Our favourite beach hotels and lodges in Zanzibar

Zanzibar provides some of the top destinations for beach holidays, 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 beach, lodge and hotel on Zanzibar (over 350 of them!). Then we have carefully picked the most promising to include in our programme.

Our 14 favourite beach hotels and lodges in Zanzibar

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Baraza Resort & Spa
|97% (13 reviews)

Baraza sits on a beautiful long stretch of sandy white palm fringed beach on the Michamvi Peninsula. With plenty of comfy loungers, a very large swimming pool and a great water sports centre it is a fantastic beach getaway. More about Baraza Resort & Spa
Breezes Beach Club
|90% (35 reviews)

Breezes Beach Club sits on a pretty stretch of beach on the Michamvi Peninsula. With plenty of loungers, a large swimming pool and a water-sports centre it is the location for a great beach holidays particularly for families. More about Breezes Beach Club
Kilindi
|95% (22 reviews)

With a 500m stretch of white sand, the beach is a main feature at Kilindi. The location on the north-west coast means that sun sets over the sea - a unique feature for the east coast, which creates wonderful evening scenery. More about Kilindi
Matemwe Lodge
|89% (44 reviews)

Get equipment for a long reef walks, snorkelling and kayaking at the water sport centre on Matemwe’s pretty white sandy beach. You can even walk to the village and join a local fishing trip for a unique holiday experience. More about Matemwe Lodge
Matemwe Retreat
|89% (9 reviews)

Many guests at Matemwe Retreat will stay in their villa, but a short walk away, the Retreat’s private beach usually has crystal clear water and, at high tide, it’s great for swimming. Relax on the beach or snorkel with the PADI dive centre. More about Matemwe Retreat
Mnemba Island Lodge
|96% (10 reviews)

Mnemba Island Lodge is the ultimate remote, exclusive beach retreat. It's relaxing and laid-back, with high standards that are delightfully understated. It is costly, but the beaches are stunning and it will a fabulous beach holiday in Tanzania. More about Mnemba Island Lodge
Pongwe Beach Hotel
|95% (87 reviews)

Pongwe has one of the best beaches we have ever seen in Zanzibar. When the tide is high, Pongwe sits in a private cove. Then when it goes out, a wonderful stretch of inter-tidal zone is revealed for walking and exploring. More about Pongwe Beach Hotel
Qambani
|91% (7 reviews)

Tucked away at the northern tip of the Michamvi Peninsula, Qambani boasts a wide expanse of quiet beaches and blue waters. It is a fantastic spot to lie back, relax and enjoy your surroundings on a beach holiday in Zanzibar. More about Qambani
Sunshine Hotel
|85% (4 reviews)

Located on a pretty beach, typical of Zanzibar’s east coast, Sunshine Hotel is a good-value lodge which is colourful and vibrant. Away from the beach’s attractions, it has pleasant gardens and a relaxed lounge and cocktail bar. More about Sunshine Hotel
Tulia Zanzibar

For a totally relaxing, luxury beach break, with excellent cuisine, Tulia Resort is hard to beat. The location is serene, the sea is often crystal clear for snorkelling and diving, and the pools and waterslides are fun. More about Tulia Zanzibar
Unguja Lodge
|92% (79 reviews)

Unguja Lodge doesn’t have one of Zanzibar’s endless long white beaches, but it is in a quiet, secluded location. Dive or snorkel straight from the beach to explore the coral cliff for a special holiday experience in East Africa. More about Unguja Lodge
White Sand Villas
|100% (2 reviews)

Contemporary and luxurious, White Sand Villas sits on a beautiful coastline, ideal for a beach break in Zanzibar. Here you can enjoy a stroll along the beach and watch the kitesurfers skim across the waves – or join them! More about White Sand Villas
Xanadu Villas
|100% (1 review)

Xanadu Villas exudes peace, tranquillity, and provides an idyllic setting for a romantic honeymoon on Zanzibar. Stroll along the beach, indulge in a massage, or enjoy a gourmet meal in the privacy of your own exquisite villa. More about Xanadu Villas
Zuri Zanzibar
|100% (3 reviews)

Located in the north west of Zanzibar, Zuri Zanzibar sits on a beautiful stretch of palm fringed beach. This area of the island is less tidal than Zanzibar's east coast meaning that you can swim in the sea throughout the day. More about Zuri Zanzibar