The choice at a glance
| Hotel | Coast | Suits | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zuri Zanzibar | Kendwa (north-west) | Beach swimmable at any hour | 5-star, check the meal plan |
| Meliá Zanzibar | Kiwengwa (north-east) | All-inclusive, families | 5-star, average beach for swimming |
| Baraza Resort | Bwejuu (east) | Couples, pool villas | 30 villas, tides |
| White Sand Luxury Villas | Paje (east) | Villas, wind sports | Ratings 9.6-9.8/10 |
| Park Hyatt | Stone Town | Culture, short stays | 67 rooms, no beach |
| &Beyond Mnemba Island | Private island | Ultra-luxury | From US$2,150 pp/night |
North: Kendwa, the beach without tides
The best choice if you want to swim whenever you like. Zuri is the benchmark 5-star in Kendwa. See Kendwa and Nungwi and Kendwa.
East: villas and private pools
Baraza and White Sand focus on villas with a private pool or plunge pool: the tide pulls the sea out very far, so the pool replaces the beach. Read tides and swimming. More: hotels with a private pool and overwater villas.
Stone Town: the Park Hyatt
In an old mansion in the Shangani district, with rooms of at least 45 m². Ideal for two nights at the start or end of a trip, combined with a beach (Stone Town).
Ultra-luxury: Mnemba
In October 2026 &Beyond Mnemba Island shows US$2,150 to about US$3,090 per person per night, with meals, selected drinks and water sports included; closed 8 April to 20 May. Book far ahead.
Before you book
- Compare the plan: half board, all-inclusive or room-only vary for the same hotel.
- Check the tide in front of the hotel and the cancellation policy.
- Couples: honeymoon in Zanzibar. Families: family resorts. All-inclusive: list.
