Accommodations in Zanzibar

Chumbe Island Coral Park is one of the most state-of-the-art, eco-friendly lodges in East Africa and a diver's paradise. Situated in a Marine Protected Area off the coast of Zanzibar, Chumbe Island Coral Park is set in the heart of an award-winning private nature reserve. This boutique eco-lodge in Tanzania offers accommodation in unique bungalows situated right on the beach. Upon its inception, Chumbe Island Coral Park recruited former fishermen from neighbouring villages and provided them with training to become park rangers. They played a vital role in early outreach programs to raise awareness within the local communities about marine ecology and the sustainable management of natural resources. Today, Chumbe’s strong ranger team patrols and monitors the reserve using non-confrontational and educational approaches to deter poaching and guide visitors. The nature reserve includes a coral reef sanctuary – the first gazetted marine park in Tanzania – and a forest reserve. Thanks to its protection, the reef is home to 90% of East Africa’s hard coral species, and over 400 fish species, and is a vital feeding ground for green and hawksbill turtles. The forest reserve harbours highly specialised flora that has developed to survive without any groundwater – the bedrock of the island comprises fossilised coral that is unable to store rainwater. It’s also a sanctuary for a plethora of birds, rare and endangered species like Ader’s duiker, and a healthy population of coconut crabs (the world’s biggest arthropod). The coral reef is next to the island and you can experience a cornucopia of wildlife and their beauty is enough to catapult you into a higher state of consciousness. The interior of the island holds one of the last remaining coral rag forests in Zanzibar: an ancient coral reef that was raised from the sea by tectonic movement. Exploring the island is a blissful and peaceful experience and overhead flies a multicoloured sky of birds. The reserve includes a fully protected Coral Reef Sanctuary and Forest Reserve that harbour rare wildlife, a Visitor and Education centre, a small eco-lodge, nature walks and historical monuments. All buildings and operations are based on state-of-the-art eco-technology aiming at zero impact on the environment (rainwater catchment, photovoltaic energy and solar water heating, composting toilets, vegetative greywater filtration etc.).   read more read less

The southern tip of Zanzibar has some of the island's most beautiful coves and coastline. Here, overlooking the curve of Menai Bay, rocky outcrops emerge from the indigenous coastal forest. And it's where you'll find Unguja, a character-filled lodge tucked away on the edge of a coral cliff. It's a laid-back place that embraces strict eco-friendly principles and has a strong sense of local identity. If you're longing to unplug yourself from the outside world, this attractively rustic lodge is just the ticket. Watch out for the visiting monkeys, though – they tend to snatch tempting items! The lush tropical gardens at Unguja Lodge are dotted with baobab trees. Don’t be surprised to see colobus monkeys in the trees and fascinating elephant shrews - like oversized mice on stilts with extended noses - foraging in the leaf litter. In these gardens, you’ll find the PADI dive school and shop, run by One Ocean where you can organise dives and snorkelling to the nearby coral. This is the only PADI operation in the area, and there is no minimum number of people required for their dives, as can sometimes be the case at other centres. There is some good diving and snorkelling to be done in Menai Bay, with at least 20 recognised dive sites and some healthy coral formations. Unguja Lodge is situated at the Southern tip of Zanzibar, near Kizimkazi Mkunguni. It is a very quiet part of the island with pristine beaches and lush green surroundings. Unguja Lodge offers a variety of activities to keep guests entertained, such as tours, a wide choice of beach sports and entertainment for all the family and kids. read more read less

A luxurious Boutique hotel in Stone Town, Kisiwa House is noted for its elegant blend of Zanzibar décor and gracious Swahili hospitality.Superbly located on a quiet street in the heart of Zanzibar historical centre within easy walking distance of famous landmarks, museums, antique shops and restaurants. Kisiwa House provides every modern convenience to the business or leisure traveller, promising an unforgettable experience of professional service, superb comfort and unmatched elegance.Get inspired, discover the new and unusual. Enjoy the charm of an old and typical Zanzibar town house. read more read less

A luxury beachfront resort with traditional Swahili charm, Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa is situated on the finest white beach on the east coast of Zanzibar. The resort is one of the island’s most prestigious properties offering the ultimate in beach comfort: excellent accommodation; fine wining and dining; a host of sports and leisure facilities; the famous Oasis Spa; and our award-winning service. Bluebay’s rooms and suites are set within 30-acres of tropical gardens with over 1,000 palm trees, some right at the ocean’s edge. All rooms are spacious, bright and beautifully decorated in Zanzibari style. Dining at Bluebay showcases Zanzibar’s celebrated local ingredients with an emphasis on fresh seafood and contemporary cuisine. As well as being a magical destination for holidaymakers wishing to soak up the sun and absorb the enchanting culture of Zanzibar, the resort offers excellent facilities for meetings, conferences and group incentives. And our weddings and events team can help you plan a private party, a wedding and, of course, a honeymoon! Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa is Bluebay’s premier brand.  read more read less

A beautifully restored 19th century Swahili sultan’s palace, the Emerson Spice Hotel is a multi-storied small hotel in Stone Town with an inner courtyard, 11 unique antiques-filled rooms, and one of Zanzibar’s best restaurants. An inspired and lovingly restored Merchant’s House, this Boutique Hotel has eleven stylishly furnished rooms structured around an airy central courtyard. The hotel hosts two restaurants: The Secret Garden, located in the distinctive Ruins of the adjacent garden and the rooftop ‘Tea House’ one of Stone town’s most renowned restaurants offering a stylish ambience amidst the sound of the calls to prayer from the town’s many mosques. The Emerson Spice Hotel offers it’s guests a magical authentic experience, with every room immersing you into a different world that is inspired by movies, books, operas, and other real life characters. High ceilings, stained glass windows, large stone bathtubs, characterful wooden balconies, and a beautiful inner courtyard all combine to make this the most romantic hotel in Stone Town! All 11 rooms (except Mimi) have their own private veranda (although guests in Mimi are welcome to use the rooftop tea house as their outside space.) read more read less

Set on a remote, picturesque beach on Pemba Island, this rustic and boutique resort is paradise personified. Award-winning barefoot beach luxury on the African shores of the Indian Ocean. Unwind and discover the peace of Pemba Island. Nicknamed the ‘The Spice Island’, Pemba is known for its aromatic clove harvests which perfume the ocean air with a sweet floral fragrance. It’s a great spot if you’re travelling as a couple. Fundu Lagoon oozes romance with its quaint African tented-style lodgings, cerulean sea and private dining by the shore. ACCOMMODATION The rooms at Fundu Lagoon vary in size and category – from 12 standard rooms to two suites and two ‘superior’ suites – but all share very similar features. All are large walk-in tents set on wooden decks, with a veranda, small lounge area and en-suite bathroom. The dark wooden floors, huge beds and crisp cotton sheets make the rooms feel stylish and comfortable, reminiscent of a tented safari lodge. Yet canvas walls add a rustic feel, resulting in a cosy room that has character and comfort rather than a luxury. Sandy paths and wooden walkways lead through Fundu's tropical forest, linking the rooms to the various parts of the lodge, where there are plenty of places to relax, all – like the rooms – with views out to sea. The main bar and lounge are set slightly above the beach on a wooden deck, under a high thatched roof. Natural fabrics and wicker furniture add to the rustic style – Fundu feels very in keeping with its surroundings. This is often a sociable and friendly spot before dinner and can become quite lively at times. The managers and dive team are usually around to chat with guests in the evenings and to discuss activities for the following day. read more read less

Matemwe Lodge is located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, and as one of the first lodges on the island, it is ideally located adjacent to a scenic lagoon. Zanzibar’s original eco-chic beach lodge with 12 vibrantly furnished guest villas and two pools perched on a coral rag cliff. Just opposite is the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation area which is home to nesting green turtles and more than 600 species of coral reef fish. Perched on an outcrop overlooking a shallow, coral-fringed lagoon on the quiet northeastern coast of Zanzibar Island, Matemwe Lodge’s blissful location and famously relaxed atmosphere make it the ideal place to unwind. Whether you take a break in a hammock or dive the depths of the Indian Ocean, Matemwe Lodge provides an unbeatable island escape. read more read less

Xanadu comprises seven unique and individually designed villas within a tropical garden and palm trees, on one of the finest beaches on Zanzibar’s South East coast. All villas are exclusively available with all-inclusive accommodation, all meals & drinks (soft drinks, beers, ciders, spirits, house white & red wine, except premiums) as well as a world-class chef. Guests will enjoy cuisine with local spices, vegetables and herbs grown in the garden complimented with handpicked wines from around the world. Spend your days on the beach in this magical paradise or take refreshing dips in your private plunge pool. Extraordinary scuba diving and snorkelling are on offer for the more adventurous, while nearby Stone Town (a World Heritage Site) is the place to explore colourful spice markets and go on cultural tours. Xanadu Villas Each villa includes a private butler and features a sitting area, plunge pool, fridge, outside shower, bathroom(s) with his & her sinks, linen and towels, daily housekeeping and laundry service and Internet/Wi-Fi. Four of the villas feature a spacious lounge & kitchen and three of the other villas have direct beach access. Xanadu offers three villas with two bedrooms and three villas with one bedroom. Kimwondo Villa (1BR) has sitting areas inside and outside and features a spectacular rooftop with a plunge pool and sitting area with views over the Indian Ocean. Mlima and Korongo Villa (2 BR) feature private bathrooms, spacious lounge areas and private plunge pools. The presidential Mbingu Villa (2 BR) is beachfront and features two bedrooms with ocean-view balconies, private bathrooms and sitting areas, a majestic lounge and two private plunge pools of which one is on the second floor. The cosy Umande Villa (1BR) is beachfront and has sitting areas inside and outside, a private bathroom and a private plunge pool. Next to Umande Villa is Alfajiri Villa (1BR), our honeymoon suite. The Villa is beachfront and features one bedroom, a spacious lounge, a private plunge pool and a romantic balcony with an ocean view. What do we offer our clients: -Accommodation in a private villa. Activities in and around Xanadu The on-site activities manager will assist guests in arranging any activities, water sports or excursions on the island. Guided activities including sea kayaking, snorkelling and Sup boarding from Xanadu’s beach are included in the rates. The private Kiota Spa guests can indulge in various treatments to feel completely renewed and refreshed. The most exciting private villa retreat to hit Zanzibar, guests are being blown away by the food, service and beach, as well as the quiet opulence of the villas.   read more read less

The Residence Zanzibar lies within a lush, forested 32-hectare estate where five-star luxuries sit harmoniously alongside nature's untouched beauty. Feel your spirits soar amid extensive tropical gardens that meet with powder-soft white sand lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Inspired by the island's eclectic cultures, our luxury Zanzibar resort blends modern comforts with Swahili, Omani, British and Indian influences. Indulge in the privacy of the spacious villas, attended on if you wish by your own personal butler. Enjoy carefree days relaxing by your private pool, on the beach, or exploring the gardens on foot or by bicycle. Savour a taste of the Spice Island's unique blend of cultures and cuisines, and the pleasure of sensational spa treatments. Discover more of the island and the waters that surround it in a myriad of activities, from visiting historic sites and rare natural wonders to deep sea fishing and diving with dolphins. Whether you dream of a quiet couple's retreat or fun in the sun for the whole family, embrace all the delights of our island life at The Residence Zanzibar. read more read less