So, you’re pondering whether to stay in Stone Town when scouting out the best hotels in Zanzibar? Good question! After all, this East African gem isn’t just about pristine beaches and sun-soaked vibes. Sure, Zanzibar’s beaches are the stuff of travel dreams, but Stone Town offers a historical adventure that’s anything but a snooze fest.
Imagine starting your Zanzibar escapade with a few nights in Stone Town, where you’ll be surrounded by a living museum of crumbling architecture and a rich cultural tapestry. It’s like stepping into a time machine with a side of spice. After you’ve soaked up enough history to impress your friends, it’s time for the second act: a luxury beach resort. Because why not trade ancient alleyways for modern luxury and a cocktail in hand?
In a nutshell, the best hotels in Zanzibar offer the ultimate combo of historical charm and beachside bliss. So, dive into our top picks of the best hotels in Zanzibar and prepare to be amazed!
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Which Best Hotels in Zanzibar Will Blow Your Mind?
Baraza Resort & Spa: Where Zanzibar’s Past Meets Beachside Luxury
Step into a slice of Zanzibar’s history at Baraza Resort & Spa, where the echoes of Omani grandeur from 1698 mingle with modern luxury. This isn’t just any beachside stay; it’s the first luxury all-inclusive resort on the island, and it’s here to make your dream vacation a reality.
Nestled along a 240-meter stretch of Bwejuu-Paje beach, Baraza Resort & Spa flaunts 30 detached, single-storey villas that scream Swahili elegance. Think dramatic arches, brass lanterns, and those iconic cement baraza benches. Fun fact: these benches are traditionally used in Stone Town for men’s socializing sessions, giving the womenfolk some much-needed privacy inside.
When it comes to the best hotels in Zanzibar, Baraza Resort & Spa takes the crown. With all three meals included in the rate, you won’t just be soaking up the sun; you’ll be indulging in culinary delights fit for royalty. It’s where Zanzibar’s historic charm meets beachside bliss in a perfect luxury blend.
Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town: Where Old Meets New in Zanzibar’s Heart
Meet the freshest face in town: Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town, the debutante of The Neela Collection and a true game-changer in the best hotels in Zanzibar. Opened just this year, it’s not just another pretty façade—it’s a lovingly restored gem that was once the Ministry of Education. Talk about a history lesson with a side of luxury!
With only 14 deluxe and superior rooms, this boutique hotel combines Stone Town’s rich cultural tapestry with a contemporary flair. Think sandy tones mixed with vintage vibes, creating a chic but cozy atmosphere that’s more than a match for the best hotels in Zanzibar. And guess what? It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Forodhani Gardens, where the nightly food market serves up deliciously cheap eats and cheerful vibes.
If you’re hunting for the best hotels in Zanzibar that offer both historical charm and modern comfort, Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town is your ticket to an unforgettable stay.
Park Hyatt Zanzibar: Where Luxury Meets Location in the Best Way Possible
When it comes to the best hotels in Zanzibar, Park Hyatt Zanzibar is all about “location, location, location”—and it’s got that in spades. Perched on the edge of Stone Town, this gem offers the perfect blend of stunning ocean views and easy access to the UNESCO-listed historic capital.
At a Park Hyatt, you know luxury is a given, and Park Hyatt Zanzibar doesn’t disappoint. From iPhone docks to Illy coffee machines, it’s clear they’re serious about the “best hotels in Zanzibar” label. With 67 guestrooms and 11 opulent suites, you’ll find a mix of contemporary style and regional decor accents that scream sophistication.
But wait, there’s more! Between pampering yourself at the spa and dining at multiple outlets, don’t miss the Lithos Africa boutique. Here, you can pick up responsibly sourced gemstones that will make your souvenirs as unforgettable as your stay. So, if you’re seeking the best hotels in Zanzibar, Park Hyatt should be top of your list!
Emerson Spice: The Best Hotels in Zanzibar with a Deliciously Authentic Twist
If you’re searching for the best hotels in Zanzibar and craving a hefty dose of authenticity, Emerson Spice is your go-to. This iconic property, part of the Emerson Zanzibar family, is housed in a 19th-century merchant’s mansion, brimming with old-world charm. It’s like stepping into a historical novel—minus the dusty tomes.
With just 11 uniquely styled rooms surrounding a breezy central courtyard, Emerson Spice offers an intimate stay infused with ‘Zenji Art Deco’ colors and motifs. Art lovers, don’t miss the Emerson Art Gallery & Cafe, right next door at the Hurumzi Hotel, another gem in the Emerson Zanzibar crown. And if live music is your jam, the revamped Secret Garden restaurant at Emerson Spice will hit all the right notes.
For those in search of the best hotels in Zanzibar, Emerson Spice is not just a stay—it’s an experience. Prepare for a stay that’s as rich in history as it is in character!
Sharazad Wonders Boutique Hotel: A New Jewel Among the Best Hotels in Zanzibar
Say hello to the latest addition to the best hotels in Zanzibar scene: Sharazad Wonders Boutique Hotel. This chic newcomer is the sibling of Sharazad Boutique Hotel in Jambiani but trades the coastal calm for the bustling heart of Stone Town. If you’re itching to dive into the whirlpool of activity, this place is your perfect splash zone.
Owned by the fabulous Francesca Scalfari, an Italian with a flair for blending Italian hospitality with Swahili charm, Sharazad Wonders doesn’t just talk the talk—it opens its doors (literally) with a traditional Zanzibar entrance adorned with brass spikes and intricate carvings. Talk about making an entrance!
Wellness enthusiasts, rejoice! Francesca’s passion extends to the onsite restaurant, where vegan and vegetarian delights are not just an afterthought but a rave-worthy feature. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best hotels in Zanzibar that offer both cultural immersion and healthy indulgence, Sharazad Wonders Boutique Hotel is your ticket to a fantastic stay.
Fundu Lagoon: The Best Hotels in Zanzibar—With a Splash of Robinson Crusoe
No guide to the best hotels in Zanzibar is complete without a nod to Fundu Lagoon, though technically, it’s not even on Zanzibar Island. Nestled on Pemba Island, the archipelago’s more laid-back cousin, this lodge is like finding a secret beach club that only the coolest people know about.
Fundu Lagoon offers the kind of remote charm that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a Robinson Crusoe fantasy—minus the shipwreck and survival drama. You’ll arrive in style via speedboat and check into one of 12 luxury tented rooms that promise a slice of paradise with all the trimmings.
But don’t get too comfy just yet. The property boasts its own PADI dive centre, perfect for those itching to explore the mesmerizing underwater world. So if you’re hunting for the best hotels in Zanzibar that offer a unique mix of seclusion and adventure, Fundu Lagoon should be at the top of your list. Dive in and discover paradise!
Chuini Zanzibar Lodge: A Spice-Scented Slice of Paradise Among the Best Hotels in Zanzibar
If you’re on the hunt for the best hotels in Zanzibar and craving a touch of historic charm, Chuini Zanzibar Lodge is your golden ticket. Nestled on the island’s scenic west coast, this gem combines local architecture with the remnants of the historic Chuini Palace, giving you a taste of Zanzibar’s regal past.
With just one villa and 12 rooms, Chuini Zanzibar Lodge keeps things cozy yet luxurious, surrounded by sprawling gardens and a private beach that practically begs for lazy days in the sun. If you’re feeling fancy, dive into one of the two outdoor pools or head to Asili Spa for the signature Five Spices body scrub. It’s your chance to see why Zanzibar earned its “Spice Island” nickname, with cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper getting their time in the spotlight.
Don’t miss the beachfront restaurant, where Indian Ocean lobster with Zanzibari saffron sauce promises a flavor-packed start to your Swahili culinary adventure. For a stay that mixes history, luxury, and spice, Chuini Zanzibar Lodge is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Zanzibar.
Kilindi Zanzibar: Where Minimalism Meets Marvelous Among the Best Hotels in Zanzibar
Looking for the best hotels in Zanzibar but feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Stone Town? Enter Kilindi Zanzibar—a sanctuary of spacious serenity and minimalist chic. Once the private hideaway of ABBA’s Benny Andersson (yes, really), this adults-only retreat is the epitome of laid-back luxury.
Spread across 50 lush acres, Kilindi Zanzibar features 15 white-domed ‘pavilions’ that might just make you feel like you’re living in a high-end igloo. Each pavilion comes with a dedicated butler and a private plunge pool, proving that even minimalist design can be loaded with luxury. Instead of glass windows, you get wooden shutters and an ocean breeze that’s practically a natural air conditioner.
Feeling adventurous? Kilindi Zanzibar has you covered with snorkeling, spice farm tours, and sunset cruises on a handcrafted dhow. If you’re on the lookout for the best hotels in Zanzibar that balance elegance with tranquility, Kilindi Zanzibar should be at the top of your list.
