A list by Eva Novak & Adam Jensen. Updated August 2025.
We have created a list with the best small luxury hotels in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Hope you enjoy it. We think it might be the best of its kind around. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!
Newly opened, April 2025. Located in Kizimkazi, 300 metres from Kizimkazi Mkunguni Beach, Johari Beach Resort, Kizimkazi Zanzibar provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has sea views, and guests can enjoy access to a private beach area and to a shared lounge. The accommodation features room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a fridge, an oven, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi is available to all guests, while some rooms here will provide you with a terrace. At Johari Beach Resort, Kizimkazi Zanzibar, every room comes with a seating area.
A continental, Full English/Irish or American breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving international cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and halal options can also be requested.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is 46 km from Johari Beach Resort, Kizimkazi Zanzibar, while Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is 27 km away. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 61 km from the property.Show full description
Newly opened, April 2025. Situated in Dikoni, 100 metres from Uroa Public Beach, Black Stone Beach Resort features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. The accommodation provides a private beach area, as well as a terrace and a bar. Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, the non-smoking hotel has a hot tub and evening entertainment.
Breakfast is available, and includes buffet, à la carte and continental options. At the hotel you will find a restaurant serving African, Indian and Italian cuisine. A halal option can also be requested.
Black Stone Beach Resort offers a barbecue. You can play darts at this 4-star hotel, and bike hire and car hire are available.
Peace Memorial Museum is 32 km from the accommodation, while Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is 19 km away. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 40 km from the property, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Opened March 2024. Set in Nungwi, 200 metres from Nungwi Beach, Canary Hotel & SPA offers accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Offering a restaurant, the property also has a bar, as well as an indoor pool. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared lounge and free WiFi throughout the property.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. The units feature a wardrobe.
Breakfast is available, and includes buffet, continental and Full English/Irish options.
You can play billiards, table tennis and darts at this 4-star hotel, and car hire is available.
Kichwele Forest Reserve is 43 km from Canary Hotel & SPA, while Mangapwani Coral Cave is 48 km away. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 61 km from the property.Show full description
Opened July 2022. Little Pompeji Boutique Hotel - Adults Only features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Jambiani. Providing a bar, the property is located within 300 metres of Jambiani Beach. The hotel also provides free WiFi as well as a paid airport shuttle service.
At the hotel, every room comes with a patio with pool view. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, all units at Little Pompeji Boutique Hotel - Adults Only have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms include a balcony.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an à la carte or a continental breakfast. At Little Pompeji Boutique Hotel - Adults Only you will find a restaurant serving African, Italian and local cuisine. Vegetarian, halal and gluten-free options can also be requested.
Jozani Forest is 27 km from the hotel.Show full description
Facing the beachfront, Clove Island Essence & Spa Boutique offers 5-star accommodation in Matemwe and features free bikes, outdoor swimming pool and garden. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a tour desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has a terrace and sea views, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a patio and a private bathroom with a bidet. Guest rooms include a wardrobe.
Guests at Clove Island Essence & Spa Boutique can enjoy a buffet or a continental breakfast.
The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at the accommodation.
Matemwe Beach is a few steps from Clove Island Essence & Spa Boutique, while Peace Memorial Museum is 45 km from the property. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 49 km away, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Located in Pingwe, 100 metres from Michamvi Pingwe Beach, Shukran Palace provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a private beach area. Among the various facilities of this property are a shared lounge, a terrace and a bar. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a kids' club and free WiFi throughout the property.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. All units include a wardrobe.
A buffet, continental or Asian breakfast is available at the property. At Shukran Palace you will find a restaurant serving African, American and Indian cuisine. Vegetarian and halal options can also be requested.
The accommodation offers 5-star accommodation with a sauna and hot tub. You can play table tennis at Shukran Palace, and car hire is available.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is 49 km from the hotel. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 60 km away.Show full description
Resort. Set in Dikoni, less than 1 km from Uroa Public Beach, Ycona Eco-Luxury Resort, Zanzibar offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. 37 km from Peace Memorial Museum and 17 km from Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the property features a private beach area, as well as a bar. At Ycona Eco-Luxury Resort, Zanzibar you will find a restaurant serving African, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The resort features a hot tub, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
The resort will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bidet. Every room includes a kettle, while certain rooms will provide you with a kitchen with a fridge, a dishwasher and an oven.
Breakfast is available, and includes à la carte, continental and Full English/Irish options. Vegetarian, dairy-free and halal options can also be requested.
Activities such as snorkelling, canoeing, cycling can be enjoyed in the surroundings, and guests can relax along the beachfront.
Kichwele Forest Reserve is 29 km from the accommodation, while Hamamni Persian Baths is 37 km from the property. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 38 km away, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Resort.Opened December 2024. Set in Kiwengwa, a few steps from Kiwengwa Beach, Zanziblue Waves Beach Resort offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. With a private beach area, the 4-star resort has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation features room service, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests.
At the resort, rooms are equipped with a terrace. All rooms have a safety deposit box, while selected rooms also offer a balcony and others also have sea views. All guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle.
The breakfast offers buffet, à la carte or continental options. At Zanziblue Waves Beach Resort you will find a restaurant serving Italian, local and European cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and vegan options can also be requested.
The accommodation offers a sauna.
Peace Memorial Museum is 43 km from Zanziblue Waves Beach Resort, while Kichwele Forest Reserve is 17 km away. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 45 km from the property, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Opened April 2024. Set in Paje, 700 metres from Paje Beach, Samawa Living offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has garden views, and guests can enjoy access to a terrace and to a bar. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared lounge and free WiFi throughout the property.
All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. The units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV.
An à la carte, continental or Full English/Irish breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. At Samawa Living you will find a restaurant serving African, Chinese and British cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and halal options can also be requested.
Peace Memorial Museum is 50 km from the accommodation, while Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is 35 km away. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 50 km from the property.Show full description
Bawe Island Zanzibar features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a private beach area and shared lounge in Zanzibar City. Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a children's playground. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a kids' club and free WiFi throughout the property.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bidet. Guest rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle.
Breakfast is available, and includes buffet, à la carte and continental options. At Bawe Island Zanzibar you will find a restaurant serving African, Italian and Japanese cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and halal options can also be requested.
At the accommodation guests are welcome to take advantage of a spa centre. You can play billiards, table tennis and tennis at this 5-star hotel, and free use of bicycles is available.
Wawi Airport is 153 km away.Show full description
Resort.Charming. Elegant. Comfortable beds. Popular among couples. Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is located on the east coast, this Relais & Chateaux member has views of the pristine beach of Paje. It features a spa, 2 restaurants, 3 bars and a kite surfing centre, we also have a world-class beauty salon, infrared sauna and steam room.
The air-conditioned villas feature a private plunge pool, lounge and dining area. There is also a large resort swimming pool.
The property offers free bicycle hire and excursions can be arranged at the tour desk.
we have tennis, padel court.
watersports center specialized in kitesurfing.
we have complimentary daily activities such as yoga, garden tour, kitesurfing tryout session, cinema nights.
we have evening entertainment.
each accommodation has a butler service, daily housekeeping, turndown,bottled water.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is located 40 km from Stone Town. They are also equipped with an outdoor bathtub and shower. Certain rooms have a sitting and living room area.
Free WiFi is available in all areas.
There are 3 bars consisting of a beach bar, Sunset bar and lounge. Guests have the option to have breakfast, lunch and dinner in their private villa or at the restaurant.
Local spices, fresh seafood and organically grown vegetables feature on the international menu. The spa is set in a tropical garden and offers massage rooms and complimentary hot tub access. Jambiani village is 1.5 km away and Paje village is 1 km away. Zanzibar International Airport is 50 km from the resort.Show full description
The magical resort, the villas are the definition of luxury and style. The rooms are spacious and well decorated, the garden is extremely beautiful with the addition of a jacuzzi and outdoor swimming pool.
Newly opened, October 2025. Situated in Nungwi, 300 metres from Nungwi Beach, Golden Hotel features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Boasting room service, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant, a water park and a terrace. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast.
Kichwele Forest Reserve is 43 km from Golden Hotel, while Mangapwani Coral Cave is 48 km away. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 61 km from the property, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Relaxing atmosphere. Romantic. Comfortable beds. Popular among women. Offering a year-round outdoor pool ,a spa centre and a diving centre in the neighbouring hotel, Zanzibar Queen Hotel is set in Matemwe in the Zanzibar Region. The hotel has a barbecue and water sports facilities, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.
Some rooms include a seating area where you can relax. Some units have views of the sea or pool.
You will find a 24-hour front desk and gift shop at the property.
A number of activities are offered in the area, such as snorkelling and diving. Mnemba Island is 6 km from Zanzibar Queen Hotel, while Muyuni Beach is 7 km away. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 43 km from the property.Show full description
This is one of the most RELAXING AND ROMANTIC boutique hotels in Zanzibar. It also has super comfortable beds, a great location and great affordability!
Resort.Delightful property. Highly elegant. Superb interior design. Popular among couples. Situated in the Kendwa Beach district of Kendwa, Zuri Zanzibar offers accommodation with a private beach area and free WiFi. The property boasts an outdoor swimming pool, garden, terrace and a bar.
All the rooms have air conditioning and are fitted with a wardrobe, a desk and a flat screen TV. All the units also have a seating area while some have pool views and a garden view.
Zuri Zanzibar serves a continental breakfast daily. Maischa Restaurant that is located within the property specializes in Middle Eastern cuisines.
Snorkelling is among the activities that guests can enjoy near Zuri Zanzibar. Coral Reefs Snorkel is a 9-minute walk from the resort.Show full description
An amazing resort with the great territory, a big pool with a beautiful tanning area, a yoga center, and SPA. The beach is gorgeous with lots of palm trees and well-spaced loungers. The rooms are simply magnificent!
Newly opened, October 2025. Facing the beachfront, ZAN Uhuru Beach offers 4-star accommodation in Jambiani and has an outdoor swimming pool, garden and terrace. 200 metres from Jambiani Beach and 40 km from Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the property features a bar and barbecue facilities. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
At the hotel, all rooms have a wardrobe. With a private bathroom fitted with a bidet and free toiletries, some units at ZAN Uhuru Beach also have a sea view. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge.
A continental, Full English/Irish or American breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving Turkish, European and Grill BBQ cuisine. Halal, vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested.
Guests at ZAN Uhuru Beach will be able to enjoy activities in and around Jambiani, like hiking, snorkelling and cycling.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 55 km from the property.Show full description
Opened June 2022. Situated in Nungwi, 41 km from Kichwele Forest Reserve, Safira Blu Luxury Resort & Villas features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. This 5-star hotel offers a private beach area, room service and free WiFi. Safira Blu Luxury Resort & Villas offers some rooms that have a balcony, and every room is fitted with a kettle. Guests at Safira Blu Luxury Resort & Villas will be able to enjoy activities in and around Nungwi, like hiking and snorkelling.
Languages spoken at the reception include Arabic, English, Hindi and Swahili, and guests are invited to request advice on the area when needed.
Mangapwani Coral Cave is 46 km from the hotel. The hotel has a terrace and sea views, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.
At the hotel the rooms include air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchenette, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and a coffee machine.
The breakfast offers à la carte, continental or Full English/Irish options.
At the accommodation guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 64 km from the property, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Resort. Facing the beachfront, Royal Mandarin Hotel & Resort offers 5-star accommodation in Pwani Mchangani and features a fitness centre, garden and private beach area. Featuring room service, this property also has a restaurant and a terrace. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a kids' club and free WiFi throughout the property.
Guests at the resort can enjoy a buffet breakfast.
Royal Mandarin Hotel & Resort offers a children's playground. You can play table tennis and darts at the accommodation, and car hire is available.
Pwani Mchangani Beach is a few steps from Royal Mandarin Hotel & Resort, while Peace Memorial Museum is 44 km away. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 46 km from the property.Show full description
Charming. Relaxing atmosphere. Superb breakfast. Popular among couples. Located in Kiwengwa, a few steps from Kiwengwa Beach, Zanzibella Hotel & SPA provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. A hot tub and a car rental service are available for guests. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. Zanzibella Hotel & SPA features certain units with sea views, and every room is fitted with a balcony. At the accommodation all rooms are fitted with a seating area.
A buffet breakfast is available at Zanzibella Hotel & SPA. At the hotel you will find a restaurant serving African, American and Italian cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested.
You can play billiards at this 5-star hotel, and the area is popular for canoeing.
Peace Memorial Museum is 41 km from Zanzibella Hotel & SPA, while Kichwele Forest Reserve is 15 km away. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 42 km from the property.Show full description
I think this is the most CHARMING small luxury hotel in Zanzibar. It also has a highly rated breakfast, very cosy rooms and outstanding views.
Resort. Facing the beachfront, Dream of Zanzibar Resort & Spa - Premium All Inclusive offers 5-star accommodation in Uroa and has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and garden. A sauna and a car rental service are available for guests. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
The resort will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. Dream of Zanzibar Resort & Spa - Premium All Inclusive offers some units with sea views, and the rooms are fitted with a kettle. All rooms have a wardrobe.
A buffet, vegetarian or vegan breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving African and international cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and halal options can also be requested.
Uroa Public Beach is a few steps from Dream of Zanzibar Resort & Spa - Premium All Inclusive, while Peace Memorial Museum is 39 km from the property. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 40 km away.Show full description
Situated in Kiwengwa, 100 metres from Kiwengwa Beach, Z-Breeze Zanzibar features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. With a bar, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation provides room service, a tour desk and currency exchange for guests.
At the hotel, rooms are equipped with a wardrobe. The rooms come with a safety deposit box, while selected rooms also feature a balcony and others also feature sea views.
The breakfast offers buffet, à la carte or continental options. At Z-Breeze Zanzibar you will find a restaurant serving African, Mediterranean and Pizza cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and halal options can also be requested.
The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at the accommodation.
Peace Memorial Museum is 41 km from Z-Breeze Zanzibar, while Kichwele Forest Reserve is 15 km away. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is 43 km from the property, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
We do our best to keep this list as up-to-date as possible. We last updated it in August 2025. If you know of a small luxury hotel that should be on the list, let us know. Click here to contact us. Thanks!
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