The 10 best hotels in Zanzibar
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Should I stay in Stone Town? That’s easily the first question on the minds of travellers looking for the best hotels in Zanzibar. This is an East African archipelago that beckons those looking to soak up the sun on its idyllic beaches, after all. Then again, it’s Stone Town – a veritable living museum – that makes Zanzibar a beach destination with a difference. Immersion in both facets, therefore, comes highly recommended. Start by spending two or three nights at a storied hotel in the historical capital, exploring its crumbling architecture and rich cultural fusion, before checking into a beach resort for a little well-earned R&R. Here are our top picks of the best hotels in Zanzibar.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar’s dry season lasts from June to October, when temperatures hover at an average of 25°C. During these months, rainfall is at its lowest on the island, averaging 68mm a day in June, 48mm in July, 47mm in August and 50mm in September. In October, rainfall begins to creep up to 97mm. The dry season also coincides with the safari high season on the mainland in Tanzania, with many travellers factoring in a trip to Zanzibar post-safari. As such, expect the island to be busy during these months. The warmest month is February, when average temperatures reach 28°C, with around 70 per cent humidity. January and December both offer average highs of 27°C, with slightly lower levels of humidity, at 67 per cent. Rainfall starts to creep up in mid-March before the heavy, long rains arrive in April and May. Rainfall creeps up again in November and December, although these shorter rains tend to clear as quickly as they arrive, and leave even bluer skies in their wake.
Robby BolleynBaraza Resort & Spa
Evoking the grandeur of palaces across the Middle East, Baraza Resort & Spa echoes the conquest of Zanzibar by the Omani empire in 1698. It's also the first luxury all-inclusive resort on the island. Set along a 240-metre stretch on Bwejuu-Paje beach in the southeast, it has 30 detached, single-storey villas across four categories — and each pays tribute to Swahili architecture by way of dramatic arches, brass lanterns, and cement baraza benches. For the uninitiated, the latter is a common sight in Stone Town; men traditionally socialise on these outdoor benches in order to maintain privacy for the women inside. It's also helpful to know that all three meals are included in the per person, per night rate.
Courtesy Neela Boutique Hotel Stone TownNeela Boutique Hotel Stone Town
The new kid on the block, Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town is the first property in The Neela Collection and opened in the heart of Stone Town earlier this year. It's housed within a historical building – the former Ministry of Education – that was carefully restored, bringing with it the kind of look and feel that only a heritage landmark can provide. Housing only 14 deluxe and superior rooms, it draws design inspiration from Stone Town's rich culture, translating into a contemporary hospitality offering that's infused with sandy tones and vintage elements. It's also mere minutes away from the waterside Forodhani Gardens, home to a nightly food market where the eats come cheap and the vibe is cheerful.
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Giane PortellaPark Hyatt Zanzibar
Location, location, location — that is the appeal of Park Hyatt Zanzibar in a nutshell. Its location on the edge of Stone Town means guests enjoy the best of both worlds: scenic ocean views and easy access to a UNESCO-listed historic capital. And considering this is a Park Hyatt property, understated luxury and premium amenities like iPhone docks and Illy coffee machines are a given. Of the 67 guestrooms, 11 are suites, but regardless of where you end up, a combination of contemporary style and regional decor accents awaits. A spa and multiple dining outlets aside, there's also an outpost of Lithos Africa, where responsibly sourced gemstones from the valleys and mountains of Africa make for a meaningful souvenir.
Robby BolleynEmerson Spice
Arguably the most well-known property in Stone Town, Emerson Spice earns a spot in our edit for its authenticity. One of the two hotels in the homegrown hospitality brand Emerson Zanzibar, it occupies a former merchant’s mansion that was built in the 19th century and, therefore, has an old-world charm to spare. Here, a total of 11 rooms stand around an airy central courtyard, each of which is uniquely styled and features 'Zenji Art Deco' colours and motifs. And on that note: art enthusiasts should check out Emerson Art Gallery & Cafe that's next to Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel, the second property within the Emerson Zanzibar portfolio. Meanwhile, melophiles can catch a live music session at the recently refurbished Secret Garden restaurant in Emerson Spice.
Courtesy Upendo House, Stone TownUpendo House
Part of the Upendo Zanzibar collection of hotels and restaurants, Upendo House draws trendy types owing to its contemporary design, cocktail bar, and infinity pool that overlooks the motley roofs of Stone Town — there's nothing else like it in Zanzibar. A noteworthy element in all eight rooms, meanwhile, is the custom-designed wallpaper by the famed Cara Saven Wall Design. Additional luxury comes courtesy of extras like private terraces and soaking bathtubs. As for what feature guests love most? It's a toss-up between The Fifth restaurant (Swahili-fusion cuisine rooted in seasonality) and Duka (an onsite concept store that sells stylish wares designed by Tanzanian talent).
Courtesy Sharazad Wonders Boutique Hotel, Stone TownSharazad Wonders Boutique Hotel
Another newcomer, Sharazad Wonders Boutique Hotel is the sister property of Sharazad Boutique Hotel in the coastal village of Jambiani. But unlike the latter, this one's tucked away in the historical centre of Stone Town and more suited to travellers diving headfirst into its sea of activity. Both boutique hotels are owned by an Italian woman named Francesca Scalfari, who's passionate about fusing Italian hospitality with Swahili history and culture. In fact, guests at Sharazad Wonders Boutique Hotel are greeted by a traditional Zanzibar door, complete with brass spikes and ornate carving. Wellness is also high on Scalfari's priority list, and the vegan and vegetarian options at its onsite restaurant win rave reviews.
Peter FaboZuri Zanzibar
If there's one luxury resort on this archipelago that's renowned for its wellness offerings, it's Zuri Zanzibar. Located in the village of Kendwa, close to the northern tip of Zanzibar Island, it hosts everything from yoga and meditation sessions to its Wellbeing Journey programme, designed to enhance immunity and restore balance. But the luxury accommodation alone is sure to boost your state of mind. Each of the 56 standalone suites, villas, and bungalows is enveloped in lush foliage, just steps away from an idyllic, sunset-facing beach. Incidentally, Zuri Zanzibar is a Design Hotel – the first and only of its kind on the island – so expect an Afro-chic aesthetic with sustainability at its heart.
Courtesy Fundu LagoonFundu Lagoon
No guide to Zanzibar's best hotels would be complete without Fundu Lagoon — except it isn't actually located on the main Zanzibar Island. This effortlessly cool lodge resides on a mangrove-fringed beach on Pemba Island, the second biggest island in the archipelago of Zanzibar. Less driven by tourism, the island is truly remote and unspoilt, resulting in Robinson Crusoe vibes aplenty at Fundu Lagoon. You'll arrive via speedboat, check into one of 12 luxury tented rooms, and settle into a slice of paradise. Don't get too comfortable, though. The property houses its own PADI dive centre, so if exploring the underwater world is on your bucket list, now is the time to do so. The seascape here remains unmatched.
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Courtesy Chuini Zanzibar Beach LodgeChuini Zanzibar Lodge
Another property with an enviable location, Chuini Zanzibar Lodge is set on the west coast, its local architecture style boasting the remains of Chuini Palace. One villa and 12 rooms aside, it also features both sprawling gardens and a private beach overlooking the bay. Elsewhere, opportunities to unwind continue at two outdoor pools and Asili Spa. Try the signature Five Spices body scrub to experience why Zanzibar is nicknamed Spice Island — the likes of cloves, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper have long been produced on the island. Alternatively, dine at the lodge's beachfront restaurant, where Indian Ocean lobster served with Zanzibari saffron sauce guarantees a delicious first taste of Swahili cuisine.
Courtesy Kilindi ZanzibarKilindi Zanzibar
A stark contrast to the sensory overload of Stone Town, Kilindi Zanzibar is spacious, secluded, and downright minimalist in design. This adults-only property in the north was once the private getaway of ABBA’s Benny Andersson. Today, it's a boutique hotel that stands out thanks to its 15 white-domed guestrooms (or ‘pavilions’ as they're called), which are set across 50 acres of tropical gardens. Bonus: each pavilion comes with a dedicated butler and private plunge pool. Wooden shutters, meanwhile, replace glass windows — and nothing adds a sense of place quite like the salty ocean breeze that ensues. For those eager to venture out, Kilindi offers excursions that span snorkelling, spice farm visits, and sunset cruises aboard a handcrafted dhow.
This article was first published on Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.