate luxury Zanzibar beach resort, The Palms is the top choice. Prices range from USD 1,000 to USD 2,500 per night.
Baraza Resort & Spa is a five-star all-inclusive resort on the south-east coast. The resort is designed in a Swahili palace style, with ornate arches, carved wood, and lush gardens. The resort has a spa, multiple restaurants, a swimming pool, and a kids’ club. The beach is beautiful, though the tides on this coast can be dramatic. Baraza is known for its excellent service and its family-friendly atmosphere. For travelers seeking a luxury all-inclusive resort on the east coast, Baraza is an excellent choice among Zanzibar beach resorts. Prices range from USD 700 to USD 1,500 per night.
Emerson Spice Hotel is a boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town, not on the beach but within walking distance of the waterfront. The hotel is famous for its rooftop restaurant, Emerson on Hurumzi, which offers spectacular sunset views over the Indian Ocean. The rooms are individually designed with Swahili antiques and carved doors. Emerson Spice is a favorite for travelers who want to combine culture with a touch of luxury. Prices range from USD 150 to USD 400 per night.
Park Hyatt Zanzibar is the premier luxury hotel in Stone Town, located on the waterfront with direct access to the beach at Forodhani Gardens. The hotel has elegant rooms and suites, many with ocean views, plus a spa, a rooftop restaurant, and a swimming pool. The hotel is a short walk from Stone Town’s historic sites, including the Old Fort and the House of Wonders. For travelers who want five-star luxury in the heart of Stone Town, Park Hyatt is the top choice. Prices range from USD 400 to USD 900 per night.
| Resort Name | Region | Category | Price per Night (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zuri Zanzibar | Kendwa (North) | Luxury | 500 to 1,200 | Private beach, three restaurants, spa |
| The Residence Zanzibar | Paje/Jambiani | Luxury | 600 to 1,500 | Private villas, plunge pools, butler |
| The Palms Zanzibar | Michamvi | Ultra-Luxury | 1,000 to 2,500 | Six villas, all-inclusive, butler |
| Baraza Resort & Spa | South-East | Luxury | 700 to 1,500 | Swahili palace style, all-inclusive |
| Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort | Nungwi | Luxury | 300 to 700 | Five-star, pools, all-inclusive options |
| Park Hyatt Zanzibar | Stone Town | Luxury | 400 to 900 | Waterfront, spa, rooftop restaurant |
| Dhow Inn Boutique Hotel | Paje | Boutique | 150 to 350 | Stylish, pool, steps from beach |
| Kendwa Rocks Hotel | Kendwa | Mid-Range | 150 to 400 | Beachfront, dive centre, beach bar |
| Paje by Night | Paje | Boutique | 100 to 250 | Kite surfing, social atmosphere |
| Emerson Spice Hotel | Stone Town | Boutique | 150 to 400 | Rooftop restaurant, Swahili design |
For honeymooners, The Palms Zanzibar is the most romantic resort on the island, with just six private villas and personalized service. Zuri Zanzibar and The Residence Zanzibar are also excellent choices, with private plunge pools and intimate settings.
For families, Baraza Resort & Spa offers a kids’ club, multiple pools, and family-friendly activities. Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort has spacious rooms and shallow swimming areas. Kendwa Rocks is a great option for families who want a social, beach-focused atmosphere.
For kite surfers, Paje and Jambiani are the best regions on the island. Paje by Night and Dhow Inn Boutique Hotel offer direct access to the best kite surfing spots on the east coast.
For travelers who want culture, Emerson Spice Hotel and Park Hyatt Zanzibar are both in Stone Town, within walking distance of the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and the Darajani Market.
For travelers seeking the ultimate in luxury and privacy, The Palms Zanzibar and The Residence Zanzibar offer private villas, plunge pools, and butler service.
The best beach resort in Zanzibar depends on your priorities. For ultra-luxury and privacy, The Palms Zanzibar is the top choice. For design and romance, Zuri Zanzibar is excellent. For families, Baraza Resort & Spa is a strong option. For culture, Park Hyatt Zanzibar is the best in Stone Town. Zanzibar has beach resorts for every type of traveler.
The north (Nungwi and Kendwa) has the best beaches for swimming, as the tides are less dramatic and the water is swimmable year-round. The east coast (Paje, Jambiani) has beautiful beaches but dramatic tides. The south-east (Michamvi) is quieter and more exclusive. The best beach for you depends on what you want from your holiday.
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry seasons from June to October and December to February. These months offer sunny days, calm seas, and ideal conditions for beach holidays. The wet seasons (March to May and November) bring occasional showers but offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
Zanzibar beach resort prices range from USD 100 per night for budget-friendly boutique hotels to USD 2,500 per night for ultra-luxury resorts. Mid-range boutique hotels cost USD 150 to USD 400 per night. Luxury resorts cost USD 400 to USD 1,200 per night. Ultra-luxury resorts like The Palms Zanzibar cost USD 1,000 to USD 2,500 per night.
Yes. Many travelers combine a Zanzibar beach resort with a safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Masai Mara. A typical itinerary might include five days on safari followed by four days in Zanzibar. See our Serengeti safari lodges guide and our Ngorongoro Crater lodges guide for details.
Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is located near Stone Town. Transfer times to beach resorts vary: Nungwi and Kendwa are approximately 1.5 hours, Paje and Jambiani are approximately 1 hour, Michamvi is approximately 1.5 hours, and Stone Town is approximately 15 minutes. Most luxury resorts offer private airport transfers, and Nomara Safaris arranges all transfers as part of your holiday package.
Choosing the right Zanzibar beach resort is essential for an unforgettable island holiday. At Nomara Safaris, we know each property personally. We know which resorts have the best beaches, the best food, and the best locations for your travel dates. Contact Nomara Safaris to begin planning your Zanzibar holiday. Tell us your preferences and your travel dates. We will recommend the best Zanzibar beach resort for your dream holiday.