Zanzibar 5 star all inclusive hotels: 15 options by the ocean

Zanzibar is increasingly chosen for beach vacations in the cold season. There are few direct flights, and the trip is expensive, so a mistake with the coastline costs especially much. On the east side of the island, the water recedes hundreds of meters at low tide, and the usual beach by the hotel disappears for half a day. The northwestern Nungwi and Kendwa are swimmable at almost any water level. We gathered fifteen five-star hotels with an all-inclusive system and compared the coastline, atmosphere, and weak points of each. Below you'll find an option for your type of trip.

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How to choose an all-inclusive hotel in Zanzibar

💡 In short:

• All hotels in this selection operate on an all-inclusive basis and sit by the ocean in the north, east, or south of the island.
• First choose the coastline: the northwest is swimmable at any water level, the east lives by the tide schedule.
• Season and entry requirements: as of 09/2026, verified on the official Zanzibar tourism website.

The coastline matters more than the number of stars. The north and northwest (Nungwi, Kendwa) offer deep water around the clock, so they suit swimming and snorkeling. The east (Kiwengwa, Matemwe, Bwejuu) exposes the reef and seaweed at low tide, but the beaches are wider and the ocean is calmer there. The south near Kizimkazi is interesting for dolphins, but swimming also depends on the water level.

The dry season runs from June to October: little rain, clear days, and temperatures around 25-30 °C. This is the best period for the beach and diving, according to seasonal reviews. The short dry season in January and February is warmer and more humid, but accommodation is cheaper.

The all-inclusive system on the island almost always means buffet dining, local alcohol, and unlimited soft drinks. Water activities, diving, and some restaurants are often paid separately, so check the list on the hotel's website.

A visa is required for entry. EU and UK citizens apply for it online through the official Tanzania portal. There is one airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ), located in the center of the island, so the drive to northern and eastern hotels takes an hour or more. In high season, book accommodation and transfers in advance, because free villas on popular coastlines are almost gone.

Next, fifteen hotels in order: from a budget five-star in the east to villas with a personal butler.

1. Karafuu beach resort & spa

© *rboed* · CC BYPhoto: *rboed*, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), Flickr

The hotel holds an official five-star rating and has been among Tanzania's leading beach resorts for many years. It sits by the ocean in the village of Pingwe on the east coast. The center of Pingwe is about 1 km away (per the map), so you can easily walk into the village. Guests are accommodated in rooms and bungalows among the garden.

Three restaurants serve local and international cuisine, and a floating restaurant operates 200 m from the shore. The bars pour South African, Italian, and French wines. The grounds include several pools, including a year-round indoor one, and a separate children's section.

The Samawati spa center offers full-body and targeted massages, and the fitness center runs yoga and aerobics with an instructor. You have access to two tennis courts, a diving center, and a volleyball court. Animators work with children, and there is a game room and protective barriers by the water.

• Who it's for: families with children, because the infrastructure for little ones is well thought out.
• Not for: couples looking for quiet without children's noise.
• Location: the village of Pingwe in the east, about 1 km to the center (per the map).
• Prices: Karafuu prices on Trip.com
• The catch: the east coast lives by the tides, swimming is more comfortable at high water.

2. Fruit & spice wellness resort Zanzibar

The resort sits between the ocean and a nature reserve in Mchangamle, in the Kizimkazi area in the south of the island. Guests stay in rooms and villas with makuti roofs in the local style, with views of the sea and tropical greenery. The beach here is artificial, so there are no pushy vendors on the shore.

The main restaurant focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, plus American and local dishes. Local alcohol and cocktails are served at the pool bar and lobby. Guests praise The Sunset beach club with its own bar, where seafood and lobster are prepared.

The spa center is jungle-themed, and you'll be offered massages and cosmetic treatments. Nearby, equipment is available for kitesurfing, diving, snorkeling, and fishing. You can take a boat trip to see dolphins. A turtle rehabilitation center and free excursions to a Maasai village are noted as local highlights.

• Who it's for: couples and anyone who values spa and nature, because the hotel is geared toward quiet relaxation.
• Not for: fans of natural sandy beaches, the beach here is artificial.
• Location: Mchangamle near Kizimkazi in the south of the island.
• Prices: Fruit & Spice prices on Trip.com
• The catch: the beach is artificial, there is no natural swimming by the shore.

3. Essque Zalu Zanzibar

The resort is located in the village of Nungwi in the north of the island, next to a tropical forest. The design combines modern style and Swahili traditions. The rooms are spacious, with sea or garden views, and each has a balcony or terrace. Nungwi Beach is about 200 m away (per the map).

In the west, the water is deep around the clock, so you can swim even at low tide. The pier offers ocean views, and in the evening people watch the sunset here. Three restaurants operate: the floating Jetty with modern Arabic cuisine, A La Carte, and Market Kitchen with dishes from different countries. The 1506 and Baobab bars serve cocktails and snacks.

The spa center offers various types of massage, a sauna, and hydromassage. You can work on your fitness in the gym. For art lovers, temporary exhibitions are held in the gallery. Animators work with children, and there is a game room and playground.

• Who it's for: a romantic trip, because sunsets and design are the main draws here.
• Not for: those who need the beach right by their room.
• Location: the village of Nungwi in the north, about 200 m to the beach (per the map).
• Prices: Essque Zalu prices on Trip.com
• The catch: the beach is not on the property, but 200 m from the buildings.

4. Neptune pwani beach resort & spa

The hotel occupies the northeastern district of Kiwengwa, surrounded by a tropical garden. It's a large resort with a big room inventory, so the infrastructure is extensive. Rooms get high marks for design and amenities. A white-sand beach stretches along the entire property.

Five restaurants cover every taste. The main Pwani serves a buffet line, while Italian Gusti, Indian Namaste, Thai Narai Thai, and Samaki with seafood offer a la carte service. Bars are located by the pools, by the sea, and in the lounge.

On the beach you have access to water sports, from diving to surfing. If you get tired of salt water, there are two freshwater pools, one outdoor and one indoor, with a kids' section. The Earth & Rain spa offers a sauna, hammam, and jacuzzi. The fitness center runs aerobics and yoga, and animators keep the kids entertained.

• Who it's for: foodies and active travelers, because the choice of restaurants and sports here is the widest possible.
• Not for: those who want an intimate hotel with just a few rooms.
• Location: Kiwengwa in the northeast of the island.
• Prices: prices at Neptune Pwani on Trip.com
• The catch: the east coast has big low tides, so swimming is on a schedule.

5. Riu Palace Zanzibar

The name is no accident: this is a modern resort with palace-level finishes. It sits near Nungwi in the northwest, where the water stays deep around the clock. Guests stay in rooms and villas, some villas with a garden, pool, and jacuzzi. The white-sand Kendwa Beach is about 150 m away (on the map).

Three restaurants cover the main demand: the main one has a buffet, the themed Krystal serves a la carte, and there is a steakhouse. The alcohol selection is wide, and the bartender will mix an off-menu cocktail on request. That is appreciated by people who come for the food and drinks.

The property has a heated saltwater infinity pool with a view. The spa center offers a sauna, steam room, hammam, jacuzzi, solarium, and massage chairs. The fitness center runs aerobics, with a spa lounge nearby for relaxing. Guests rate the staff as excellent.

• Who it's for: couples and service lovers, because swimming is possible at any time.
• Not for: those who need a sandy beach right on the property.
• Location: Kendwa in the northwest, about 150 m to the beach (on the map).
• Prices: Riu Palace prices on Trip.com
• The catch: Kendwa Beach is 150 m away, and the villas have no direct water access.

6. Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa

The resort occupies the east coast in the Kiwengwa area. It has a calm atmosphere, green grounds, and a shared terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean. The rooms are modern in design and amenities. The sandy beach is cleaned constantly, so it looks well kept.

The main Makuti restaurant serves local and international cuisine and hosts themed evenings. The pool bar pours cocktails and snacks, and the beach bar has a large seafood selection. In the evenings, The Bahari Grill opens with open-fire dishes.

The single shared pool with a gradual depth increase operates year-round, and children get water toys. There is a spa center with a sauna and a fitness center. For sports, there is ping-pong, billiards, and a tennis court. Diving, snorkeling, and fishing are booked in advance.

• Who it's for: families and active couples, because there is plenty to fill the day.
• Not for: those who want to walk straight from the hotel into town.
• Location: Kiwengwa area on the east side of the island.
• Prices: Bluebay prices on Trip.com
• The catch: the east coast has low tides, so swimming is better at high tide.

7. Nungwi Dreams by Mantis

The hotel stands in the village of Nungwi in the north of the island and suits you if you dislike noise. The village and the sandbar are a few minutes' walk away. The rooms are stylish and cleaned regularly, and the staff creates an almost family-like atmosphere. The beach is small but guarded, with an ocean view.

Diving, fishing, snorkeling, and windsurfing cost extra. The single restaurant serves both buffet and a la carte, and themed dinners are arranged on request. Guests especially like the rooftop bar. There is a fitness center on site, but no spa.

Entertainment here is sparse, but walking tours can be booked. The outdoor pool is small, and some guests feel the loungers are poorly placed: by the tiles in the sun it gets too hot.

• Who it's for: couples looking for quiet, because the hotel is small and calm.
• Not for: families with children, because there is no entertainment for little ones.
• Location: Nungwi village in the north, a few minutes' walk to the village.
• Prices: Nungwi Dreams prices on Trip.com
• The catch: at high tide the small beach disappears, and the pool is cramped and has no shade.

8. TUI Blue Bahari Zanzibar

The resort stands near the village of Pwani Mchangani, next to Kiwengwa, in dense tropical greenery. Guests are accommodated in rooms and villas, some rooms with a jacuzzi. The living areas are modern in design, and there is a spacious relaxation terrace. Kiwengwa Beach is about 200 m away (on the map).

The water sports center operates right on the property. You can choose windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, and catamarans. Two outdoor pools have a children's area. Five restaurants cover any request: the main one, the African Boma, the Italian Andiamo, the Asian Taste of Asia, and Breeze with seafood. Drinks are served in three bars.

The Dream spa center offers massage, body wraps, and scrubs, and there is a hammam. The fitness center runs body-shaping sessions. The tennis court comes with all equipment. Children play indoors and on the playground under the supervision of animators.

• Who it's for: families and water sports lovers, because everything is close at hand.
• Not for: those who want a quiet, sparsely populated shore.
• Location: Kiwengwa in the east, about 200 m to the beach (on the map).
• Prices: TUI Blue Bahari prices on Trip.com
• The catch: the east coast runs on tides, so swimming is on a schedule.

9. Melia Zanzibar

© afromusing · CC BYPhoto: afromusing, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), Flickr

This Melia resort stands in the village of Kiwengwa on the east side of the island. Rooms open onto a terrace or a sea view, and guests are driven around the property in an electric cart. There are many flowering plants all around. Nearby is a well-equipped beach with a snack bar and water sports.

There is one restaurant on site, Spices, but there you can choose Indian or Asian dishes and steaks. Guests rate the food highly: plenty of seafood, fruit, and vegetables, including exotic ones. For those who skip the beach, there are two large warm pools.

The spa center invites you to the sauna, steam room, and massage. There is a fitness center, a tennis court, and a tour desk. Guests enjoy trips to Stone Town, Turtle Island, and the Kiwengwa Forest Reserve, about 11 km away (on the map). The hotel has a kids' club.

• Who it's for: those who want to combine beach time with sightseeing, because the attractions are nearby.
• Not for: foodies who want a choice of several restaurants.
• Location: Kiwengwa on the east coast, about 11 km from Kiwengwa Forest Reserve (on the map).
• Prices: prices at Melia Zanzibar on Trip.com
• The catch: there is only one main restaurant on the property.

10. The Palms Zanzibar

The property consists of six villas and stretches along a sandy beach. It's an intimate option for those who don't want large hotels. The tropical garden around it is well maintained. The Plantation House restaurant is open all day and serves local dishes.

There is a bar by the pool, tucked away in the shade of mango trees. The Sanctuary spa offers various types of massage. You have access to a fitness center, a volleyball court, and gear for diving, surfing, and snorkeling. There is a souvenir shop and a tour desk on the property.

Guests praise the attentiveness of the restaurant staff: they take preferences into account and will offer a substitute if you have food intolerances. Guests note the cleanliness and organization. The property is recommended for couples and those tired of noise.

• Who it's for: a romantic getaway, because there are few villas and it's quiet here.
• Not for: large groups, because there are only six villas.
• Location: east coast, villas sit along the beach.
• Prices: prices at The Palms on Trip.com
• The catch: only six villas, so options are limited on peak dates.

11. Baraza resort and spa Zanzibar

© Rob from United Kingdom · CC BYPhoto: Rob from United Kingdom, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The resort consists of thirty individual villas in a mixed Indian, Swahili and Arabic style. It sits along a wide sandy beach on the east coast. Each villa is rented separately, so you have no neighbors behind the wall. The Livingstone Terrace restaurant is open, serving breakfast and dinner on certain days.

The Ocean Lounge bar serves a buffet lunch with salads, pizza and snacks. The Dhahabu lounge bar and the Sultans evening restaurant are also open. There is a large outdoor pool on the property. The Frangipani spa center handles beauty and wellness.

Active guests head to the gym and the tennis court. The water sports center provides equipment and instructors for kitesurfing, windsurfing and diving. Kayak and catamaran trips can be arranged. There is a kids' club.

• Who it's for: for a private villa stay, because there are no neighbors in the same building.
• Not for: those looking for a compact hotel right by the sea.
• Location: east coast, along a wide beach.
• Prices: Baraza prices on Trip.com
• The catch: the east coast has tides, and the water recedes from the shore.

12. Matemwe Retreat

© Mangapwani · CC BY-SAPhoto: Mangapwani, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

This compact and quiet property sits on the Indian Ocean coast north of Matemwe. A fishing village is nearby, which adds local character. Guests stay in spacious villas with a cocktail bar and a bathroom with a view. You can easily spend the day here without seeing neighbors.

The restaurant cooks from a local menu, breakfast is brought to the villa, and dinner is served on the beach. There is an outdoor pool on the property. A spa and wellness center are available. Beach lovers are provided with diving and snorkeling gear, canoes and fishing tackle.

For variety, the property offers walking tours, bicycle rental and horseback riding, which is rare for Tanzanian resorts. Guests in reviews praise the food, atmosphere and staff.

• Who it's for: for seclusion and horseback riding, because the property is far from busy areas.
• Not for: those who want shops and restaurants steps from the hotel.
• Location: north of Matemwe on the northeast of the island.
• Prices: Matemwe Retreat prices on Trip.com
• The catch: the location is remote, and you need to drive to reach infrastructure.

13. Moja Tuu the luxury villas & nature retreat

This villa complex is located in the village of Kiwengwa on the east of the island. Guests appreciate the rooftop terraces, scenic pools and barbecue areas. Bedrooms have beds under muslin canopies and local round beds made of saruji stone.

Kiwengwa Beach is nearby, and the property has a shared pool with a gradual entry. The Sipano beach club is 3.9 km away (according to the map). The Blue Bahari restaurant serves local cuisine all day. The La La Bar with a cocktail menu brings guests together in the evening. The Moja spa offers massages and facial and body treatments.

For active guests, there is a gym with ocean views, bicycles, walking tours, diving, windsurfing, snorkeling and fishing. The Kichwele reserve with tropical plants is nearby, and a golf course is within 3 km (according to the map). A playroom and the Rafiki kids' club are available for children.

• Who it's for: for families and golfers, because a golf course and a kids' club are nearby.
• Not for: those who need a hotel on the first line by the water.
• Location: Kiwengwa in the east, about 4 km to the Sipano beach club (according to the map).
• Prices: Moja Tuu prices on Trip.com
• The catch: the east coast has low tides, so swimming depends on the water.

14. The Residence Zanzibar

The resort is located in the Kizimkazi area in the south of the island and feels like a secluded place. By car, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the village of Kizimkazi and over an hour to reach a major town (according to the map). Guests stay in charming villas, each with a plunge pool, plus there is a large shared pool. The beach is private, sandy and clean.

The grounds are close to nature: lizards, monkeys and cats roam near the cottages. You get around between villas by bicycle and electric cart. You can eat at two restaurants, The Pavilion and The Dining Room, which serve both buffet and a la carte. Both prepare Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine.

The spa center has a sauna, hammam, hot tub and beauty services. The fitness center runs yoga, and the property has a tennis court, table tennis, darts and bicycle rental. The beach is fully set up for swimming and diving. Children have a playground and a playroom.

• Who it's for: for nature lovers and those seeking seclusion, because the surroundings are green and full of animals.
• Not for: those who want a town and a promenade nearby.
• Location: Kizimkazi area in the south, about 20 minutes by car to the village (according to the map).
• Prices: The Residence prices on Trip.com
• The catch: over an hour by car to a major town.

15. Breezes beach club and spa

The resort occupies the southeast coast and resembles a green garden with flower beds. The center of Bwejuu is about 5 km away (according to the map). Nearby is a well-kept beach with white sand and makuti umbrellas. Rooms are decorated in ivory tones, and some have terraces.

You have access to three restaurants with local and international cuisine and two bars. Breakfast includes continental and vegetarian options, and there is a buffet. Tea and coffee are served in the lounge area. The Frangipani spa and wellness center offer service packages, and the interior is done in Swahili traditions.

For active guests, there is a pool, fitness center, tennis court, volleyball court, bicycle rental and yoga. The range of water activities with equipment rental is wide: kitesurfing, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and canoeing. Guests praise the food, room cleaning and attentive staff.

• Who it's for: diving and spa, because both are strong here.
• Not for: those who want to walk from the hotel to the city center.
• Location: Bwejuu on the east coast, about 5 km to the center (on the map).
• Prices: prices at Breezes on Trip.com
• The catch: the east coast has tides, so swimming depends on the time of day.

Zanzibar 5-star all-inclusive hotels on the map

All fifteen hotels are marked on the map below. This makes it easier to compare how close they are to each other.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to Zanzibar?

The dry season runs from June to October: little rain, calm sea, clear water. This is the best time for the beach and diving. January and February are also dry, but hotter and more humid. April and May are considered the rainy season, when some hotels close for maintenance (as of 09/2026, season overview).

Where is swimming better: in the north or in the east?

In the north and northwest (Nungwi, Kendwa) you can swim at any time, while the east depends on the tides. If you swim every day, choose the north (as of 09/2026, Nungwi tide forecast).

What is included in "all inclusive"?

Besides meals and drinks, the rate often includes some sports and entertainment. The exact list depends on the hotel, so check it on the official website before booking.

Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?

Yes, Zanzibar is part of the same visa system as mainland Tanzania. Before applying, check your passport validity and the requirements on the official Tanzania portal.

How do I get from the airport to the hotel?

Hotels in the south of the island take longer to reach than those in the north and east. Few hotels have their own transfer, so most people take a taxi or book a car in advance. The roads are narrow, so allow extra time in high season.

In short: what to book

If you are on a short beach trip and swim every day, choose Nungwi and Kendwa: Essque Zalu, Riu Palace or Nungwi Dreams. If you are traveling with children, take a closer look at Karafuu, Neptune Pwani and TUI Blue Bahari. For villas and quiet, head to The Palms, Baraza or Matemwe Retreat. For excursions, Melia and The Residence are convenient.

All hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis, so meals are included in the rate. The price difference comes down to the beach, room type and season. The easiest way to compare available dates and prices is through the hotel search form above.