Melia Zanzibar
Member of Meliá Collection
Melia Zanzibar Guide 2025 — Reviews, Booking & Tips
Why Choose Melia Zanzibar?
When most travelers picture a tropical paradise in East Africa, Melia Zanzibar often comes to mind. This five-star luxury resort, set along the breathtaking beaches of Kiwengwa, has become one of the most popular choices for visitors looking to experience the magic of Zanzibar. With its endless stretch of white sand, turquoise ocean waters, and world-class amenities, the property has everything you need for a truly unforgettable holiday.
Whether you are a couple planning a honeymoon, a family looking for a stress-free holiday, or simply someone in search of relaxation by the sea, Melia Zanzibar caters to all. Many visitors first come across the property while reading Melia Zanzibar reviews or browsing Melia Zanzibar booking options online. Others find it through recommendations on Tripadvisor or through travel specialists. No matter how you discover it, Melia Zanzibar continues to impress with its combination of comfort, style, and Swahili-inspired hospitality.
💡 Insider Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Melia Zanzibar:
June–October: Cool and dry, great for safaris + beach.
December–February: Hot and sunny, best beach season.
Book The Level Experience:
For added privacy and exclusive benefits.
Combine with Safari:
Many travelers combine a stay at Melia Tanzania (Arusha or Serengeti) with Melia Zanzibar for the ultimate bush-to-beach holiday.
Zanzibar Airport Transfers:
Always arrange in advance with the hotel or a trusted tour operator.
Melia Zanzibar, Zanzibar Photo Gallery
Step into the beauty of Melia Zanzibar through our exclusive photo gallery, where each image captures the charm of this luxurious beachfront resort. From stunning views of the turquoise Indian Ocean and elegant infinity pools to the lush tropical gardens and stylish villas, these photos highlight why Melia Zanzibar is one of the island’s most sought-after destinations. Browse through the gallery and get a glimpse of the relaxing atmosphere, romantic sunsets, and world-class amenities that make this resort perfect for both leisure and adventure seekers.
Expert recommendation
As a Tanzania Safari Specialist, I highly recommend Melia Zanzibar for travelers seeking the perfect balance between luxury and authentic island charm. This five-star resort offers breathtaking ocean views, spacious villas with private pools, and a variety of dining options that capture the true flavors of Zanzibar. After an exciting safari adventure on the mainland, Melia Zanzibar is the ideal place to unwind, recharge, and experience the island’s rich culture and warm hospitality. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family retreat, or simply a place to relax by the beach, Melia Zanzibar provides the perfect finishing touch to your Tanzania journey.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
Melia Zanzibar Highlights
- Stunning beachfront location
- Luxury villas with private pools
- All-inclusive world-class dining
- Infinity pools overlooking the ocean
- Perfect post-safari relaxation spot
- Romantic sunsets and tropical gardens
At a glance
- Luxury beachfront resort
- ocean-view villas
- infinity pools
- world-class dining
- perfect post-safari retreat
Tailormade itineraries
Every Tanzania Safari Experience adventure is customized just for you—no fixed tours or set dates. Speak with our Tanzania Safari experts to help you plan your perfect Tanzania Safari itinerary.
About Melia Zanzibar Resort
The Melia Zanzibar hotel is part of the world-renowned Melia Hotels International group, a Spanish hotel chain famous for its high standards of service and luxurious offerings across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Zanzibar property is one of its flagship resorts in East Africa, bringing the brand’s international reputation to the spice island.
Located on a private 40-hectare estate with a 300-meter beachfront, the resort blends traditional Zanzibari design with modern architecture, giving guests the best of both worlds. The thatched roofs, carved wooden doors, and tropical gardens add authenticity, while the infinity pools, modern villas, and fine dining restaurants ensure comfort and luxury. Melia Zanzibar is often described as a resort that allows guests to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere without sacrificing world-class standards.
If you’re dreaming of a tropical paradise that combines luxury, culture, and adventure, look no further than Melia Zanzibar resort. With its world-class facilities, stunning location, and highly rated reviews, it’s no surprise that it remains one of the most recommended resorts in Zanzibar.
👉 Plan your dream Zanzibar holiday today with Tanzania Safari Experience. From seamless Melia Zanzibar booking to airport transfers and tailor-made safaris, we’ll make your trip unforgettable.
📍 Melia Zanzibar Location & Map
Melia Zanzibar address: Kiwengwa, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The resort is located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, in the lively village of Kiwengwa. This region is well known for its long stretches of powdery white sand and calm, turquoise waters. For many visitors, this location is perfect because it combines peace and seclusion with access to some of Zanzibar’s most famous attractions.
The property is about 45 minutes by car from Zanzibar International Airport. If you are planning to travel directly after your flight, it’s best to pre-book your transfer either through the resort or with a trusted safari and travel company. On the way to the hotel, you’ll pass through charming villages, spice plantations, and stretches of lush greenery that introduce you to the beauty of Zanzibar.
Nearby, you’ll find several must-see attractions, including Stone Town, the island’s historic heart; Jozani Forest, home to the rare red colobus monkeys; and Mnemba Atoll, one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Tanzania. With this prime location, Melia Zanzibar makes it easy to combine relaxation with exploration.
Accommodation at Melia Zanzibar
The rooms and villas at Melia Zanzibar resort are designed to suit different types of travelers. Whether you are looking for a simple yet elegant room surrounded by gardens or a private villa with an infinity pool, there’s something for everyone.
Garden Rooms are the entry-level option. They are beautifully decorated with tropical touches and come with private terraces overlooking lush gardens. These rooms are perfect for couples or solo travelers who want comfort at an affordable price.
For those looking for something extra, the resort offers The Level Rooms, part of the hotel’s premium category. Staying at The Level gives you exclusive benefits such as access to the private Level Lounge, a pool reserved only for Level guests, and a section of the beach that feels more intimate and quiet. It is ideal for honeymooners or anyone who wants a touch of exclusivity.
The most luxurious choice is the private villas. These are spacious, beautifully furnished, and come with private gardens, infinity pools, and spectacular ocean views. They offer maximum privacy, making them especially popular for honeymooners, families, or celebrities seeking complete seclusion.
The resort also offers Gran Melia Zanzibar experiences, blending the prestige of the Gran Melia brand with the exotic beauty of the island. These packages are tailored for those who want to indulge in the highest level of luxury during their Zanzibar holiday.a
📌 Tip: For honeymooners, the Melia Zanzibar holiday packages often include romantic dinners, spa discounts, and late checkouts.
Dining at Melia Zanzibar
Food is one of the highlights of staying at Melia Zanzibar hotel. The resort operates on an all-inclusive basis, meaning your meals, drinks, and snacks are included. This allows you to fully relax and enjoy your holiday without constantly worrying about extra costs.
The main restaurant, Spice Market, serves buffet-style meals that celebrate both international and African cuisines. Guests love the variety, with themed dinners that highlight local Swahili flavors as well as global dishes.
For a more romantic experience, the Jetty Lounge restaurant is set right on the Indian Ocean, where you can dine while surrounded by the sea. This is one of the most photographed spots in the resort, especially at sunset.
Gabi Beach is a more casual, toes-in-the-sand restaurant where you can enjoy grilled seafood, pizzas, and light snacks while feeling the ocean breeze. If you’re in the mood for something refined, Aqua offers Mediterranean-style dining with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
There are also several bars around the property, including poolside and beachside options, so you can sip cocktails while enjoying the views. Vegetarians and vegans will also find plenty of choices, which makes the resort inclusive for all travelers.
Facilities & Activities
While the beach is the main attraction, Melia resort Zanzibar offers plenty of other facilities and activities to keep you entertained. The resort has multiple swimming pools, including an infinity pool that overlooks the Indian Ocean. For wellness lovers, the Anantara Spa offers a wide range of treatments, from Balinese massages to African-inspired therapies.
Fitness enthusiasts can use the fully equipped gym or play a game of tennis on the resort’s courts. Daily yoga sessions are also offered in serene garden settings, perfect for relaxation.
Water lovers will enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, while diving excursions can be arranged to explore the coral reefs of nearby Mnemba Atoll. For culture seekers, the hotel organizes excursions to Stone Town, spice tours to learn about Zanzibar’s heritage, and even dolphin safaris on the southern coast.
This wide range of options makes Melia Zanzibar suitable for guests who want to balance relaxation with exploration and adventure.
Melia Zanzibar Reviews
Guest reviews of the resort are overwhelmingly positive, making Melia Zanzibar hotel reviews some of the best on the island. On Tripadvisor, the resort holds an impressive rating of 4.5/5 stars, while Google reviews often praise the friendliness of the staff, the quality of the dining, and the beauty of the location.
Guests frequently highlight the excellent service, saying that the staff go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. Many also mention the variety of dining options, from romantic dinners on the jetty to family-friendly buffets. The beach, with its fine sand and turquoise waters, is another feature that guests rave about.
Some reviews mention seaweed on the beach during certain times of the year, though this is a natural occurrence across Zanzibar’s east coast. Others note that prices during peak holiday seasons can be higher, but most agree that the quality of the stay makes it worth the cost. Overall, the Melia hotel Zanzibar reviews show why this resort continues to attract travelers year after year.
Melia Zanzibar vs The Residence Zanzibar
Many travelers compare Melia Zanzibar with The Residence Zanzibar, as both are five-star resorts that offer luxury stays on the island. While both properties are outstanding, they appeal to slightly different types of guests.
Melia Zanzibar is a larger resort with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and activities. Its all-inclusive package means you never have to worry about meals or drinks, which is particularly convenient for families or anyone who prefers a hassle-free stay. The presence of The Level, the private villas, and multiple dining options make it versatile, catering to couples, families, and groups.
On the other hand, The Residence Zanzibar is a more boutique-style property with fewer rooms and a greater sense of privacy. It is located on the southwest coast, away from the busier parts of the island. While The Residence is not fully all-inclusive, it is known for its exclusivity and peaceful environment, making it a great choice for honeymooners or those seeking solitude.
In short, if you want variety, activities, and Melia Zanzibar all-inclusive luxury, Melia is the best option. If you prefer a quiet, boutique-style retreat, The Residence may suit you better. Many travelers even choose to stay at both during a single trip, combining the best of each world.
We've got you covered
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
Connect with our local experts for personalized travel planning
Plan your Melia Zanzibar today
Frequently Asked Questions About Melia Zanzibar
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
Yes, Melia Zanzibar resort is fully all-inclusive. This means all your meals, snacks, drinks, and certain activities are covered in the price. The variety of dining options ensures you will never get bored with the food.
The resort is about 45 minutes by car from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Transfers can be arranged directly with the hotel or through a tour operator.
The Level is Melia’s VIP service. Guests who book The Level enjoy a private lounge, exclusive beach and pool areas, priority reservations at restaurants, and additional perks such as butler service.
Most Melia Zanzibar hotel reviews praise the friendly staff, excellent dining options, and beautiful location. Guests often mention that the all-inclusive system provides great value for money.
You can reach the hotel directly by calling the official Melia Zanzibar contact number listed on their website. For a stress-free experience, many travelers prefer booking through companies like Tanzania Safari Experience, which can also organize transfers and excursions.
Yes. The resort offers family rooms, children’s menus, and activities suitable for kids. Parents can also take advantage of babysitting services if they want some quiet time.
From snorkeling and diving to spice tours and visits to Stone Town, there is no shortage of things to do. The resort also has a fitness center, tennis courts, and organized excursions.
Both are excellent. Choose Melia Zanzibar if you want variety, activities, and an all-inclusive experience. Choose The Residence Zanzibar if you prefer a boutique, private, and quieter atmosphere.