The 8 Best Resorts in Zanzibar | Hand-Picked for 2025

We analyzed all the available options around the island and found the best resorts in Zanzibar, an exotic tropical destination that is an absolute a dream for just about anyone craving that warm breeze, soft sand, and oceanfront ease.

This Indian Ocean island off the coast of Tanzania is, in fact, absolutely packed with picturesque beaches, colorful culture, and exotic charm that tends to pull travelers in.

It’s almost unfair how good the weather is year-round, and the mix of Swahili, Arab, and European influences makes it feel, well, sort of like nowhere else on Earth. It’s definitely the kind of place where luxury escapes come to life.

Methodology

To determine the best resorts Zanzibar has to offer, our editorial team examined hundreds of recent traveler reviews across popular travel platforms including Google Reviews, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.

We also factored in location, service, amenities, dining, and value. Using our proprietary scoring system, which weighs guest satisfaction, value for money, and resort features, we ranked the top resorts from 8 to 1.

The 8 Best Zanzibar Resorts – 2025 Full Guide

8. Hotel Riu Jambo

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Direct beach access with soft white sand and turquoise water
• Over 400 guest rooms, including family options and sea views
• 4 pools including an infinity pool with panoramic ocean views

Hotel Riu Jambo is a really well-rounded resort that sits right on the northern coast of Zanzibar, offering a mix of comfort and style without going over the top in terms of price.

It’s a large, all-inclusive property that is basically ideal for those wanting everything in one place. You’ve got four big pools, including one that’s adults-only and another with an ocean backdrop that’s perfect for golden hour selfies.

When it comes to the beach, it’s soft, silky, and shockingly close, just steps from the rooms in most areas. The food, while not gourmet, is incredibly varied with buffet and à la carte options, making it easy for families or picky eaters.

Rooms are modern with breezy decor, some with balconies that let in the sea air and others that face lush garden spaces. In terms of proximity, it’s right near Nungwi, one of the more vibrant areas with bars, dive shops, and local crafts.

7. TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar – Most Affordable

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Beachfront property with direct access to the Indian Ocean
• 4 restaurants and 3 bars on-site
• 2 outdoor pools and a spa with sauna and steam room
• One of the most budget-friendly full resorts Zanzibar offers

TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar is one of those resorts that actually pulls off great value without cutting corners. It’s incredibly affordable for what it offers and still feels, in a way, fairly premium.

It has this sort of relaxed garden-meets-beach vibe that, honestly, feels way more expensive than it is.

There are palm-lined paths, a breezy open-air lobby, and décor that goes with a sort of Arab-African flair.

Rooms include family suites and private balcony options, and the spa services include everything from hammams to full-body wraps. The pools are large and really well-kept, plus there’s always loungers available, which is a rarity in many busy resorts.

The food options rotate nightly themes and offer both international and Swahili dishes.

For the price, this is hands down one of the best Zanzibar resorts for couples, families, and solo travelers looking to chill without overspending.

6. Meliá Zanzibar

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Private beach area on Gabi Beach
• All-inclusive with 5 restaurants and 4 bars
• 300-acre property with tropical gardens and ocean views

Set on a massive private estate, Meliá Zanzibar feels, quite honestly, like a self-contained island within an island.

The layout is very spread out, with golf carts used to get around the property, which is a bit of an adventure in itself.

It’s all-inclusive but with a more upscale twist, think cocktail bars in the sand and gourmet-style Mediterranean and African cuisine. The beach, known as Gabi Beach, is secluded, wide, and one of the cleanest you’ll see on the island.

The rooms are light-filled and elegant with canopy beds and marble bathrooms. Their Romance Ocean Front Pavilion, for example, is made for couples who want that postcard-like sunrise view.

Pools are quiet and scenic, while the spa includes outdoor massage pavilions shaded by palms.

Nearby attractions include the Kiwengwa Caves and spice farms, both are less than 30 minutes away.

Overall, it’s almost a little too easy to spend your entire stay on the resort grounds without feeling the urge to go anywhere else, making it one of the best resorts in Zanzibar for those looking for an expansive property to relax in.

5. Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa – Best-Seller

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Private beach with uninterrupted ocean views
• Over 150 rooms, including suites with plunge pools
• Full-service spa and two large lagoon-style pools

Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa is actually one of the most consistently booked Zanzibar resorts, and it’s not hard to see why.

It’s one of those places where you feel like you’re getting something a bit grand for the price you’re paying.

The property is perched on the northeastern coast, and the beach in front of it is as good as it gets, as it is wide, quiet, and gently sloped for perfect swimming conditions.

Rooms are decorated in a blend of Zanzibari wood carvings and modern touches, with balconies or terraces in almost every unit.

The food spread is solid, with multiple restaurants including an Indian specialty spot and nightly entertainment that’s surprisingly well-done.

The spa services include hydrotherapy, scrubs, and an ocean-view treatment room that’s kind of hard to beat.

It’s highly family-friendly too, with a kids’ club, babysitting services, and even a kids’ menu at most of the dining areas. Plus, it’s a quick trip to Kiwengwa village for a glimpse of local life outside the resort bubble.

Overall, it’s easy to see why it’s become one of the most popular resorts Zanzibar has to offer these days.

4. Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Only 16 villas for exclusive, boutique experience
• First resort in Zanzibar to feature a water slide
• All-inclusive à la carte gourmet meals

Tulia Zanzibar really lives up to the word “unique.” It’s small, intimate, and feels like staying in a luxurious garden that just happens to have a beach attached to it.

The resort is so peaceful that it almost feels like a private retreat, which makes it one of the best Zanzibar resorts for those who really want to relax.

There are only 16 villas on-site, meaning service is hyper-personalized and everything feels just a bit more special. Even the food, which is all à la carte, even under the all-inclusive plan, is top notch, with ingredients sourced locally and cooked to order.

The beach is fairly private and framed by tropical trees, and the waves here are mild enough for even beginner swimmers.

Tulia’s grounds are home to a surprisingly fun twist: it’s the only resort in Zanzibar that has a water slide by the pool.

Rooms are spacious with outdoor showers, large patios, and tons of sunlight. Couples and honeymooners will probably appreciate the slower pace, while kids might enjoy the gardens and water features more than you’d expect. It’s quiet, romantic, and beautifully maintained.

3. Park Hyatt Zanzibar – Top Value Pick

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Located in historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 67 rooms with ocean or city views
• Infinity pool overlooking the ocean

Park Hyatt Zanzibar sits in Stone Town, right in the heart of where the island’s history comes alive, which gives it a totally different energy compared to the other beach-focused resorts on this list.

The property feels more like a high-end heritage hotel with a coastal twist. The infinity pool right by the ocean offers dramatic views, especially at sunset, and the beach is right out front, although it’s a little more active than the secluded resort beaches elsewhere on the island.

Rooms combine Arabian, Indian, and African decor elements with ultra-modern amenities. You’ll find standalone tubs, cushy bedding, and deep wooden finishes that feel more sophisticated than flashy.

The dining experience highlights local Zanzibari ingredients with an international twist, and breakfast by the sea is definitely a standout moment.

For those who want beach comfort but also walkability to cafes, museums, and local culture, this is easily one of the best resorts in Zanzibar for that balance.

2. Baraza Zanzibar Resort And Spa

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• 30 villas, each with private plunge pools
• Beachfront on Bwejuu Beach, named one of the world’s top beaches
• 1,000 sq ft spa with Swahili-style treatments

Baraza Zanzibar is, to be fair, what luxury travelers probably envision when they think of upscale Zanzibar resorts.

The architecture is grand and rooted in Swahili traditions, with domed arches, carved wood details, and glowing lanterns that make every corner look picturesque.

The beach in front is long and uncrowded, and the shallow waters stretch far out during low tide, revealing coral and seashells in every direction.

Each villa is massive and includes a plunge pool, living room, and garden terrace, more like a private residence than a hotel room.

The spa is a major draw, offering a selection of therapies that pull from local traditions. There’s even a yoga pavilion for those who want to start the day a little more slowly and mindfully.

The cuisine is top-tier, featuring seafood specials and Swahili-Mediterranean fusions that change daily.

Baraza is peaceful, elegant, and dripping with detail, which makes it perfect for travelers who want an experience that feels both exclusive and memorable.

1. Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa, Relais & Chateaux – Top Overall

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• 13 private villas across 4 acres of beachfront
• Eco-luxury focus with solar energy and rainwater harvesting
• Kite surfing center and award-winning fine dining

We think that Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is the best resort in Zanzibar, period.

It delivers what could be considered the absolute best retreat experience on the island.

The villas are completely private, set apart with lush greenery, and each comes with a plunge pool, outdoor bathrooms, and rooftop decks. The beachfront is wide and stunningly undeveloped, offering space and serenity even when fully booked.

The spa here is surrounded by gardens and uses natural ingredients in every treatment. You can relax in the hammam, book a private yoga class, or soak in the open-air jacuzzi under the stars.

The on-site restaurant is recognized by the Relais & Chateaux collection and offers a menu that changes daily. For those looking for action, the kite surfing school is considered one of the top in the region.

Every detail, from the handcrafted furniture to the eco-conscious design, makes this the best Zanzibar resort overall for travelers wanting beauty, comfort, and service without compromise.

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