Zuri Zanzibar Review – The Epitome of Luxury

Zuri Zanzibar epitomizes the Zanzibar holiday experience in that it dishes up servings of luxury and unique African cultural heritage all at once. With its own pearly white private beach and collection of vibey places to eat, Zuri is tailor-made for those looking for an intimate island experience.

In this article, I'll review the Zuri Zanzibar and give tourists a better idea of what to expect during their stay at this luxury resort. 

Let's get started. 

Zuri Zanzibar Review

Zuri Zanzibar offers 56 different lodgings that include plush suites, stylish villas and cosy bungalows. With a wonderful sense of spaciousness, guests can step out of their rooms straight onto the terrace and be instantly enveloped by lush, tropical gardens. 

There are options to choose between lodging with all-inclusive and full board supplements, as well as the conventional half-board choice. Many of the units come set up with a private jacuzzi and all the other trappings of luxury one could ever need. As far as hotels in Tanzania go, and specifically those in Zanzibar, Zuri Zanzibar isn’t going to disappoint.

Location and Views

As you'll see on our user-friendly Zanzibar Map, Zuri Zanzibar Resort is located in Kendwa village, nestled along the North-Western coast of Unguja, one of the two main islands in Zanzibar. Tides play a big role in the beach experience in Zanzibar and the placement of Zuri Zanzibar along the northwest coast means its pristine beaches are minimally exposed to the tides. 

Zuri Zanzibar lies just 50km from the island’s capital, Stone Town, which is home to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Guests can either rent a car from the airport or organise for a private taxi to take them to Zuri. 

Travellers to Zanzibar can also opt to take the ferry from Dar Es Salaam to the harbour in Stone Town.

Rooms

Bungalows: Beach holidays in Zanzibar are synonymous with traditional bungalows and Zuri Zanzibar offers up some of the best. These are designed with large private terraces that serve as outdoor living rooms and are built to include both thrilling outdoor showers and slick, modern en-suite bathrooms.

There is the option of booking an interconnected bungalow to accommodate up to four people. All the bungalows come with a bathtub and indoor shower as well as outdoor showers. The rooms contain either a king bed or two single beds and accommodate a maximum of two people. 

The Jacuzzi bungalow is also available for bookings, which as the name suggests, has the added perk of a private jacuzzi and a garden view.

Suite: As the next step up from the bungalows, the suites come with a terrace that is double the size and private jacuzzies as a standard. A separate living room and bathroom mean the units are noticeably bigger and can accommodate up to three adults.

Guests staying in the suites can also enjoy access to a semi-private VIP beach. There is also the option of booking the ocean-front suite. This particular unit is right on the beach and boasts sweeping, unhindered views over the ocean. 

Villas: The ultimate in island living, the Villas, offer guests the chance to step into their own private paradise. The units are strung along an exclusive stretch of beach.

There are three different types of villas to choose from. The ocean-front villas come as either two or three-bedroom luxury units, and the garden villas come as two-bedroom units. 

The three-bedroom villa is fitted with an infinity pool and is located on a completely private beach. It sleeps up to six adults with three separate bedrooms (all with en-suite bathrooms), a living room, kitchen and dining area. These are ideally suited to families and small groups of friends.

The two-bedroom villas come with an open-air jacuzzi, a semi-private beach and sleep up to four people. The two-bedroom garden villa is concealed in a private garden with a beautiful sunset and partial ocean views. This villa has a large terrace fitted with a dining corner and jacuzzi. 

Amenities

• Spa: Maua Wellness by Healing Earth offers massages, pedicures, manicures and facials among others.
• Outdoor fitness area.
• Communal resort pool.
• Complimentary breakfast.
• Private resort beach for all guests (300m long and west facing).
• Private jacuzzis and pools in selected units.
• MAUA Wellness: provides guests with an holistic approach to their holiday.

Food and Drink

A highlight is Zuri DJ Sundowners, known as the ‘Sunset Zuri’, which takes place on the Kuri beach front-most weeknights. Live bands or DJ’s and the sound of lapping waves provide the perfect ambience to enjoy the moment.

Upendo is Zuri Zanzibar's main restaurant that is perched overlooking the resort. Chefs engage in live cooking while dishing up international cuisine with an African flavour.

Peponi Bar is the ideal place to unwind. Guests can sprawl over sofas and enjoy a cocktail and cigar. Also providing loads of vibe and fusion cuisine is the pool restaurant and bar. 

The Beach Restaurant and Bar serves mainly snacks and drinks as guests enjoy the sunset.

The Dhow Bar is available only to guests of the deluxe suites and villas, located on the semi-private beach.

Guests can also choose Dining by Design – a more intimate option to either have a romantic candlelit dinner served to them at hidden locations within the resort, or a private cooking lesson.

Activities

• Sign up for Dining by Design – an intimate and personal dining experience.
• Visit Wimbi Water Sports Centre, which has everything from snorkelling to deep sea fishing.
• Take a Signature Sunset Cruise to sail on the beautiful LaPorte dhow while sipping on sundowners.
• Snorkel to Mnemba Island or charter a boat around Zanzibar’s most popular island in search of pods of dolphin.
• Dive the Zanzibar reefs and explore the coral gardens under the tutelage of experienced instructors. 
• Enjoy family friendly experiences such as horse riding, the turtle experience at the Mnarani Aquarium or meet some of the local animals at the Nungwi Zoo.
• Take a cultural tours of the island and visit iconic sights such as Prison Island, Seaweed Centre, the Rock, and Jozani Forest.