Tikitam Palms Boutique Hotel  

On Zanzibar’s east coast in Kiwengwa, this boutique beach hotel sits beside a stretch of private sand and a coral reef. About 46 km from Zanzibar Airport and within easy reach of Kiwengwa Beach, Siso Spice Farm (~35 km) and Nungwi (~40 km).

Just eight individually decorated rooms—four villas and four rooms—mix colonial furniture, antiques and African and modern art. Villas feature freestanding bathtubs and large bathrooms; all rooms have air conditioning, Smart TVs, minibars, private balconies or patios and luxury bathrobes. The property is set in a lush tropical garden under giant baobabs and tamarinds, with some rooms offering ocean views.

Private beach plus a large beachfront pool with a pool bar and piano nights. Spa treatments include massages, facials and body therapies. Free use of bicycles and water-sports gear, plus billiards, beach volleyball, water polo and a small gym. Snorkeling, diving and deep-sea trips are available through the hotel’s local tour operator, and guests can walk straight out to the nearby reef.

Complimentary wireless internet across the property and a 24-hour front desk with concierge services and express check-out to keep things running smoothly.

Two on-site restaurants (one beachfront) serve fresh local seafood with Swahili, Arabic and Indian influences, plus organic local fruits, vegetables and endemic spices. Daily buffet breakfast and 5 o’clock tea are standard, with a poolside bar offering detox cocktails, international drinks and limited room service.