Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar is the upscale all-inclusive choice on Nungwi Beach and a natural alternative to the family-oriented Hotel Riu Jambo along the sand. It has 100 individually furnished rooms and a reserved, guest-only stretch of Nungwi Beach, so you can swim and sunbathe in front of your resort. Four outdoor pools, with loungers, umbrellas and a swim-up bar, give plenty of choice, and five restaurants include a steakhouse, a seafood restaurant and a show-cooking buffet, so a week of dinners does not repeat. The Renova Spa has treatment rooms, couples’ areas, a hot tub, a steam room, a hammam and a hydromassage zone, and there is a 24-hour health club with water fitness classes. Free snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are included in the all-inclusive package, along with meals, snacks, premium drinks and evening entertainment. The property describes itself as designed as an adults-only retreat, although its policies say children are welcome, so confirm the current age policy before you book.
Location and getting around
The hotel stands on the waterfront on Nungwi Road, at the north tip of the island, about an hour and a half by road from Zanzibar’s airport. Nungwi Beach is a few minutes away and Kendwa Beach is a walk or a short drive along the coast. Sunset dhow cruises, Mnemba Atoll trips and the Nungwi village and turtle pond are all within easy reach.
Rooms
The 100 rooms are positioned as upscale and are described as individually furnished. As with any beach resort, higher categories get better views, so choose a sea-facing room if you want to watch the sun set from a balcony. The property has no lifts, so ask for a ground-floor room if stairs are an issue, and note that cribs and rollaway beds are not available.
Who it suits
Couples and groups of adults who want an all-inclusive holiday with better food and a calmer pace than the busiest resorts. The all-inclusive package covers premium drinks, snacks and water sports equipment, so day-to-day spending is minimal, and the spa can be booked ahead for treatments. Families should read the age policy carefully, because the resort’s own description says it is designed for adults, while its booking policies state that children are welcome. Hotel Riu Jambo, nearby, is the more family-focused sibling.
Good to know
Guests must be at least 18 to check in and photo ID is required. A small city tax per person per night is charged on arrival, and only cards are accepted, not cash. Free parking and Wi-Fi are included, and pets are not allowed. Book early for the peak months of late December to February and July to September.
Why stay here
- ✓All-inclusive meals and drinks
- ✓Four outdoor pools
- ✓Swim-up bar
- ✓Five restaurants
- ✓Renova Spa
- ✓24-hour health club
- ✓Guest-only beach stretch
- ✓Free kayaks and paddleboards
Good questions
Is Riu Palace Zanzibar all-inclusive?+
Yes, rates include meals, snacks and premium drinks, plus snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Does Riu Palace Zanzibar have its own beach?+
It has a reserved, guest-only stretch of sand on Nungwi Beach, in front of the resort.
Is Riu Palace Zanzibar adults only?+
The hotel describes itself as designed as an adults-only retreat, but its policies say children are welcome, so confirm the current policy before booking.
