Interview

Zanzibar Luxury Hotel Guide

The home powder-soft beaches, warm turquoise waters and swaying palm trees

With its powder-soft beaches, warm turquoise waters and swaying palms, Zanzibar has long lured travellers in search of barefoot luxury.

But the island’s real magic lies in its diversity: rustic retreats with authentic charm, stylish resorts with five-star polish, and exclusive hideaways offering total seclusion. Whether you’re after jungle-fringed beaches or design-led villas, this curated guide brings together Zanzibar’s most exceptional stays — categorised by feel, not just price tag.

Rustic Luxury

Laid-back charm, natural materials and soul-soothing seclusion

Fundu Lagoon: On the remote island of Pemba, Fundu Lagoon is a true castaway escape. Accessible only by boat, it blends effortlessly into the lush jungle landscape. Thatched suites, strung along the beach or set into the hillside, offer views over the calm lagoon, some with private plunge pools. Interiors are simple and natural — think driftwood, canvas, and woven rugs. Days are unhurried: snorkeling off the jetty, lounging by the infinity pool, or dining under the stars. It’s a relaxed, unplugged place, with exceptional diving and a quietly luxurious atmosphere.

The Manta Resort: Also on Pemba, The Manta Resort is most famous for its one-of-a-kind Underwater Room – a floating suite with a submerged bedroom surrounded by tropical fish. On land, thatched cottages and newly built seafront villas offer calm and comfort, many with private plunge pools and panoramic views. The experience is peaceful and unpretentious, with solar power, warm service, and an emphasis on nature. Diving and snorkeling are world-class here, and evenings bring long sunsets, fresh seafood, and starlit skies.

Sharazad Boutique Hotel: Set in the peaceful village of Jambiani on Zanzibar’s east coast, Sharazad feels like a hidden beach house with real heart. The hotel is small and personal, with stylishly simple bungalows nestled in tropical gardens that lead directly to the sand. Interiors mix white walls, rich wood and Swahili design touches. Guests can expect barefoot informality – no shoes needed from check-in onwards. A thatched beachfront restaurant serves fresh seafood and garden-grown ingredients, and the overall pace is gentle, quiet, and deeply restorative.

Stylish design, exceptional service, and refined coastal living

Zuri Zanzibar: Zuri sits the powder-white Kendwa in the northwest and combines contemporary design with African flair. The bungalows and villas are tucked into lush tropical gardens, with interiors that blend warm woods, woven textures and bold patterns. Private terraces, oversized hammocks, and outdoor showers are standard. Dining spans relaxed beach bars to refined fusion cuisine. With a big design focus, excellent service, and plenty of space to unwind, Zuri sets the benchmark for modern luxury in Zanzibar.

Baraza: Located on the east coast’s Bwejuu Beach, Baraza is a grand, architecturally rich resort inspired by the palaces of Zanzibar’s Omani past. Vaulted arches, antique brass and intricate tilework give the entire resort a regal air. Each villa comes with its own private plunge pool, living space and outdoor terrace, perfect for quiet afternoons after the beach. The spa is expansive and opulent, and service is consistently excellent. Baraza combines comfort, tradition and indulgence in one truly luxurious package.

LUX* Marijani: Set on the serene sands of Pwani Mchangani, this five-star resort from the LUX* collection offers a fresh take on beachfront elegance. With clean-lined architecture, lush gardens and a dazzling white aesthetic, LUX* Marijani delivers both glamour and calm. Rooms and suites are airy and modern, with generous balconies, and the oceanfront pool is a major draw. Dining is creative and health-conscious, and there’s a spa, gym and range of curated experiences available. It’s polished, but still playful.

Zawadi: Perched atop a low cliff on the Michamvi Peninsula, Zawadi offers panoramic ocean views and effortless luxury. Just nine airy villas line the beachfront, each with private plunge pools, freestanding tubs, and minimalist interiors in soft whites and driftwood tones. There’s a private stretch of beach for swimming and snorkelling, as well as an infinity pool, excellent dining and attentive but low-key service. Adults-only and all-inclusive, Zawadi strikes a calm, contemporary tone.

Top Level Luxury

Ultra-exclusive, high-end escapes with privacy and polish

Mnemba Island: One of the most exclusive island lodges in the Indian Ocean, Mnemba is a private island paradise off Zanzibar’s northeast coast. Just 12 palm-fringed bandas sit on the beach, each with direct access to the sea and interiors styled in &Beyond’s signature barefoot-luxury fashion. No TV, no pool – just perfect sand, crystal water and total seclusion. Service is intuitive, the dining superb, and marine life extraordinary. Guests often arrive by helicopter or speedboat and rarely want to leave. Mnemba is simplicity done to perfection.

Fanjove Island: A 50-minute flight from Zanzibar followed by a short boat hop, Fanjove is the definition of escape. This small coral island – ringed by untouched reefs and sandy beaches – is home to just ten eco-villas, open to the sea breeze and designed entirely with sustainable materials. There’s no Wi-Fi or phone signal here, and the days are spent snorkelling, sailing or watching dolphins from the beach. Dining is fresh and local, often served under the stars. A stay here feels like a return to the essentials – and total luxury in its purest form.

White Sand Luxury Villas: This Relais & Châteaux resort on the southeast coast (Paje Beach) combines space, service and style in a beautifully landscaped setting. The villas are enormous, each with private gardens, plunge pools and elegant open-plan living spaces. Interiors are clean and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral tones. The spa is one of the island’s best, the restaurant outstanding, and the beach – wide, white, and blissfully quiet – completes the picture. For travellers wanting barefoot luxury with proper space and privacy, this is an excellent choice.

Xanadu Villas: This intimate, all-villa retreat on Zanzibar’s southeast coast delivers privacy, design and service at the very highest level. Each of the nine villas has its own private pool, sun terrace and indoor–outdoor living areas, some with rooftop lounges or direct beach access. Personal butlers cater to every need, and dining is bespoke – meals are served wherever and whenever you choose. The resort blends natural materials with cutting-edge design and a focus on wellbeing. Xanadu is serene, sophisticated, and perfectly suited to travellers wanting privacy without compromise.