Riu Palace Zanzibar

Riu Palace Zanzibar sits right on the sand of Nungwi Beach, one of the few stretches of the island where the tide barely retreats, so the turquoise water stays in front of the resort all day. The recently renovated property is a compact, adults only hotel of 102 rooms, all of them junior suites or suites, spread through low white buildings and tropical gardens that run down to the beach. Accommodation ranges from junior suites with balconies or swim up terraces to larger suites with Zanzibari four poster beds, carved furniture and, in some cases, a private pool. The all inclusive service runs 24 hours and covers a main buffet restaurant plus themed à la carte venues including fusion and steakhouse restaurants, a lobby lounge bar, a pool bar and a thatched beach bar. An infinity pool faces the ocean alongside further pools and sun terraces, and the resort has a spa, a gym and a boutique. The location suits couples looking for an easy beach stay close to the restaurants and dhow sunset cruises of Nungwi village.