Meliá Zanzibar: what is included in all inclusive and who the hotel suits

A week in Zanzibar is expensive, and you only choose your hotel once. Meliá Zanzibar positions itself as an all-inclusive resort on the northeast coast of the island (as of 09/2026, official Meliá Zanzibar website).

Five stars, 16 hectares by the water, and a stretch of white sand about 300 meters long (as of 09/2026, resort page). The lagoon is sheltered by a natural coral reef, so the waves here are calmer than on the open beaches of the east coast.

Below we break down what the rate includes, how the rooms and The Level area work, what the restaurants serve, and who this resort is not a good fit for.

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Resort on the northeast coast of the island

💡 In short:

• Meliá Zanzibar is a five-star all-inclusive resort on the northeast coast of Zanzibar (as of 09/2026, Meliá data).
• The resort sits on its own beach, and the lagoon is protected by a coral reef.
• Rooms range from Garden to villas with private pools, plus a separate adults-only area.
• Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official hotel website.

The hotel occupies 16 hectares between the garden and the ocean, right on the beach (as of 09/2026, resort description). Stone Town is 45 km away, Mnemba Island is 17 km away.

The all-inclusive format here is basic: food and drinks at the main venues are included in the rate, while select restaurants and the spa cost extra (as of 09/2026, official Meliá Zanzibar website). Check at booking what exactly your package covers.

The hotel beach is fine light sand and a lagoon behind the reef. The water in the lagoon is calm because the coral ridges break the waves. For families with children this is a clear plus: entering the water here is safer than on stretches without a reef.

Rooms: from Garden to villas with pools

The room inventory is split into several categories. Garden rooms are the base option with garden access. Terrace rooms add a terrace, Family rooms are designed for families, Zanzibar suites offer more space. Villas come with a private pool and garden, and the Romance Pavilion combines ocean views with The Level service.

The choice depends on who you are traveling with. Couples are usually better suited to villas and the Romance Pavilion, which offer more privacy. Families will find the Family category more convenient, located near the play areas. If you are going for the beach and excursions rather than the room, go with Garden or Terrace.

Here you can check prices for Meliá Zanzibar and compare room categories for your dates.

The Level: an area for guests 16 and older

The Level is a separate area for guests over 16 with its own pool and enhanced service (as of 09/2026, The Level page). The area is open only to guests over 16, so the pool area is quieter than in the main part of the resort.

Privileges include a light breakfast from an à la carte menu in the guest lounge, snacks at the snack bar throughout the day, daily minibar restocking, and 24-hour service. The Level guests get premium drinks at evening events and access to the Aqua restaurant (according to the hotel catalog).

If you are going on a honeymoon or simply value quiet by the water, the extra cost for The Level is usually worth it. With kids, this area is not for you: access is open from age 16.

Spa and wellness: what is included and what costs extra

The hotel spa has six private treatment rooms, three of them with a couples' plunge pool, plus a sauna and a fitness center (as of 09/2026, official Meliá Zanzibar website). Massages and most treatments cost extra, so it is best to confirm pricing at the front desk when you check in.

For workouts, there is an indoor gym with a Pilates area and a separate wooden pavilion right on the beach, opening onto the ocean. Saunas are separate for men and women. After treatments, it is easy to return to one of the pools with loungers and cabanas by the water.

Hotel restaurants and bars

Dining is spread across several venues. The main restaurant, Spice Market, operates as a buffet: the website promises international cuisine, but in practice the menu leans more toward African and Arabic dishes (according to the hotel catalog).

The Aqua restaurant serves Mediterranean-style set menus in the early evening. Gabi Beach sits right on the sand and takes bookings for private parties and romantic dinners for two, which is a paid option. Jetty Lounge operates by the water: guests come here for dinner or cocktails. The Library Bar is a quiet bar for coffee and fresh newspapers during the day. The Tamu restaurant serves Swahili cuisine, with dinner billed separately (as of 09/2026, hotel restaurants).

Book dinner at Gabi Beach and Aqua in advance: sunset slots go first, especially in high season.

Things to do: diving, tennis, and kitesurfing

The hotel has a PADI dive center next to the pool, a large tennis court, and kitesurfing masterclasses (according to the hotel catalog). Snorkeling at the reef suits beginners: the water near the shore is shallow and calm.

Island excursions are booked through the hotel's Guest Experience team, which also helps put together a custom itinerary (as of 09/2026, official Meliá Zanzibar website). If you want to compare options in advance, check out excursions on GetYourGuide.

Traveling with kids: club and programs

For children, there is a dedicated play area and pools, plus themed programs for younger and middle age groups (according to the hotel catalog). The restaurant has a priority menu for kids.

The resort is often chosen by families: there is plenty to keep a child busy during the day. If you want a quiet getaway for two, book The Level area: there are no kids there.

Visa, transfer, and practical travel tips

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the visa is issued as a Tanzanian one: online in advance or on arrival. All foreign visitors also purchase mandatory Zanzibar Insurance Corporation coverage on the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation portal. Check the current visa fee and rules on the official Tanzania immigration portal.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and you must have a return booking. Hotel check-in is from 3:00 PM, check-out by 12:00 PM (as of 09/2026, check-in rules).

Under the current promotion, the hotel offers a free airport transfer both ways when booking seven nights or more (as of 09/2026, resort promotions). If the transfer is not included in your rate, plan your trip in advance: the drive from the airport is long.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does a week at Meliá Zanzibar cost?

The hotel does not publish a fixed rate. The price depends on dates, room category, and season, so it is calculated for specific dates (as of 09/2026, official rates). Rates are higher in high season and lower in the rainy months. Compare the all-inclusive package price with the room-only rate: food and drinks significantly change the total.

What is included in all-inclusive?

The rate includes food and drinks at the main venues, pools, beach, and infrastructure. Some restaurants and the spa charge extra: for example, Gabi Beach, Tamu, and spa treatments. Check the exact list of inclusions when booking (as of 09/2026, about resort rates).

Can you swim in the ocean right by the hotel?

Yes. The lagoon is protected by a natural coral reef, so the waves are gentle and swimming is calm. Entering the water is easy for both children and those who are not confident swimmers. This sets the resort apart from the open beaches of the east coast, where the waves are stronger.

Is there anything for children at the resort?

Yes, there is a play area, pools, and age-based activity programs for children, and the restaurant has a priority menu (according to the hotel catalog). Guests with children most often choose the Family category. For adults, on the other hand, there is The Level area.

How to get from the airport?

Zanzibar International Airport is 49 km away, and the drive takes about an hour (as of 09/2026, official Meliá Zanzibar website). The hotel transfer terms are described above in the visa and transfer section.

Do I need a visa for the trip?

Yes, you need a Tanzanian visa and mandatory ZIC entry insurance. How to arrange them is described above in the "Visa, transfer, and trip practicalities" section.

In short: what to book

Meliá Zanzibar suits those who want a calm ocean, full board, and minimal logistics. The resort works for couples, families, and guests who value service rather than city life.

If you are on a honeymoon or a quiet getaway for two, choose The Level with a villa. If you are traveling with children, look at the Family category. If you spend all day at the beach and on excursions, Garden or Terrace will be enough.

Available dates and prices are easy to check on Trip.com. Compare island excursions in advance on GetYourGuide.