Highlights

• Intimate boutique resort in a natural cove on Zanzibar's northeast coast, near Nungwi
• 48 suites and villas, with three and four-bedroom villas featuring private plunge pools, kitchens and butler service
• Four dining venues including The Jetty, an overwater seafood restaurant with panoramic Indian Ocean views
• Essensia Wellness Spa with nine treatment rooms, sauna, gym and yoga pavilion using 100 per cent natural Inaya products
• Complimentary shuttle to Kendwa Beach for swimming, plus a sprawling infinity pool with jacuzzi and jet fountains

You Should Know

• Suites accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children below the age of 12
• Villas accommodate families of up to 8 adults and 4 children depending on configuration
• The hotel's shoreline is tidal and not suitable for swimming; complimentary transfers run to Kendwa Beach with a minimum spend of $10 redeemable on food and beverages
• The Jetty Restaurant and Bar closes Monday through Wednesday during low season from 16 March 2026 until further notice
• Yellow fever certificate required; Tanzania visa needed for most nationalities
• Butlers and minibar are available on request at additional cost

The Details

Essque Zalu Zanzibar sits in a natural cove on the northeast coast of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. The resort has the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean to one side and lush green forest to the other, with a hint of spice drifting through the warm tropical air.

The resort bucks the trend of properties that try to blend into their surroundings. Big and bold is the consistent theme, anchored by the highest makuti thatched roof on the island, two roomy restaurants, three well-stocked bars and a sprawling lagoon-style pool. Stone Town, the UNESCO-listed Swahili trading city and birthplace of Freddie Mercury, is within reach for day trips, as are dhow excursions to Prison Island and snorkelling on local coral reefs.

Temperatures sit between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius during the day year-round, with short rains in November and early December and longer rains from April to June.

Accommodation

A collection of 48 individual suites and villas look over the lush tropical garden or the turquoise ocean. Each is crafted from local materials, adorned with native artwork and housed under a traditional pitched makuti roof.

Suite categories include 13 Garden Suites and 17 Superior Garden Suites at ground and upper level, plus 5 Partial Ocean View Suites and 5 Oceanfront Suites in standalone bungalows. All suites measure roughly 600 square feet, sleep 2 adults and 2 children under 12, and include a separate lounge and private terrace or patio.

Eight villas in Garden View, Partial Ocean View and Oceanfront categories come in three-bedroom (around 3,230 square feet) and four-bedroom (around 3,770 square feet) configurations. Each villa has its own plunge pool, kitchen, private terrace and garden, with butler service available on request at additional cost.

Spa

Essensia Wellness Spa works with 100 per cent organic and natural Inaya products, with a focus on the restorative power of nature. Facilities include nine treatment rooms, a Jozani shower, sauna, manicure and pedicure stations, a gym and a yoga pavilion. Maasai-inspired rituals and poolside wellness sessions feature alongside the main treatment menu, and in-villa treatments can be arranged on request.

Dining

Market Kitchen serves all-day dining with global flavours across indoor and outdoor seating. The Jetty extends over the water for lunch and dinner with panoramic Indian Ocean views and a seafood-led menu, with sunset cocktails as the dhows sail past.

The Infinity Pool Bar offers beach-club-style cabanas, cocktails and light bites, while Baobab Bar pours designer cocktails in the shade of a magnificent baobab tree. Destination Dining sets up bespoke experiences over the water or beneath the stars, and a 24-hour in-room dining menu is available in every suite and villa.

Activities

The resort programme covers water sports and diving (outsourced to an on-site operator), Zanzibar tours and excursions, evening entertainment and the Tinga Kids Club for families. Signature Essquepades include the Maisha Cookery Studio for Swahili cooking classes with native African chefs, the Maasai Ritual cultural experience and the Lioness' Den poolside spa therapies.

Further afield, guests can amble through Stone Town's bazaars, mosques and temples, board a traditional dhow to Prison Island to snorkel with giant tortoises, or dive among the coral reefs in search of bottle-nosed dolphins.

Price Includes

• Half board, breakfast and dinner
• Daily housekeeping and turndown service
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Tea and coffee making facilities in room
• Infinity pool with jacuzzi access, gym and yoga pavilion
• 24-hour security and doctor on call
• Mosquito nets, safety deposit box and hair dryer