The Meliá Zanzibar is a luxurious all-inclusive resort situated on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, about 45 kilometers from Stone Town. The hotel is built on a large 40-acre estate with a 300-meter long private beach of white sand, and it’s surrounded by a natural coral reef.
The resort offers a variety of accommodations, from standard rooms with garden or partial ocean views to spacious private villas with their own pools and tropical gardens. The Meliá Zanzibar is known for its “The Level” service, an exclusive package that includes private check-in and check-out, access to a private lounge and adults-only infinity pool, and preferential restaurant reservations.
Amenities at the resort include three outdoor pools, a full-service spa with a sauna and fitness center, and a wide array of activities such as tennis, beach volleyball, kayaking, and snorkeling. The hotel features seven restaurants and five bars, providing a diverse selection of international and local cuisines. A notable dining option is the Jetty Bar & Restaurant, located at the end of a long jetty over the Indian Ocean.
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.
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.
In the heart of Zanzibar’s Stone Town, you’ll discover a charming maze of bazaars, bicycles, bas-reliefs, and benches. Stone benches, or bazara, line the narrow streets, perfect for people-watching. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a captivating experience of the idyllic East African island, rich in culture, coffee, spices, and luxurious accommodations like the Park Hyatt, majestically perched on Shangani Beach.
From the hotel, you can easily explore the town’s attractions on foot: the lush Forodhani Gardens with its vibrant street food scene, the Old Fort which has served various purposes since 1699, the Old Dispensary, the Peace Memorial, and the Palace Museums. The bustling spice markets are filled with fragrant, colorful wares, including some of the finest coffee in the world. You might also find beautiful Tanzanian jewelry and visit the birthplace of Farrokh Bulsara, also known as Freddie Mercury of Queen.
No visit is complete without admiring the famous Zanzibari doors, ornately carved wooden masterpieces from the 19th century that are a true sensory delight in Stone Town.
