White-sand beaches, turquoise Indian Ocean waters and centuries of Swahili heritage combine to make Zanzibar one of Africa's most enchanting island escapes.
Zanzibar is one of the Indian Ocean's most captivating destinations, an archipelago where beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage and a relaxed island rhythm create an escape unlike anywhere else in East Africa. Long influenced by traders, explorers and seafarers, the islands offer a fascinating blend of African, Arab and European influences shaped by centuries of history.
Along the coast, palm-fringed beaches and warm turquoise waters provide the idyllic setting for days spent swimming, sailing and exploring the Indian Ocean. From the lively shores of Nungwi and Kendwa to quieter stretches of sand on the east coast, Zanzibar offers a beach experience to suit every style of traveller.
Beyond the coastline, Stone Town reveals a maze of narrow lanes, carved wooden doors and historic buildings that reflect the island's remarkable past. Luxury beach resorts, boutique hideaways and elegant villas combine with exceptional hospitality to create a destination that balances relaxation, culture and natural beauty with effortless ease.
Moments of discovery often become the most memorable part of any journey, whether found through an exceptional hotel, a remarkable landscape or an experience that reveals a destination in a new light. The places that stay with us longest are those that create a genuine sense of connection.
Across islands, coastlines, mountains and vibrant cities, every destination offers its own character and rhythm. Some invite adventure, others encourage slower exploration, but the most rewarding journeys are often those that combine comfort, authenticity and a sense of place.
From luxury hotels and boutique retreats to safari experiences, rail journeys and small-ship voyages, our collection celebrates travel that feels considered, inspiring and memorable long after returning home.
Melia Zanzibar, a premier five-star resort on the northeast coast of Zanzibar in Kiwengwa, enchants with its 40-acre estate, where a 300-meter pearlescent white-sand beach meets warm ocean waters, earning its place as a distinguished member of Leading Hotels of the World. The resort's rooms and suites, designed for romance and relaxation, feature air-conditioned elegance, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, and private bathrooms with premium amenities. Select accommodations offer terraces with sweeping sea views, while others overlook lush tropical gardens. Three distinct pools cater to varied desires: a vibrant outdoor pool for all guests, a serene spa pool for those over 16, and an exclusive pool in The Level area for adult guests seeking extra privacy. The spa, complete with a sauna, offers rejuvenating treatments infused with local essences, while a modern fitness centre and tennis court keep active travellers engaged. The private beach, framed by a natural coral reef, ensures safe and tranquil swimming. Dining at Melia Zanzibar is a global journey across seven restaurants. Aqua Restaurant blends Mediterranean flavours with dishes like seared tuna and olive-crusted lamb, while Spices celebrates Zanzibari cuisine with fresh seafood and clove-infused curries. The Jetty Restaurant offers international fare with oceanfront views, perfect for savouring breakfast buffets of tropical fruits and pastries. Two bars, including the breezy Gabi Beach Bar, serve artisanal cocktails and light bites, ideal for sunset toasts. Guests can paddle through the reef in canoes, join guided coastal excursions, or relax with beachfront yoga, immersing in the island's natural splendor. Located 11 km from Kichwele Forest Reserve and less than a 50-minute drive from both Zanzibar International Airport and Stone Town's historic charm, Melia Zanzibar offers seamless access to the island's cultural and natural treasures.
From £195 per night
The Palms Zanzibar, an exclusive all-inclusive five-star retreat on the serene southeastern coast of Bwejuu Beach, offers a tranquil sanctuary for discerning travellers, blending understated elegance with Zanzibar's magical allure as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Six private villas, adorned in warm, natural tones, create an intimate haven with private plunge pools and expansive terraces overlooking the Indian Ocean. Each villa features a spacious seating area, satellite TV, and air-conditioned comfort, with en-suite bathrooms offering premium amenities. The resort's infinity pool shimmers amidst tropical gardens, while the Sanctuary Spa rejuvenates with treatments infused with local spices and floral essences. A PADI Dive Center arranges snorkeling, windsurfing, and diving adventures, and a tennis court adds a sporty touch, all set against the award-winning white-sand beach. Dining at The Palms is a celebration of Zanzibar's exotic flavours. The oceanfront restaurant weaves local spices, tropical fruits, and fresh seafood into dishes like clove-infused fish and mango-glazed prawns, served with warm hospitality. Afternoon tea, with delicate pastries and island blends, delights in the tropical breeze. Two bars elevate the experience: the poolside bar crafts refreshing cocktails for daytime sipping, while the cozy evening bar offers premium spirits under starlit skies. Guests can explore vibrant coral reefs or unwind with beachfront yoga, immersing in the island's tranquil rhythm. Located 63 km from both Stone Town's historic charm and Zanzibar International Airport, The Palms Zanzibar offers seamless access to the island's cultural treasures and vibrant spice markets.
From £550 per night
Baraza Resort and Spa, a distinguished all-inclusive retreat in Bwejuu on Zanzibar's enchanting southeast coast, blends Arabic, Swahili, and Indian influences into a five-star haven, celebrated as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Each of the 30 expansive villas exudes timeless charm with hand-carved white stone arches, Zanzibari antiques, and bespoke wooden furnishings adorned with intricate brass lanterns. Private plunge pools and shaded terraces with cushioned loungers invite relaxation, while spacious living areas feature traditional Sultan's lounge beds and walk-in dressing rooms. The Frangipani Spa, enveloped by tropical gardens, offers soothing treatments inspired by ancient Swahili rituals, complemented by a serene yoga pavilion and a well-equipped fitness centre. A pristine tennis court and a PADI Dive centre cater to active guests, while the powdery white-sand beach beckons for leisurely strolls. Culinary delights unfold across four distinct restaurants, weaving Arabic, Indian, and Asian flavours. The Livingstone Terrace, an open-air haven, serves breakfast with ocean breezes, while Sultans Restaurant presents spice-infused dishes like Zanzibari seafood curry and cardamom-scented lamb. Ocean Lounge offers light coastal fare, and The Palm Restaurant elevates fine dining with Swahili-inspired creations under starlit skies. Two bars, including the vibrant Dhahabu Bar and Lounge, craft cocktails with local spices and tropical fruits, perfect for sipping by the water's edge. Guests can explore the coral reefs with guided snorkeling or dive excursions, or unwind with beachfront yoga sessions. Located 59 km from Zanzibar International Airport, Baraza Resort and Spa sits along the tranquil Bwejuu beach, a short drive from the vibrant Stone Town and its historic spice markets.
From £595 per night
Ycona Eco-Luxury Resort, a five-star haven on Zanzibar's serene Dikoni coast, blends eco-conscious design with sophisticated indulgence, crafted for couples and celebrated as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Forty private villas, set across 60,000 square meters of tropical forest and spice gardens, feature stone walls, wood, and glass, harmonizing with the lush surroundings. Each villa offers air-conditioned elegance, private terraces with ocean or garden views, coffee machines, minibars, safety deposit boxes, flat-screen TVs, and bathrooms with bidets. Select villas include kitchens with refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens, plus rooftop jacuzzis for ultimate relaxation. The resort's infinity pool overlooks a 500-meter private white-sand beach, while the spa, with its yoga patio, rejuvenates with treatments using local botanicals. A fitness centre, forest trails, and activities like snorkeling, canoeing, and cycling immerse guests in Zanzibar's natural splendor. Dining at Ycona is a journey of flavour across four restaurants. The Heart of Zanzibar, a heart-shaped fine-dining venue, serves African and Mediterranean dishes, from seafood tagines to olive-crusted lamb, paired with wines from an underground cellar. Slyce - The Jungle Pizzeria crafts wood-fired Italian pizzas, while Ycona Beach Lounge offers casual coastal fare. The fourth restaurant specializes in farm-to-table cuisine, showcasing spices from the resort's gardens. Three bars, including a panoramic rooftop lounge, mix cocktails with local fruits and herbs, perfect for sunset sipping. Guests can explore coral reefs or stroll the botanic gardens, enveloped in the resort's eco-luxury ethos. Located 17 km from Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, 29 km from Kichwele Forest Reserve, and 38 km from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Ycona Eco-Luxury Resort offers easy access to Stone Town's historic charm and Zanzibar's vibrant spice markets.
From £390 per night
Konokono Beach Resort and Isaraya Luxury Overwater Villas, a five-star retreat on Zanzibar's secluded Michamvi Peninsula along the southeast coast, offers an intimate escape overlooking the serene Chwaka Bay, celebrated as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Twenty-one luxurious villas, nestled amidst lush forests and rare wildlife, blend seamlessly with the island's natural beauty, each featuring a private plunge pool and spacious terrace. Air-conditioned interiors showcase flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars, and tea and coffee facilities, with bathrooms adorned with premium toiletries. The Jungle Health Spa, perched near the beach, rejuvenates with massages using essential oils and local botanicals, complemented by a tranquil relaxation lounge. An infinity pool mirrors the bay's turquoise hues, while the private beach, stretching kilometers, invites leisurely walks through pristine sands. Over 40% of the 48,000-square-meter property is dedicated to conservation, preserving endemic flora, monkeys, and local deer. Dining at Konokono is a sensory delight. The cliffside restaurant, with panoramic views of Michamvi Bay, serves a fusion of Zanzibari and international dishes, from fresh seafood caught daily to spice-infused curries, all savoured during vibrant sunsets or under starlit skies. The Beach Bar crafts refreshing cocktails and light bites, perfect for sipping by the shore. Guests can unwind with beachfront massages, explore Chwaka Bay's coral reefs through snorkeling, or join guided nature walks to spot endemic bird species, immersing in the peninsula's untouched charm. Located a 1-hour drive from Zanzibar International Airport and 60 km from the historic Stone Town, Konokono Beach Resort offers effortless access to Zanzibar's cultural treasures and bustling spice markets.
From £125 per night
Le Mersenne Zanzibar, Autograph Collection, a five-star resort on the shores of Michamvi Peninsula, unfolds along the pristine Michamvi Pingwe Beach, where elegant Swahili influences meet contemporary luxury as a distinguished member of Leading Hotels of the World. The extensive collection of rooms and suites, each a canvas of refined interiors, incorporates modern touches like air-conditioned spaces, spacious terraces, and en-suite bathrooms with premium fixtures. Select accommodations open directly to the private beach, while others overlook lush gardens or the infinity pool that blends seamlessly with the Indian Ocean horizon. The fitness centre, equipped for invigorating workouts, pairs with a serene spa offering treatments drawn from local botanicals, and the expansive garden provides shaded nooks for quiet reflection. Guests can cycle along coastal paths or simply meander the property's winding trails, discovering pockets of tranquility amid the tropical foliage. Meals at Le Mersenne weave a tapestry of global tastes. The main restaurant, framed by ocean breezes, presents African specialties like spiced grilled fish alongside American classics and aromatic Indian curries, with vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan choices crafted to perfection. Breakfast unfolds in buffet or continental style, featuring fresh tropical fruits and pastries baked daily. The beachfront bar serves chilled cocktails and light snacks, ideal for watching the sunset dip below the waves. Active days might include guided snorkeling in nearby reefs or complimentary yoga sessions on the sand, allowing guests to connect deeply with Zanzibar's rhythmic coastal life. Situated just steps from Michamvi Pingwe Beach and 23 km from the lush Jozani Forest, Le Mersenne Zanzibar lies a short drive from Stone Town's historic lanes and Zanzibar International Airport, blending seclusion with the island's vibrant cultural pulse.
From £165 per night