When you imagine Zanzibar, what do you picture? Rustic beach lodges? Bustling bazaars heavy with spice and colour? Or the turquoise water?
Zanzibar’s coastline is genuinely spectacular and its powder-soft white sand beaches, warm water, and endless horizons are the stuff travel dreams are made of. Calm, shallow lagoons, particularly on the east coast are ideal for swimming, paddling, and families, while reef-protected waters offer excellent snorkelling just offshore, with colourful fish, coral gardens and the occasional dolphin sighting. On the north coast, beaches like Nungwi, Kendwa and Matemwe are known for their minimal/moderate tidal variation, meaning you can swim all day long, while the clearer waters also lend themselves to diving, sailing and sunset dhow cruises.
It’s this combination of natural beauty and accessibility that makes Zanzibar so appealing. And that Zanzibar still exists, but it’s no longer the whole story.
Today’s island is stepping into a new era, one shaped by thoughtful investments from major international hotel groups offering world-class hospitality. Alongside its rich Swahili heritage and postcard-perfect beaches, Zanzibar now offers refined resorts designed for modern travellers, families included.
There have been major infrastructure upgrades, including improved road networks that make transfers smoother and quicker, and the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport terminal has been significantly upgraded.
From South Africa, it’s a short, easy 3.5-hour flight and direct flight options to the island are also expanding. In addition to FlySafair, Airlink is launching direct services from South Africa this June, and South African Airways has secured a licence and is expected to follow with direct routes in the near future.
Add to that the fact that South African passport holders don’t need a visa, and suddenly Zanzibar shifts from “exotic but complicated” to “why aren’t we going here more often?”
But the real gamechanger is the hotels. What’s happening on Zanzibar’s beaches right now mirrors what we saw in destinations like Mauritius and the Maldives a decade ago. Large-scale, high-quality resorts are opening, backed by international brands that know exactly what modern travellers want.
Think expansive layouts, beautifully designed rooms, multiple restaurants, proper kids clubs (not a sad colouring-in table), and service levels that feel genuinely polished.
The below properties are some of our favourites and worth noting because they show where Zanzibar is heading. Purpose-built, next-generation resorts designed from the ground up.
JAZ Hotels
The arrival of JAZ Hotels in Zanzibar signals just how confident international groups are in the destination. With one hotel already welcoming guests and two others due to open their doors soon, there is an exciting array of resorts to choose from.
JAZ Elite Aurora
Modern, stylish, and clearly designed with today’s traveller in mind, the all-inclusive JAZ Elite Aurora balances contemporary luxury with family-friendly fun. The hotel is home to Zanzibar’s biggest pool plus other swimming options that include a relaxing adults-only pool and a pool featuring a waterpark.
It also has spectacular sunsets 365 days a year. There’s padel courts, a kids club and an impressively long jetty jutting out into the clear blue sea with a cocktail bar, a seafood and a Teppanyaki restaurant at the end!
JAZ Amaluna
This newly opened brand-new adults-only resort combines fabulous oceanfront dining experiences with a top-class wellness offering. There are two main pools plus a relaxation pool and opportunities for horse riding, diving, snorkelling, fishing, kitesurfing and windsurfing, ensuring something for all tastes. It’s a sophisticated all-inclusive option for those looking for a refined experience and a perfect choice for honeymooners.
JAZ Adonia
Opening in May 2026, this resort is set to offer everything you want from your island holiday. Think diverse dining options, dolphin watching, kitesurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. There is a 300 metre private beach, a state of the art spa and a kids club!
RIU Hotels & Resorts
If there’s one brand that’s played a huge role in reshaping Zanzibar’s image, it’s RIU. Now with three different properties on the island, and famous for its 24-hour dining options, it offers all-inclusive resort options that are hard to beat.
RIU Jambo
Bright, energetic, and unapologetically fun, RIU Jambo is our go-to recommendation for families dipping their toes into Zanzibar for the first time. The resort is lively without being chaotic, with excellent kids clubs tailored to different ages, five swimming pools, and entertainment that genuinely engages children. The all inclusive program includes four different restaurants and snacks and drinks 24 hours a day.
Kayaks, paddle boards, and pedalos are also available free of charge while a dive centre is also located on site. One of the resort’s most striking features is the large jetty expanding over the ocean in Nungwi with a restaurant and bar with live entertainment, perfect for sunset drinks.
RIU Palace
A step up in refinement, RIU Palace Zanzibar offers a calmer, more polished experience. We love this hotel as it has minimal tidal movements and a range of complimentary watersports. The all inclusive plan is 24 hours with various dining options, snacks available anytime you want them and a free mini bar. The swim up rooms are a particular highlight, as are the jacuzzi suites and the private villas with their own pools.
RIU Palace Swahili
For clients wanting a more exclusive feel, the brand new Riu Palace Swahili further elevates the experience with enhanced services and upgraded spaces. It’s a five-star all-inclusive option for adults only set on one of the best beaches on the island. Choose one of the Elite Club rooms, which include swim up room options, and you’ll get welcome gifts, 24-hour room service, an exclusive breakfast area, and your own restaurant and private beach, among other benefits.
TUI Group
The presence of TUI Group further cements Zanzibar’s move into the mainstream, but in the best possible way.
The Mora
Chic, contemporary, and refreshingly understated, The Mora appeals to travellers who want modern design without stuffiness. This 5-star deluxe all-inclusive hotel occupies 10 hectares on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, plus the picturesque Mnemba Island is visible from the shore. This resort is perfect for water sport enthusiasts due to the easy access the famous snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island. The all-inclusive package is available 24 hours a day with a complimentary mini bar, various dining options to choose from and teatime coffee and cakes. The Kid’s Club is open for children aged 3 to 12 with anytime play spaces and immersive activities.
TUI Blue Bahari
With loads of activities and a great energetic family-friendly atmosphere, Tui Blue Bahari is Zanzibar done right. Look forward to well-run entertainment options, quality dining, and a resort flow that makes sense. The all-inclusive package provides access to 5 restaurants and 4 bars with a complimentary mini bar, cocktails, snacks and more. There are 3 pools, a fantastic spa, and great interconnecting room options for families.
Attitude Hotels – Matemwe Attitude
The new Matemwe Attitude adults-only property from popular Mauritius resort group Attitude Hotels, adds a layer of stylish, pared-back sophistication, ideal for honeymooners or couples wanting some alone time. It features villa style accommodation with swim up options as well as those with their own private pools, all set at one of the island’s best snorkelling beaches.
Planning your Zanzibar holiday
When it comes to booking your Zanzibar escape, working with experts makes all the difference. As the Zanzibar specialists, we’ve spent years crafting holidays to the island, building trusted relationships with the best hotels and understanding exactly what works for different types of travellers. Whether you’re looking for a romantic beachfront escape, a family-friendly resort with activities, or a tailor-made island itinerary, we know how to match you with the right experience and take the guesswork out of planning.
Zanzibar will always have spice markets, dhow sails, and Stone Town’s faded grandeur. That’s its magic. But now with various direct flight options, no visa hurdles, and a new wave of thoughtfully designed resorts, the island has quietly become one of the most compelling island escapes for South African travellers. Once you’ve been, you’ll wonder why it took so long to get here.