The best hotels in Zanzibar
More and more of our clients are looking for tailor-made trips, tailored directly to their tastes and individual requirements. The most important thing is that it is “warm” and that the service is really top-notch. All this and more, because you will find wonderful weather, incredibly nice people and spectacular views in Zanzibar. In addition, you can also expect delicious food, silky white sand, sparkling turquoise waters and a heavenly atmosphere. What more could you want to experience a perfect vacation? Every wish of yours will be fulfilled with CARTER, and in the meantime, find out what are the best hotels in zanzibar, because we are taking you on an unforgettable journey around the most famous Tanzanian island.
- Cotton Island
- LUX* Marijani, Zanzibar
- Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar
- Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
- Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort
- andBeyond Mnemba Island
- Baraza Resort & Spa Zanzibar
- Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar
Cotton Island
Bawe Island is a newly opened, exclusive resort located on an intimate island just a few minutes' boat ride from Stone Town.
The stay begins from the moment of landing – guests are greeted at the exit of the plane, they benefit from fast track, private transfer to the port and luxury boat. Alternatively, you can arrive by helicopter – the island has its own landing strip.
This is not a typical hotel, but a refined concept barefoot luxury: only 70 villas on a 30-hectare, unspoiled island, each with a private pool and butler. Some of the villas float above the water – like in the Maldives – others are hidden among palm trees, right on the beach. The most impressive is the Sultan Palace – a residence with its own beach, chef and security, ideal for families and groups who value privacy.
On-site, guests can enjoy a boutique spa, a water sports centre, tennis and paddle courts, a yoga area and theme nights. The activities are always very engaging. You can feel that the staff wants each guest to get closer to the local culture and history of Zanzibar.
It’s also worth planning a trip off the island – Stone Town is stunning in its architecture and history, Prison Island is home to giant tortoises, and a spice plantation allows you to get up close and personal with the island’s aromatic heritage.
Cuisine is an integral part of the entire Bawe Island experience. The culinary concept is led by a renowned Italian chef who combines Mediterranean precision with local inspiration. Guests can enjoy a dine-around formula and try teppanyaki cuisine, Swahili dishes or classic Italian flavours. A unique feature of the resort is its own dairy production – cheeses and yoghurts are made on site. There is also the possibility of taking part in cooking demonstrations and meetings with the chef, who is always hovering near the restaurant.
Bawe Island is a space that offers more than relaxation – it is a place where luxury is expressed through freedom, privacy and details that matter. Perfect for those who want to truly breathe – away from the beaten track. CARTER will help you organize your vacation in Zanzibar, whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family vacation.
LUX* Marijani, Zanzibar
LUX* Marijani is the definition of paradise: an iconic sandy beach on the island’s tranquil north-eastern coast, the magnificent blue waters of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Arabic architecture with a coastal Swahili feel inspired by the Spice Islands’ historic past, the most creative culinary experiences, wellness and a curated collection of truly extraordinary experiences.
Designed in Arabic and Swahili style, the suites are set amidst tropical gardens, right on the beach. Whitewashed walls with arches covered in fuchsia pink bougainvillea evoke the island’s Arabic influences, while locally made terrazzo tiles bring a Swahili coastal feel. All suites feature outdoor terraces or balconies overlooking the beach or tropical gardens. At sunrise, the resort is magically lit up by the first rays of sunlight, setting the tone for the day ahead.
LUX* Marijani is an invitation to celebrate the extraordinary life in Zanzibar that has and continues to attract travelers from all over the world. Book your dream vacation to Zanzibar today!
Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar
"If you love nature, you will love Kilindi" - the motto is identified with the concept of a hotel that puts Mother Nature first. You can also abandon all footwear here - walking barefoot is a typical element of uniting with the natural environment!
Boutique hotel in Zanzibar Elewana Kilindi it was originally designed on a special order for Benny Andersson - one of the members of the most famous Swedish music band, ABBA. Kilindi is a real architectural mix, as it interestingly combines the rich culture of the Middle East with Scandinavian minimalism while caring for nature. Perfect for luxury holidays in Zanzibar, Kilindi Hotel is situated on a half-kilometre long, private beach of silky sand. All 15 villas are set in 20 hectares of private tropical gardens, and guests have access to a small swimming pool.
The sea breeze used in the hotel is used to cool the villas. Additionally, Kilindi uses a modern recycling system - rainwater, after cooling, is used in showers. Thanks to ecological solutions and care for nature, Kilindi is the perfect hotel in Zanzibar for lovers of the eco-friendly concept in a luxurious environment.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
When we had to decide what the best hotels in Zanzibar were, we undoubtedly concluded that Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa had to be included in our ranking. Why? Mainly because this The BEST boutique hotel on this island.
The feeling of maximum privacy and intimacy is guaranteed by the lush vegetation surrounding the hotel and the small number of private villas, of which there are only 11. Each of the private villas consists of two buildings, each of which fulfills a different function.
The variety of flavors, aromas and colors served in the hotel restaurants and bars tempts you to taste the authentic culture of Zanzibar. The freshness of the products is ensured by organic farming, from which the restaurant's fruits and vegetables come. Do you dream of eating dinner under the starry sky? No problem!
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a hotel name synonymous with personalized, luxurious amenities and the magic of on-site experiences. Just to mention the exclusive spa, it would be a sin not to take advantage of it! After all, you are going to dream, perfect holiday in Zanzibar, True?
Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort
A subjectively selected list of the most luxurious hotels in Zanzibar also includes such an extraordinary hotel as Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort. What can I say, is one of the most wonderful hotels on the island! We will not praise the wonderful white sand, the dazzling turquoise waters, the swaying coconut palms of paradise, because nature will defend itself. However, consider that if you are delighted with the Zanzibar landscape, you will also fall in love with Tulia!
The hotel is winner of the prestigious main prize of The World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017. However, this is not the end of the awards, the facility keeps up the challenge and is awarded the title of the best luxury holiday hotel for couples and honeymooners in Africa! And twice in a row! 2020 was also special - Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort has been voted the best luxury romantic resort in the world! Nothing more needs to be said to understand how wonderful this hotel is!
You can stay in one of 16 villas or residences and take advantage of the rich spa offer. Tulia also charms with its flavors, serving its guests exquisite dishes in the restaurant Cobia, one of the best on the island. If holidays in Zanzibar at Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort If you want to spend a truly royal holiday, a luxurious royal villa awaits you, located among tropical gardens. It is much larger than the seaside villas, and the wonderful, spacious living room and separate double bedroom will make you feel like a real king and queen. Unlike other villas, walls Royal Villa are not covered with stone, but made of coconut wood. We probably do not have to add that the highest quality of luxury, paradise relaxation and a multitude of water sports will ensure you a very successful vacation?
andBeyond Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island is surrounded by an atoll, breathtaking coral reefs and boasts some of the greatest diving spots in Africa. Isn't that reason enough for fans of this sport to stay at the luxurious andBeyond Hotel?
andBeyond Mnemba Island offers a delightful paradise, hidden in the palm fronds 12 wonderful, rustic cottages, called bands. You won't encounter crowds here, the hotel is an ideal oasis of silence, peace and privacy, especially thanks to the presence of a tropical forest surrounded by a white, coral beach. Each band has a spacious veranda where you can relax and enjoy the pleasant sea breeze.
All rooms are decorated with unique, typical Zanzibar style, wood carvings from the island. Interestingly, as we said earlier, you won't find crowds here, and that's because in The hotel can accommodate a maximum of 24 guests. For those who want complete intimacy, this is great news, isn't it?
It is worth knowing that the luxurious andBeyond Mnemba Island hotel in Zanzibar is also an ideal option for a romantic getaway for two! The privacy of the island allows you to enjoy delightful candlelight dinners on your own piece of beach, while you can enjoy the fresh island air and the calming sounds of the ocean.
And how about watching the sun set over the crystal clear ocean while taking a romantic walk on the beach? Are we convinced? Of course you are! As if that wasn't enough, if you are newlyweds, a hotel especially for you will organize an atmospheric dinner and relaxing massages on the beach.
Baraza Resort & Spa Zanzibar
African or royal interiors? Which of them suit you better? Yes, we know, hard decision, we have the same problem. He comes to the rescue of your and our dilemmas exclusive hotel Baraza Resort & Spa Zanzibar. If you're still wondering what they are best hotels in Zanzibar, then Baraza Resort & Spa Zanzibar is undoubtedly one of them. With 30 villas belonging to him, he creates one of the most exclusive all-inclusive boutique hotels in Zanzibar.
It combines the most beautiful architecture of the untamed part of the African continent with skillfully woven in, royal accents of Arab culture. And for dessert, if you look closely, you will notice that the hotel style is subtly spiced with elements of Indian culture. Apart from the unquestionable landscape values of the hotel, including wonderful, heavenly beaches and the turquoise shade of the ocean, Baraza Resort & Spa Zanzibar is an oasis of endless relaxation full of peace and privacy.
The hotel boasts a wonderful location at Bwejuu, one of the 30 most beautiful beaches in the world according to the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine. The same magazine named Baraza Resort & Spa Zanzibar it one of the 60 best new hotels in the world.
Baraza Resort & Spa Zanzibar, in addition to typical water sports, offers an up-close experience of authentic Zanzibar culture, including local cooking lessons, Swahili lessons, palm leaf hat making lessons, and interesting sightseeing tours. If you are someone who is desperately looking for a hotel where you can take a break from your own children for a while – you have come to the right place! This exclusive resort has a well-equipped kids club, where your little ones will definitely not be bored. So much happiness at once!
Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar
Our list of the most luxurious hotels in Zanzibar also includes the exclusive Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar. Its location on a low cliff makes the view of the Indian Ocean more stunning than you might expect. It will come as no surprise that, like each of our above hotels, Zawadi is also surrounded by heavenly beaches, wonderful palm trees and lush vegetation.
In this boutique hotel you can expect complete relaxation and undisturbed privacy, which is facilitated by the presence of just 12 private villas. The elegant and casual, but at the same time tropical style of the interior is a reflection of the friendly atmosphere, full of peace and intimacy that the hotel offers. White dominates here, bringing to mind complete detachment from reality and everyday hustle and bustle - we believe that this was the architects' intention.
Do you dream of water sports, idyllic sunbathing on the beach and drinks with a palm, as befits a paradise holiday? Nothing is difficult, the luxurious boutique hotel Zawadi Zanzibar will take you on a wonderful journey along the bottom of the ocean, where you will discover beautiful coral reefs.
If that's not enough for you, you can also take advantage of the wide range of spa treatments or extraordinary trips, including safaris. If you are a fan of learning about new cultures, you've come to the right place, the hotel offers its guests an introduction to authentic Zanzibar customs and traditions. You will be able to sail a typical swahili dhow or try fishing using the traditional manual method. Ps. Don't forget to make the most of your time eating, especially in the hotel's award-winning restaurant, The Drift Wood Dining Room.
If you are still wondering whether it is worth going to Zanzibar, the answer is: it is not worth it. Don't hesitate, just contact our advisor right away! Our specialists will be happy to help you plan your holidays dreams in divine Zanzibar!
Author: Travel Agency CARTER®
