Zanzibar Serena Hotel is a luxurious and iconic hotel located in the heart of historic Stone Town, on the west coast of Zanzibar. It is a member of the prestigious Serena Hotels and Resorts group, renowned for its commitment to cultural preservation and authenticity. The hotel is situated along the seafront and is a harmonious blend of two historic buildings: the 19th-century “Extelcoms” building and the former “Old Dispensary” (also known as the Ithnashiri Dispensary).
The hotel features 51 elegant rooms and suites, each with a private balcony offering stunning views of either the Indian Ocean or the hotel’s lush courtyard. The interiors are a beautiful fusion of traditional Swahili style and modern comfort, with polished marble floors, intricate carved furniture, and classic Zanzibari beds.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool with ocean views, a fully-equipped spa, and a well-stocked library. Guests can enjoy exceptional dining at the main restaurant, which serves a mix of local and international cuisine, often with live music. Its prime location allows guests to easily explore Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleyways, vibrant markets, and historical sites, making it the perfect base for a cultural and relaxing stay on the island.
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.
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.
TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar is a luxurious, 5-star resort located on the idyllic white-sand beach of Kiwengwa, on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar. The resort is designed with an Arabian palace-inspired style, set amidst lush exotic gardens and offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
The resort features over 150 elegantly furnished rooms, each with a private terrace. It provides a variety of amenities and facilities to ensure a comfortable and active stay, including three outdoor pools, a well-equipped fitness center, and a full-service spa offering a range of treatments. For dining, guests can choose from five different on-site restaurants, which serve a mix of international, local, and Asian cuisines. The resort also has multiple bars, including a beach bar and poolside bars.
TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar is an ideal destination for both couples and families seeking a relaxing beach holiday. It is conveniently located about an hour’s drive from Stone Town and Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). The resort offers an all-inclusive option and a variety of activities, including water sports, yoga, and cooking classes, making it a perfect spot for unwinding after a safari on the mainland.
