Design hotels with pools in Zanzibar

Kizimkazi Dimbani, Zanzibar $$$

Kizikula

Raw concrete and island coral limestone structures built by Mumbai-based Case Design. Outdoor curved pool set into a timber and coral-stone ocean-view terrace

Dongwe, Zanzibar $$$$

Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat Zanzibar

Organic white-domed architecture shaped with salvaged dhow timber, local coral stone, and sculpted orchid walls. Central freeform swimming pool and private plunge pools for all nine villas

Kendwa, Zanzibar From $800

Zuri Zanzibar

Thatched roofs, hand-carved doors, and recycled bottle lanterns dot the sloping jungle hillside. 32-meter outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean

Bawe Island, Zanzibar From $1,900

Bawe Island Resort

Thatched beachfront villas and Zanzibar overwater suites designed around ancient baobab trees and white sand floors. Communal beachfront lagoon-style swimming pool, plus private plunge and swimming pools at all 70 villas

Jambiani, Zanzibar $$$

Be Zanzibar

Curving concrete and coral-stone walls built around a rescued twisted palm tree. Beachfront outdoor unheated infinity swimming pool facing the Indian Ocean, plus private plunge pools in select bungalows.

Stone Town, Zanzibar $$

Emerson on Hurumzi

Carved four-poster beds, stained glass, and jewel-toned textiles in theatrical antique rooms. Indoor courtyard pool

Nungwi, Zanzibar $$$

Essque Zalu Zanzibar

A forty-metre pitched makuti thatched roof rises above the oceanfront central pavilion. Split-level outdoor infinity lagoon swimming pool with jacuzzi jets, plus private plunge pools in each of the eight villas.

Pwani Mchangani, Zanzibar $$$

LUX Marijani, Zanzibar

Whitewashed Omani arches and hand-carved doors reflect Arab and coastal Swahili traditions. A 450-square-metre outdoor freshwater swimming pool with an integrated children's area, plus private plunge pools in the beachfront Grand LUX* Suites.

Kiwengwa, Zanzibar $$

Mvuvi Boutique Resort

Traditional makuti thatched roofs and furnishings crafted from salvaged wooden fishing boats. Two outdoor freshwater pools, featuring a garden courtyard pool at Makuti and an oceanfront pool at Mnara.

Shangani, Zanzibar From $350

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

Swahili architectural motifs, Omani arches, and hand-carved woodwork connect the restored historic wing with contemporary seaside suites. Outdoor oceanfront infinity swimming pool positioned directly above the beach edge overlooking the Zanzibar Channel

Michamvi, Zanzibar $$$

Upendo Beach Boutique Hotel

Loft-style beachfront villas sheltered beneath traditional makuti thatch with hand-carved furnishings. Communal outdoor oceanfront infinity pool overlooking the tidal bay, alongside private villa plunge and infinity pools