Zuri, combining the bustle and choice of a resort with the detail and design ethos of a boutique hotel, is considered the best five-star resort in Zanzibar, with a knockout subtropical garden that envelops each room, sloping down to a magnificent swimming beach – and plenty included in the deal.
Zuri Zanzibar is situated in Kendwa, a long stretch of soft sand extending down the sunset-facing west coast of Zanzibar Island. This idyllic location enjoys favourable tidal patterns that ensures safe swimming conditions all day long. With a gorgeous cliff backdrop and 300 metres (980 feet) of private beach to enjoy, Zuri offers guests ample space to relax in total privacy.
The tropical beauty of Zanzibar and its warm turquoise waters lie at your feet at this stylish beachfront resort. Zuri Zanzibar is the first hotel in the world to be awarded EarthCheck's highly esteemed Sustainable Design Gold Certification, which facilitates environmentally-, socially- and economically sustainable design and construction management. EarthCheck is the world's leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism.
Accommodation consists of 56 west-facing thatched bungalows, suites and villas all with en suite bedrooms, air conditioning, mini bar, tea/coffee facilities and a room safe. Each has a spacious deck with a hammock and chairs to relax on. The en suite bathrooms include inside and outside showers, double basin and toilet (the villas and suites also have bathtubs). The bungalows are single roomed (with garden or partial ocean views), five which have private Jacuzzis and there are four pairs of interconnecting bungalows which are ideal for families. The six suites (one which is an ‘Ocean Front Suite’, while the other ‘Jacuzzi’ Suites all have garden views) all have separate bedroom and living areas plus a jacuzzi. There are four villas – an Ocean Front Luxury Three Bedroom Villa (with three en suite bedrooms, a private pool, a sitting area, dining area and entertainment room with pool table and TV); two Ocean Front Two Bedroom Villas (each with two en suite bedrooms, a living/dining area and jacuzzi); and a Garden Two Bedroom Villa (with two en suite bedrooms, a living/dining area, and large deck with outdoor dining area and jacuzzi). The suites and villas have access to their own private beach and beach bar, which is not available to the bungalow guests
The main restaurant and bar overlook the entire resort and serves international cuisine fused with East African flavours. The pool restaurant and bar area is the perfect spot for enjoying a mix of Southern European and Indian Ocean dishes. Head to the beach restaurant and bar for sensational sunsets, delicious snacks and refreshing cocktails. The Dhow Bar is located on the private beach and offers all guests staying in the Suites and Villas a casual and chic atmosphere.
Zuri offers a wide range of activities to enjoy throughout the resort or on the island itself. Head to the water sports centre for snorkelling equipment, diving lessons and beach games like volleyball and pétanque – and you can book sunset dhow (traditional sailboat) cruises and fishing trips from here. Thanks to Zuri's outstanding proximity to Tumbatu Island and Mnemba Atoll, you can easily arrange trips to these fantastic diving and snorkelling spots. The hotel's Spice Garden is the perfect place for a stroll, private meditation session or a cooking class to learn more about authentic Swahili cuisine.
Head to Stone Town to explore the labyrinth of colourful streets in Zanzibar's cultural and historical heart. Take a short spice tour to learn all about lemongrass, papaya and vanilla; see where these exotic herbs, spices and fruits are cultivated; and get a deeper understanding of why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. Or simply just soak up the sun beside Zuri's enormous infinity pool while enjoying the incredible Indian Ocean views.