Zanzibar's Top Lodges Directory — The Spice Island & Indian Ocean (2026)

Zanzibar, the Spice Island of the Indian Ocean, offers the perfect beach complement to a Tanzania safari. From the UNESCO-listed stone alleys of Stone Town to the powder-white beaches of the northeast and north coasts, the archipelago provides diverse coastal experiences ranging from exclusive private island retreats to vibrant all-inclusive resorts.

Whether you seek the barefoot luxury of Mnemba Island, the dramatic pavilions of Kilindi, or the heritage charm of a Stone Town waterfront hotel, this directory presents the finest luxury and semi-luxury accommodation options across Zanzibar for the 2026 season.

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LUXURY PROPERTIES — ZANZIBAR

Premium properties for discerning travellers

Meliá Zanzibar

LUXURY | Luxury beach resort

Meliá Zanzibar is a five-star beachfront resort on the northeast coast combining luxury amenities with Swahili design elements. The property offers 55 villas and suites with garden or ocean views. Facilities include a spa, multiple pools, and several dining venues. The Level premium service tier provides an elevated experience. Part of the Meliá Hotels portfolio alongside Gran Meliá Arusha and Meliá Serengeti.

RIU Palace Zanzibar

LUXURY | All-inclusive beach resort

RIU Palace Zanzibar is an all-inclusive luxury resort on Zanzibar's northern tip at Nungwi Beach. The property features 102 rooms and suites with modern amenities and ocean or garden views. Multiple restaurants, pools, and entertainment options cater to guests seeking a full resort experience. Direct beach access to one of Zanzibar's best swimming beaches. A comprehensive all-inclusive option with international resort standards.

Zuri Zanzibar

LUXURY | Boutique luxury resort

Zuri Zanzibar is a design-led boutique resort on Kendwa Beach combining contemporary luxury with Zanzibari cultural touches. The property has 55 bungalows and villas with private outdoor spaces and distinctive design. An excellent food and beverage programme features fresh local seafood and international cuisine. The Kendwa Beach location offers one of the island's best sunset positions. A stylish choice for design-conscious travellers.

White Sands Luxury Villas

LUXURY | Luxury villa resort

White Sands Luxury Villas is an exclusive villa resort on the east coast offering private beachfront accommodation. Just 7 villas ensure maximum privacy and personalised service. Each villa features a private pool and direct beach access. The intimate scale makes it ideal for honeymooners and privacy seekers. One of the most exclusive small-scale luxury options on Zanzibar.

The Residence Zanzibar

LUXURY | Luxury beach resort

The Residence Zanzibar is a refined five-star resort on the southwest coast known for its long white-sand beach and traditional dhow-style architecture. The property offers 66 spacious villas with garden or ocean views and select units with private pools. An acclaimed spa, multiple restaurants, and water sports complete the facilities. The Kizimkazi location provides a quieter, more secluded beach experience. An elegant and well-established beach luxury option.

Ycona Luxury Resort

LUXURY | Contemporary luxury resort

Ycona Luxury Resort is a modern property offering contemporary beachfront accommodation with premium amenities. The resort has 30 rooms and suites with high-end finishes and ocean-facing design. Facilities include a pool, restaurant, and spa services. The contemporary aesthetic appeals to design-minded travellers. A newer addition to Zanzibar's luxury resort landscape.

Lux Marijani

LUXURY | Luxury beach resort

Lux Marijani is a premium beachfront resort offering refined Indian Ocean luxury with local Zanzibari character. The property has 45 rooms and suites with elegant ocean-facing interiors. Dining features fresh seafood and internationally inspired menus. Spa services and water activities complement the beach experience. A polished resort combining international standards with island personality.

Kilindi Zanzibar

LUXURY | Ultra-luxury adults-only resort

Kilindi Zanzibar is an exclusive adults-only resort featuring dramatic pavilion-style accommodation on a hillside above Kendwa Beach. Each of the 15 pavilions includes a private infinity pool, open-air design, and panoramic ocean views. Butler service and personalised dining add to the exclusive experience. The elevated positioning provides uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. One of the most romantic and exclusive properties on the island.

&Beyond Mnemba Island

LUXURY | Private island resort

&Beyond Mnemba Island is a private island resort off the northeast coast of Zanzibar with barefoot luxury in 12 thatched beachfront bandas. The island is surrounded by a marine conservation area with exceptional snorkelling and diving. Open-air banda design integrates guests directly with the beach and ocean environment. Kayaking, paddle boarding, and seasonal whale watching complement the diving. One of East Africa's most exclusive and iconic beach retreats.

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SEMI-LUXURY PROPERTIES — ZANZIBAR

Quality accommodation at accessible pricing

Tembo Kiwengwa Resort

SEMI-LUXURY | Beach resort

Tembo Kiwengwa Resort is a beachfront property on the east coast offering comfortable accommodation at accessible pricing. The resort has 30 standard rooms with beach access and pool facilities. Service is friendly and the beach setting is attractive. Dining options include local and international cuisine. A practical mid-range beach option.

Turaco Nungwi Resort

SEMI-LUXURY | Beach resort

Turaco Nungwi Resort is a comfortable property on the popular Nungwi Beach with good facilities and warm service. The resort offers 40 rooms with pool and direct beach access. Nungwi Beach is one of Zanzibar's most popular and lively beach destinations. Dining and bar facilities cater to relaxed beach stays. A good value option on one of the island's best beaches.

Be Zanzibar Hotel

SEMI-LUXURY | Boutique hotel

Be Zanzibar Hotel is a modern boutique property offering stylish accommodation at mid-range pricing. The hotel has 20 contemporary rooms with modern amenities and thoughtful design. A pool and lounge area provide relaxation between island explorations. The boutique scale allows for personal service. An appealing option for style-conscious budget travellers.

Oasis Blue Beach Resort

SEMI-LUXURY | Beach resort

Oasis Blue Beach Resort offers comfortable beachfront accommodation on the Zanzibar coast. The resort has 25 rooms with ocean views and standard amenities. Direct beach access and a pool provide the essentials for a relaxing beach stay. Dining is available on site. A straightforward and affordable beach option.

Zanbluu Beach Resort

SEMI-LUXURY | Beach resort

Zanbluu Beach Resort offers good value accommodation on the Zanzibar coast with clean rooms and beach access. The resort has 20 rooms with standard facilities. A pool and beachfront setting provide the core beach holiday experience. Staff are helpful and the atmosphere is relaxed. An affordable option for budget beach stays.

Paradise Beach Resort

SEMI-LUXURY | Beach resort

Paradise Beach Resort is a well-established property offering reliable service and comfortable facilities on the Zanzibar coast. The resort has 30 standard beachfront rooms with en-suite facilities. A swimming pool, restaurant, and bar provide a complete beach holiday package. The property benefits from years of operating experience. A dependable mid-range beach resort.

Neptune Zanzibar

SEMI-LUXURY | All-inclusive beach resort

Neptune Zanzibar is a beachfront resort by Neptune Hotels offering all-inclusive packages at mid-range pricing. The resort has 80 rooms with comfortable amenities and resort facilities. All-inclusive rates cover meals, drinks, and activities for a hassle-free beach stay. Part of the Neptune Hotels group also operating in the Karatu highlands. A practical all-inclusive option for travellers combining safari with beach.

Tembo Hotel Zanzibar

SEMI-LUXURY | Heritage waterfront hotel

Tembo Hotel Zanzibar is a historic waterfront hotel in the heart of Stone Town with views across the harbour. The hotel offers 38 character rooms with harbour or garden views in a restored heritage building. Its central Stone Town location makes it ideal for cultural exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage area. A rooftop restaurant provides dining with panoramic harbour views. A convenient and atmospheric base for experiencing Stone Town.

Marafiki Bungalows

SEMI-LUXURY | Beach bungalows

Marafiki Bungalows is a small, friendly property offering personal service and simple beach accommodation. The property has 10 clean bungalows with basic amenities and beach proximity. Its small scale allows staff to provide genuinely personal attention. A relaxed and unpretentious beach experience. The most affordable option on our Zanzibar list.

The Mora Zanzibar

SEMI-LUXURY | Boutique hotel

The Mora Zanzibar is a stylish boutique property offering design-led accommodation at mid-range pricing. The hotel has 15 modern rooms with thoughtful design elements and contemporary furnishings. A pool and garden lounge area provide relaxation spaces. The boutique aesthetic appeals to style-conscious travellers. A design-forward option at an accessible price point.

Passion Boutique Hotel

SEMI-LUXURY | Boutique hotel

Passion Boutique Hotel is a small property offering intimate accommodation with personal service on Zanzibar. The hotel has 12 tastefully decorated rooms with modern amenities. A pool and garden provide peaceful relaxation spaces. Staff provide warm, attentive service suited to the boutique scale. An affordable and charming small hotel option.