Best beach holiday lodges and hotels in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is one of the top beach holiday destinations, with endless stretches of palm-fringed, white powdery beach, shallow turquoise waters and laidback beach retreats.

During extensive research trips, we have visited virtually every lodge and hotel on Zanzibar (over 250 of them!). Then we have hand-picked the most promising to include in our programme. Of these, the best of Zanzibar's beach hotels and lodges are below: our recommendations for the best beach holiday spots in Zanzibar. Read more by clicking on the hotel names - if you like what you see, add it to your list of favourites…

15 of our favourite beach hotels and lodges in Zanzibar

Sort by:

Name

Traveller's rating Sort ascending

Baraza Resort & Spa
|100% (5 reviews)

Baraza sits on a beautiful long stretch of white beach on the Michamvi Peninsula. With plenty of loungers, a very large swimming pool and a great water-sports centre it is a fantastic beach getaway. More about Baraza Resort & Spa
Bluebay Beach Resort
|60% (1 review)

Bluebay Beach Resort sits on a long white beach on the East Coast of Zanzibar. You can walk for miles in either direction on the powdery-white sand, or relax in one of the many loungers that line the beach. More about Bluebay Resort
Breezes Beach Club
|90% (28 reviews)

Breezes Beach Club sits on a beautiful long stretch of white beach on the Michamvi Peninsula. With plenty of loungers, a very large swimming pool and a great water-sports centre it is a fantastic beach getaway. More about Breezes Beach Club
Echo Beach Hotel
|87% (14 reviews)

Echo Beach's location on a lovely stretch of white beach is a real draw, and the powdery sand is very inviting. You can soak up the sun, or walk in either direction for miles, stopping to watch local women dry out sea-weed to eat or the fishermen bring in their catch of the day... More about Echo Beach
Fairmont Zanzibar
|80% (2 reviews)

Zanzibar has some of the most pristine beaches in the world. White sand, palm trees, beautiful shells and crystal clear ocean waters are a real highlight, and the Fairmont Zanzibar stands right on a lovely beach. Guests can relax, or participate in some guided activities ... More about Fairmont Zanzibar
Kikadini Villas
|100% (3 reviews)

Kikadini Villas is beside a lovely stretch of white beach, typical of the east coast of Zanzibar. You can lie and soak up the sun, or walk in either direction for miles, stopping to watch local women dry out sea-weed to eat or the fishermen bring in their catch of the day. More about Kikadini Villas
Kilindi
|93% (11 reviews)

With a 500m stretch of white sand at the front of the property, the beach is a main feature at Kilindi. The location on the north-west coast means that sun sets over the sea - a feature you don’t find in areas on the east coast. More about Kilindi
Matemwe Retreat
|88% (5 reviews)

A small stretch of white-sand beach below Matemwe Retreat is effectively for the exclusive use of their guests. The water is usually crystal clear and at high tide it’s great for swimming. When the tide goes out, it can go out for miles, but the exposed inter-tidal zone ... More about Matemwe Retreat
Mnemba Island Lodge
|93% (3 reviews)

Mnemba is the ultimate in remote, exclusive beach retreats. It's a simple, relaxing and laid-back, with a very high quality that's delightfully understated. It is costly, but you get what you pay for! More about Mnemba Island Lodge
Pongwe Beach Hotel
|93% (39 reviews)

The beach at Pongwe is one of the best we have visited on Zanzibar. When the tide is high Pongwe sits in a private little cove and then when it goes out, a wonderful stretch of inter-tidal zone is revealed for walking and exploring. Pongwe is a simple place which is perfect ... More about Pongwe Beach Hotel
Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel
|90% (8 reviews)

With beautiful white sand and turquoise waters, Ras Nungwi is a great place for relaxing and swimming. However if you don’t feel like lounging all day, you can also organize a variety of water sports from the Dive Centre. One draw back of this beautiful spot though, is ... More about Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel
Shooting Star Lodge
|86% (26 reviews)

The beach at Shooting Star is a lovely long stretch of white sand. When the tide is in, the crystal clear turquoise water is very inviting. Then when the tide is out, you can't swim but the exposed inter-tidal zone is a fascinating place to walk. More about Shooting Star Lodge
Sultan Palace
|93% (3 reviews)

Sultan Palace is a luxurious hotel, which sits on a lovely stretch of beach on the Michamvi Peninsula. There are loungers galore on the beach and plenty of shaded spots to lie back and relax. Being cut off at one end by a cliff, the beach is peaceful and almost deserted. More about Sultan Palace
The Palms

The Palms sits on an idyllic stretch of white beach on Zanzibar's Michamvi Peninsula. It only has 6 rooms, each with its own private deck and loungers right on the beach and is a really exclusive getaway. More about The Palms
Unguja Lodge
|92% (41 reviews)

Unguja Lodge sits on a low coral cliff above a quiet stretch of beach. Though it doesn't have the endless long white beach that some may associate with Zanzibar, it is far away from other lodges and as a result is free from any hassle. You can also snorkel and dive ... More about Unguja Lodge