Unguja, commonly called Zanzibar, is the largest island in the Zanzibar archipelago of Tanzania. It is surrounded by several small islands in the Indian Ocean, while only two are inhabited – Tumbatu and Uzi. The hilly island sprawling over 1,666 sq km (643 sq mi) has Zanzibar City as its capital.
While you are here, Stone Town is a must-see with its coral stone buildings, beautifully carved doors and narrow alleys. It is also widely known for the spice market. Due to its balmy weather and bright blue skies, tourists love to visit the sandy beaches throughout the year. You can enjoy learning Swahili and interacting with the locals. With so many places to visit in Unguja, indulging in fancy accommodation would add to a memorable getaway. Stay in one of these top luxury resorts in Unguja, Tanzania, to enjoy the best comfort and facilities.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to luxury services and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Riu Palace Zanzibar- All Inclusive - Adults Only, Nungwi (from USD 330)
The luxurious resort lies on Nungwi Beach, offering watersports and underwater diving. Relax by the stunning pools amidst manicured gardens. Moreover, it has villas with private pools for those who want ultimate comfort and privacy. The accommodations here are exclusive to adults over 18 years.
The resort features an all-inclusive concept. You can enjoy complimentary buffet meals and a service of snacks and drinks. The guests also get free access to the whirlpool bath and steam bath.
Make full use of the gym and the group fitness activities offered here. After the workout, you can relax in the spa with a hydromassage zone and a relaxation pool. Further, there are entertainment programmes with activities, live music and shows to keep you amused.
Riu Palace Zanzibar - All Inclusive - Adults Only
Address: Nungwi Road
3.17 km (2.0 mi) from Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium
2. TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar, Pwani Mchangani (from USD 272)
The 5-star resort is in a tropical ambience surrounded by palm trees. It lies on the sandy beach of Kiwengwa and is just an hour from the international airport. The foodies will love this resort, which has five restaurants serving seafood and global cuisines. They have a choice of vegan, vegetarian and diet meals.
Here, you can enjoy themed nights such as poolside dinners and beach barbecues every week. There are live music and dance shows showcasing the local culture. Further, you can get massages and beauty treatments in the spa to relax and pamper yourself.
Play beach volleyball or take a fitness lesson while enjoying the sea breeze. You can also try water sports such as sailing and kitesurfing at an extra fee. There is even a playground to keep your kids entertained.
TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar
Address: Kiwengwa
24.9 km (15.5 mi) from Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium
3. Essque Zalu Zanzibar, Nungwi (from USD 267)
High prices for drinks and activities, but half board option recommended for outstanding food
Spacious rooms, beautiful pool and beach area, cooking classes, and entertainment shows
Lovely, remote location in Nungwi with free shuttle to the beach, but bumpy road to the hotel
Delicious food with Swahili buffet, great breakfasts, and outstanding buffet dinners, but limited vegetarian options and repetitive menu
The resort is surrounded by greenery and offers a shuttle service to the beach. The spacious suites are covered by traditional makuti roofs and provide breathtaking views of the ocean and the garden. You can also have a relaxing bath in the large lagoon-style pool here.
Additionally, you can enjoy a variety of dining options and even learn to cook Swahili dishes with your kids. Further, the kids can get their hands on fun activities, playhouses and interesting workshops. Meanwhile, you can explore the Maasai traditions with African facials, body scrubs and special treatments by the poolside.
There are activities such as watersports and guided buggy trips along the old smugglers’ routes near Nungwi. You can have fun swimming with the turtles and feeding them in the nearby marine turtle sanctuaries.
Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Address: Nungwi Beach
466 meters (0.3 ft) from Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium
4. Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar, Bwejuu (from USD 806)
This 5-star resort offers luxury villas with a private plunge pool. It features a fusion of Arabic, Swahili and Indian styles of architecture. Enjoy the seasonal menu and drinks at the in-house restaurants and the evening bar. You can relax in the spa with a lap pool and bathe like the sultans by taking a special treatment designed for two.
The resort offers a range of experiences to learn about Zanzibari culture, cuisine and spices. Additionally, there are activities such as playing the traditional bao game, sailing on a Swahili dhow and fishing. You can take guided walks around Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.
Furthermore, you can book a bicycle and explore the charming villages of Bwejuu and Paje. You can also engage in activities such as windsurfing, kite surfing, snorkelling and diving nearby.
Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar
Address: Off Michamvi Road, Paje Beach
58.03 km (36.1 mi) from Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium
5. Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa, Pingwe (from USD 95)
Reasonable pricing for room upgrades and amenities, but meals can be expensive.
Variety of facilities including pools, beach access, spa, and entertainment. Some maintenance issues reported.
Beautiful beachfront location with stunning views, but some guests found it isolated from other attractions.
Good variety and quality of food at breakfast and themed restaurants, but some found the pricing high and variety limited.
The beach resort is between the powdery sand beach and the tropical gardens of Pingwe. It has air-conditioned rooms under makuti roofs. They also have Zanzibari-style decor and a private balcony to offer amazing views.
Sip tropical cocktails on a spacious verandah in the bar and lounge area. Otherwise, dive in the exotic pool with an underwater bar. You can try various cuisines such as Swahili, Italian, Middle Eastern and international theme buffets here. Alternatively, you can enjoy a romantic dinner with seafood specialities on the moonlit beach.
Rejuvenate yourself at the spa with a private sundeck and ocean-view treatment rooms. You can use the Thalasso treatment pool, which relaxes your muscles and offers surprising health benefits. Additionally, the resort offers diving trips and guided excursions, including dolphin and spice tours!
Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa
Address: Off Pingwe Main Road, North
52.17 km (32.5 mi) from Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium
6. Zanzi Resort, Zanzibar City (from USD 345)
Reasonable pricing for private villas with pools and ocean access
Private pool, ocean access, beautiful jungle surroundings, excellent staff
Secluded area with rich greenery and natural sounds, close to Cheetah's Rock
Delicious and varied a la carte meals, romantic dinner options, great breakfast choices
Zanzi Resort is spread over 6 hectares (15 acres) of lush tropical gardens and cliff shores on the west coast. It is just a 40-minute drive from the airport and offers ocean-front villas with private pools. Additionally, you can relax with oceanside massages and Japanese hot-stone treatments in the spa.
Savour the local cuisine with fresh produce from their farms. You can also taste creative cocktails and wines from various countries. Enjoy a candlelight dinner on the jetty while watching the dolphins swim in the ocean. You can also dine on the beautiful man-made beach here.
Exercise in the open-air gym with ropes and various equipment. You can also get a personal yoga session anywhere you feel comfortable. Moreover, you can take Ngarawa boats into the ocean for some fishing and snorkelling time.
Zanzi Resort
Address: Kama PO BOX 3663
38.1 km (23.7 mi) from Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium
7. Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa - Relais & Chateaux, Paje (from USD 536)
High-end pricing, with some services and extras being expensive.
Gorgeous beachfront location with spacious villas, private pools, and attentive butler service.
Perfectly situated just steps from the beach, but a bit far from other Zanzibar activities.
Varied and excellent quality, but with some room for improvement in terms of food quality and variety.
The resort’s spacious villas are on the pristine sands of Paje Beach. They feature a plunge pool and a spa bath for your private use. You can enjoy your meals at the onsite restaurant or in the comfort of your villa.
Enjoy drinks at the rooftop champagne bar or the beach bar with a view. In addition, enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa, set in a tropical garden. It uses pure organic products for your treatments and offers complimentary access to a hot tub, steam room and infrared sauna.
Furthermore, you can take advantage of the child-friendly amenities and babysitting service to have fun with your family. Additionally, you can hire free beach bicycles, transparent kayaks, stand-up paddles and dhows for excursions.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa - Relais & Chateaux
Address: Paje Beach
67.24 km (41.8 mi) from Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium
8. Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar, Kizimkazi (from USD 250)
Reasonable pricing for all-inclusive packages with good value for money.
Beautiful private beach, spacious rooms, lovely pools, and engaging evening entertainment.
Secluded and exclusive location, providing a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
Delicious and varied food options, with attentive and friendly restaurant staff.
The spacious resort is surrounded by a nature reserve and the sea. It lies on Mchangamle Beach in Kizimkazi and has an on-site diving centre to explore the enthralling waters. Some luxurious villas have a private pool, while all villas have a butler service.
Enjoy the Mediterranean and local cuisine in the restaurant overlooking the pool. Also, try some of the best cocktails and snacks at the on-site bars. There is also a lobster restaurant on the beach, where you can enjoy fresh catch.
You can take in the relaxing views of the natural waterfalls at the spa. It offers customised treatments and traditional rituals for a stress-free retreat. Additionally, you can book day trips to Dolphin Point, White Island, Jozani Forest and Butterfly Centre.
Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar
Address: Mchangamle
77.4 km (48.1 mi) from Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium
9. The Palms Zanzibar, Bwejuu (from USD 660)
The Palms Zanzibar provides a private romantic escape on Bwejuu Beach. Enjoy a relaxing bath in the plunge pool or the bathtub in your villa. The terrace offers ocean views to relax your mind.
Take advantage of the continental fare and the selection of house wines and beers. Moreover, you can enjoy massages to revitalise your body. You can also learn the traditional art of palm weaving and make your sun hats.
Play beach games such as frisbee, football, beach tennis and volleyball with the activity team. Alternatively, you can put on your reef shoes and explore the coral reefs at low tide. You can enjoy diving and water sports here as you like.
The Palms Zanzibar
Address: Bwejuu Beach
58.27 km (36.3 mi) from Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium
10. Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort, Pongwe (from USD 457)
Truly all-inclusive, no hidden costs. Free airport pickup and drop-off.
Spa, gym, water activities, personalized service, sustainable farm on-site.
Secluded, picturesque beachfront overlooking the sea with kayaking and paddle boarding.
Delicious, diverse, and top-notch dining with options for every meal.
The 5-star resort is on the east coast on a private beach. It features a unique tropical garden with more than 400 types of plants. In addition, you can enjoy the welcome drinks and fruits from their organic farms.
Here, you can enjoy an excellent breakfast, a 3-course lunch and a 5-course dinner from the à-la-carte menu that changes daily. You can also taste the baked pastries fresh from the oven. Moreover, the all-inclusive concept offers free airport transfers, unlimited private yoga sessions and a complimentary massage.
You can choose from refreshing fruit facials, Ayurvedic massages and beauty treatments in the spa. You can use free bikes and electronic scooters to explore the city. Otherwise, pick a paddleboard, kayak or Ngalawa boat to explore the blue ocean.
Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort
Address: Pongwe beach
36.56 km (22.8 mi) from Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium
A tropical beach getaway
Explore the hills and sandy beaches of Zanzibar in style. After exploring, you can stay in one of these top luxury resorts in Unguja, Tanzania.
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Top 10 Long-Term Rentals In Zanzibar, Tanzania - Updated 2024Plarlene Juliane -
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