If you’re looking for a luxurious island getaway complete with palm lined, sandy beaches, clear water and a rich cultural history – you need to visit Zanzibar! Known as the “spice islands of Africa”, Zanzibar is located about twenty kilometers off the coast of Tanzania. The semi-autonomous tropical island is often referred to as the best kept travel secret because of its wide array of cultural attractions and luxurious, but affordable, holiday packages.
The best time to visit Zanzibar is between the months of June and October. These months are dry and relatively cool for this part of the world and are considered to be the peak season. Let’s take a look at that what Zanzibar has best to offer for an affordable luxury holiday at the beginning of June 2018 (prices are based for a 7-night stay at a five-star hotel for 2 adults between June 1st and June 8th).
1. Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge (View More Photos)
Located at the Chuini Palace Ruins in Bububu, Chuini Beach Lodge is set amidst tropical gardens and spacious bungalows. The hotel boasts a private beach which overlooks the ocean and Swahili-style architecture that features the remains of the historic Chuini Palace. The tranquil Healing Earth Spa offers guests an array of relaxing treatments. Guests are also welcome to take a dip in one of the outdoor pools. The airport is only a 25-minute drive away.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.6
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $1,209
2. Zanzibar Serena Hotel (View More Photos)
For guests who are interested in exploring the ancient culture of Zanzibar City’s Stone Town, the Zanzibar Serena Hotel would be the perfect pick! The hotel is located on the sea-front of historic monument and offers luxury accommodation. Rooms are decorated in traditional decorum. House of Wonders is a quick 5-minute drive away. Dala-Dala Bus Terminus, Zanzibar Ferry Terminal and the Zanzibar International Airport are within a 10-minute drive away.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.3
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $1,540
3. Konokono Beach Resort (View More Photos)
This well-appointed accommodation overlooks the beautiful Chwaka Bay, on the South East coast of Zanzibar. Boasting a stunning private beach, beach bar and top massage center, the Konokono Resort offers guests a panoramic view from its perch on top of a cliff. Zanzibar airport is 60km away and Stone Town is a 1-hour drive away.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.2
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $1,606
4. Dream of Zanzibar Resort (View More Photos)
Set on the beach of Kiwengwa, on the North East Coast of Zanzibar, is the Dream of Zanzibar Resort. The accommodation is surrounded by lush, exotic gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests are spoilt for the choice with an array of activity to suite the entire family. There is also a world class tennis court, fitness center, watersport, a diving center, 2 swimming pools and the Dream Spa which provides oriental treatments.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.6
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $1,701
5. Park Hyatt Zanzibar (View More Photos)
This modern holiday accommodation is located in the heart of Stone Town, in Zanzibar City. Guests can enjoy the fitness center, a tour desk and luggage storage. There is also a wide variety of activities to experience such as diving, snorkeling and golf. Guests are also close enough to enjoy some of the Stone Town tours on offer in the city. The hotel is 43km away from Jozani Chwaka National Park and 11km Masingini Forest. The airport is 8km away and the Zanzibar Ferry Terminal is 1km away. The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is one of the best-rated locations in Zanzibar and the area it is located in, has been rated one of the most favorite parts of Zanzibar City!
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.6
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $1,747
6. Breezes Beach Club and Spa (View More Photos)
Unwind in a Swahili-style setting at the Breezes Beach Club – a resort, located in Bwejuu Village, and highly rated for cleanliness. The accommodation is set on the idyllic Bwejuu Beach, on the South East Coast, and offers guests an array of fun activities to partake in. The village is a 10-minute drive away from Stone Town and a 50-minute drive away from the airport.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.7
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $1,814
7. Zanzi Resort (View More Photos)
Located in Kama, on the shore of the Indian Ocean, a mere 20km away from the historical Stone Town, sits the Zanzi Resort. These luxurious villas are spacious, yet intimate, and offer guests a secluded beach and lush tropical gardens. Excursions can be arranged at the tour desk. The accommodation is a quick 25-minute drive away from the Zanzibar International Airport.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.5
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $1,827
8. Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa (View More Photos)
Less than 1-minute away from the beach is the spacious Bluebay Beach Resort. The 30-acre site boasts majestic sea views of the beautiful Kiwengwa Beach, as well as an on-site spa, pool and sports facilities. The Makuti Restaurant serves scrumptious international cuisine, while seafood and steak dinners can be enjoyed at the trendy Bahari Grill. Stone Town is 40km away and the airport is 46km away from the resort.
Booking.com Rating: 8.5
Google Ratings: 4.4
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $1,876
9. Melia Zanzibar (View More Photos)
Situated in Kiwengwa, offering uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, is the tranquil Melia. This accommodation is a quick 12-minute walk from the beach, and is set amongst tropical palm trees and landscaped gardens. The hotel offers guests a wide variety of outdoor activities such as beach volleyball, kayaking, kite surfing lessons and diving. The Zanzibar International Airport and Stone Town are about a 50-minute drive away.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.0
Google Ratings: 4.7
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $1,974
10. Hideaway of Nungwi Resort & Spa (View More Photos)
Offering Indian Ocean views, an outdoor pool, a private beach complete with watersports and a dive center, the chic Hideaway of Nungwi Resort is in a league of its own! The resort boasts an array of activity for the avid adventurer, such as canoeing, cycling, tennis and a kids club and playground. The resort is 55km away from Stone Town and has shuttle services available for guests who need to be transported to the Zanzibar Airport, which is less than an hour away.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.6
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $2,078
11. Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort (View More Photos)
The Tulia Resort is located on Pongwe Beach, 27km away from Zanzibar City. This deluxe accommodation offers guests a magnificent natural garden, luxurious villas and even an outdoor pool with waterslides. The resort also has a private beach area and a beach service. Rooms are elegantly decorated and fitted with modern day luxuries sure to spoil the average traveller. Guests are treated to a one hour complimentary massage, per stay, and a complimentary two way private Airport Transfer. Kisauni Airport is 29km away.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.8
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $2,225
12. Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est (View More Photos)
On the Northwestern shores of Zanzibar, set in a tropical garden, complete with waterfalls, sits the majestic Diamonds La Gemma resort. The accommodation offers guests a fully equipped water sports center and four top restaurants. Guests are also able to take a dip in the salt-water pool or experience the open-air gym. The resort is a 1-hour drive away from the airport.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.6
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $2,695
13. The Residence Zanzibar (View More Photos)
Set on its own stretch of white sand beach is the stunning The Residence Zanzibar hotel. The accommodation boasts a fitness center, snorkeling, visits to the Jozanie Forest Reserve and dolphin safaris. Guests can enjoy its luxe, glass walled swimming pool, the beautiful spa and tranquil wellness center. Each villa on the property has its own private view of the gardens and the pool. The hotel is a 55-minute drive from Zanzibar City.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.7
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $2,856
14. Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa – Relais & Chateaux (View More Photos)
Located on the east coast of Zanzibar, this luxury accommodation is a quick 1 minute walk away from the beautiful sandy beaches of Paje. The air conditioned rooms feature a private plunge pool and an outdoor bathtub and shower, to make for an exotic bathing experience! Guests are invited to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in one of the 3 bars or in their private villa. The hotel offers free bicycle hire. Bicycle excursions and trips to Jambiani village (4km away) and Bwejuu Village (5km away) can be arranged. The Zanzibar International Airport is 50km away from the resort.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.7
Google Ratings: 4.7
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $3,010
15. Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort (View More Photos)
With modern, Zanzibar-inspired room décor and a game room, complete with a darts board and table tennis, the Royal Zanzibar Resort has something for everyone. The accommodation’s tropical gardens boast 4 outdoor pool areas and water sports facilities. Guests are also able to unwind at the Spa and can enjoy local seafood at one of the resort restaurants, Samaki. The resort is a 60-min drive away from Stone Town and a 60km drive away from the airport.
HotelsCombined Rating: 9.1
Google Ratings: 4.5
Location: See on Google Maps
Price for 7 Nights: $3,360
Things to do in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has so much more to offer than luxury resorts and tropical beaches. Some of the local attractions include:
- Spice Tours – the guided spice tour is a sensational touch, smell and taste experience. Back in the 19th century, Zanzibar was one of the world’s leading producers of spices such as clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. You’ll get a walking tour at a spice farm, smell and test different spices, as well as exotic fruits, and learn a great deal about how spices are grown and their historical and cultural importance to Zanzibar. You can learn more about spice tours from Colors of Zanzibar.
- Stone Town – explore the historical Stone Town, an UNESCO World Heritage site, set in what is known as the “old” part of Zanzibar City. The city was a very important economic and cultural center of East Africa and represents an outstanding example of a Swahili trading town. The architecture is a fusion of Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences. Learn more about the Island’s heritage by following the trails of the sultans, slaves and explorers.
- Prison Island – Visit Changuu Island, as it is known locally, or Quarantine Island to experience giant turtle watching and snorkeling. The island is just 30-minute boat trip away from Stone Town and well worth a visit.
Methodology:
- All resorts included on our list are 5 star rated;
- We’ve labeled these resorts as affordable luxury resorts based on the prices available at the time when this study was compiled. The study was compiled mid-April 2018 and prices are based on a 7-night stay for two adults (no children).
