One of the finest boutique hotels in Stone Town, this beautifully restored former merchant’s house features eleven uniquely styled rooms arranged around a light-filled central courtyard.
The hotel offers two dining options: the Secret Garden Restaurant, set within atmospheric garden ruins, and the rooftop Emerson Spice Tea House, known for its elegant setting and views over the town. Each room is individually designed, combining character and history to provide an authentic Zanzibar experience.
Stone Town
22
11
En-suite bathrooms
Not allowed
Non-Smocking Rooms
With views over Stone Town and the Indian Ocean, the Emerson Spice Tea House offers a five-course seafood tasting menu, freshly prepared each day by local Zanzibari chefs. The relaxed setting allows guests to enjoy a menu that highlights both familiar and unique local ingredients.
The Secret Garden restaurant, set within the ruins of a nearby building, provides a tranquil space for lunch accompanied by birdsong and an atmospheric dining experience under the stars in the evening.
Guests staying at Emerson Spice can enjoy a variety of cultural and leisure activities, including guided walking tours of Stone Town to explore its historic streets, markets, and landmarks. Culinary experiences such as Swahili cooking classes and spice tours offer insight into Zanzibar’s rich food heritage. Guests may also visit nearby attractions like Prison Island or relax with dhow sunset cruises along the Indian Ocean. Additional options include shopping for local crafts, visiting museums, and enjoying the hotel’s own rooftop dining and cultural ambiance.
Zuri Zanzibar is a luxurious, design-led boutique resort located on the spectacular northern coast of Zanzibar, on Kendwa Beach. It is renowned for its focus on sustainability, unique architecture, and a laid-back, yet sophisticated, atmosphere. The name “Zuri” means “beautiful” in Swahili, a fitting description for this stunning property.
The resort features 56 individual bungalows, suites, and villas, all with private outdoor terraces and designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Each unit is nestled in the lush tropical gardens, providing a sense of privacy and tranquility. The design incorporates a mix of contemporary style and traditional African touches.
Zuri Zanzibar offers a variety of amenities, including a large oceanfront infinity pool, a full-service spa, an outdoor “wild fitness” gym, and a beautiful private beach. The resort has multiple restaurants and bars, offering a diverse culinary experience that ranges from Mediterranean and international cuisine to authentic local flavors. With its commitment to sustainability, focus on guest well-being, and prime location on one of the island’s best beaches, Zuri Zanzibar is an ideal destination for a high-end, relaxing escape.
In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree.” It is easy to imagine Samuel Taylor Coleridge himself feeling perfectly at home in this serene beachfront sanctuary. Set along the warm, turquoise shores of the Indian Ocean, Xanadu is an exceptional boutique retreat featuring just a handful of exquisite villas. Each villa is uniquely designed, its graceful curves inspired by the billowing sails of traditional Zanzibari dhows that glide across these shimmering waters.
Opened in 2017, this hidden island gem quickly became one of our most treasured discoveries. Discreet villas are nestled within lush tropical gardens, only steps from sun-kissed sands and the tranquil sea. Xanadu is designed for pure relaxation and indulgence, an idyllic retreat to unwind after an unforgettable safari adventure. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and a variety of ocean activities, all thoughtfully arranged by the dedicated activities team.
The warm and welcoming owners, Eileen and Marcus, passionate collectors of African art, have created a refined yet relaxed atmosphere of understated luxury. Carefully curated artwork and distinctive design pieces complement contemporary furnishings that are both elegant and exceptionally comfortable.
And then there is the cuisine. Simply put, it is among the finest you will experience anywhere in Africa. Led by a talented chef from South Africa, the kitchen celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients, from warm, freshly baked breads and vibrant garden salads to perfectly prepared seafood caught straight from the surrounding ocean. Every dish is beautifully presented and thoughtfully crafted.
A tranquil spa offers restorative treatments designed for relaxation and renewal, while a dedicated private butler attends to every detail of your stay with discreet and attentive service.
Kilindi Zanzibar is a unique boutique retreat set within 50 acres of lush tropical gardens, featuring a collection of white-domed pavilion suites. Originally designed for Benny Andersson, the property blends influences from across Tanzania and Zanzibar.
The design combines Scandinavian simplicity with Middle Eastern architectural elements, creating an open, nature-inspired atmosphere. Each pavilion suite features wide-arched windows, wooden shutters, and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, allowing natural light and ocean breezes to flow through the space for a calm and immersive stay.