Zanzibar — Traveler Guide
A great pool transforms a hotel stay. Whether it's an infinity-edge marvel overlooking the skyline, a subterranean spa pool lit by candlelight, or a sun-drenched terrace pool with cabana service, these Zanzibar hotels deliver exceptional aquatic experiences.
Quick Answer
A great pool transforms a hotel stay. Whether it's an infinity-edge marvel overlooking the skyline, a subterranean spa pool lit by candlelight, or a sun-drenched terrace pool with cabana service, these Zanzibar hotels deliver exceptional aquatic experiences.
6 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$$$, $$$, $$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
Zanzibar offers exceptional options for travellers seeking pool hotels, and we've curated the very best. Each property has been selected for its outstanding facilities, prime location, and the quality of experience it delivers. Leading our list, Matemwe Retreat excels with its exceptional attention to detail and commitment to the pool experience. Kilindi Zanzibar offers a compelling alternative with its unique approach and distinctive character. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Zanzibar or returning for another stay, these hotels represent the gold standard for pool accommodation in the city. Each has been independently evaluated for quality, location, and value.
Insider Tips
Book directly with the hotel for the best rate guarantee and potential upgrades.
Read recent guest reviews for the most up-to-date assessment of facilities.
Consider visiting during shoulder season for better rates and fewer crowds.
Ask the concierge for local recommendations — they know Zanzibar better than any guidebook.
Our Picks
6 hotels · Updated February 2026
Jambiani
A tiny collection of luxurious private cottages on the wild northeast coast — Matemwe Retreat is for those who want complete seclusion, stunning ocean views, and direct access to some of the finest diving in the Indian Ocean.
Kendwa
Kilindi's 15 sculptural sphere-domed villas set in botanical gardens above Kendwa Beach make it one of Africa's most architecturally remarkable resorts — adults-only, intimate, and genuinely extraordinary.
Nungwi
An adults-only all-inclusive resort with a premium position on Nungwi Beach — 24-hour dining, multiple bars, and a well-equipped spa make it a reliable choice for couples seeking a carefree beach holiday.
Stone Town
Zanzibar's most characterful boutique hotel occupies a beautifully restored 19th-century merchant house in the heart of Stone Town — 11 individually decorated rooms and the famous rooftop tea house with its three-storey Stone Town views.
Nungwi
An architecturally striking boutique resort of 40 suites and villas perched above Zanzibar Channel north of Nungwi — Essque Zalu's contemporary Swahili-Zanzibar design and private beach access make it one of the north's best addresses.
A refined resort of private pool villas on the south-east coast — 66 villas in a coconut grove leading to a pristine beach, with one of the island's best spa programmes and a restaurant that draws guests from across the island.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions
Some hotels offer day passes for pool access, especially in resort-style properties. Contact the hotel directly for availability and pricing.
Indoor pools are heated year-round. Many outdoor pools are heated seasonally, with some luxury properties maintaining them year-round under retractable roofs or with heating systems.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
View All Zanzibar Hotels