Oft-overlooked for the Maldives or Mauritius, wellness-ready Zanzibar is coming into its own as more than just a mainland add-on.
“The Zanzibar archipelago offers so much more than just an ordinary sun and sand holiday,” says Vivian Temba of hospitality company Kantabile Afrika. “With myriad boutique resorts and private islands, you’re never short of options for a wellness holiday.”
Temba operates two luxury tented lodges in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Aurari Camp and Cherero Camp. When her guests depart post-safari, they’re usually not on their way home but are bound for the blue-green waters and white-sand beaches of Zanzibar.
The main island of Zanzibar, also known as Unguja, has long been a favoured respite of travellers seeking relaxation after an arduous climb up Mount Kilimanjaro or long, dusty days spent bouncing through the bush in a safari vehicle. But an increasing number of international flights and exclusive properties are turning Zanzibar into a high-end hotspot, with immersive spa, fitness, and nature experiences to rival any well-established wellness destination.
Hit the Spa
Fabulous spas are a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s luxury properties. Whether you prefer a relaxing experience or something more invigorating, you can indulge in spa treatments using organic, locally-grown ingredients.
Treatments on the island are often inspired by long-held regional traditions. At Essque Zalu Zanzibar, the Essensia Wellness Spa offers a signature Maasai ritual – a two-hour journey into the scents and sounds of the Maasai culture that pays attention to the feet, skin, and face. Meanwhile, the island’s aromatic spices are celebrated with the Zanzi Spice Journey, a 90-minute body scrub, wrap and massage, at Zuri Zanzibar’s MAUA Wellness Spa.
More than just beautiful scenery, much of Zanzibar’s intrigue comes from its blend of Swahili, Arab and Indian cultures. The evidence is especially strong as you wander the twisting alleyways of historic Stone Town, which is filled with ornately carved doors, wooden balconies and bazaar-lined streets, but you’ll also find examples in unexpected places. Pemba, the smaller, less-frequented island to Zanzibar’s north, is home to the lavish Fundu Lagoon. The spa here is all about fusing African and Asian traditions, so the oils, scrubs and other infusions are blended in-house.
Stretch it Out
Cooling breezes and calming landscapes make Zanzibar an ideal destination for practising your downward-facing dog. While many of the island’s hotels offer beach yoga sessions, Zuri Zanzibar curates day retreats focusing on well-being through yoga, meditation, mindful walking, and healthy eating. You can further customise your journey with art therapy, Reiki energy healing or Ayurveda treatments. Speciality workshops and traditional yoga classes – including Vinyasa, Kundalini and Hatha – can be found at Zanzizoga, a welcoming yoga studio in the beachfront village of Paje.
After your time on the mat, why not take a dip? Go for a swim in the warm surf of the Indian Ocean or luxuriate poolside with a cold drink. Essque Zalu, The Level at Meliá Zanzibar and Park Hyatt Zanzibar each have spectacular infinity pools – or go all-out enjoying your own pool and private beach with one of LUX* Marijani’s ultra-exclusive Grand LUX* Suites.
Back to Basics
Reconnecting with nature is an essential component of any wellness holiday. Zanzibar’s stunning coastline is already enough to be restorative but there are plenty of unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty.
Lush, verdant gardens comprise the grounds of LUX* Marijani, including a thicket of indigenous forest. It’s an ideal place for leaving your phone behind and giving forest bathing a try. This practice of mindfully absorbing the natural atmosphere created by trees and plants originating from Japan is exceptional for relaxation. Then, as dusk falls, wander out to the shore and, depending on which side of the island you’re staying, take in either the sunset or an enchanting moonrise. On a clear night, you’ll easily see stars from Zanzibar, though avid stargazers should head to Pemba Island for minimal light pollution and starlit beach walks along the shores of Fundu Lagoon.
Inspired Cuisine
It should come as no surprise that Zanzibar is superb for fish and seafood. Octopus curry is a local favourite, with freshly caught octopus simmered to tender perfection in coconut milk spiced with traditional flavours of the island. Ginger, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and black peppercorns are just a few of the spices grown here, and you can tour a spice farm or participate in a cooking class to learn more about Zanzibar’s delicious culinary traditions.
You’ll need little guidance to enjoy the abundant fruits of Zanzibar – wander through any market and you’ll see carts piled high with ripe mango, papaya, starfruit, jackfruit, watermelon, pineapple, banana, durian and much more. It’s easy to eat healthily here, and you can return from your holiday feeling healthy and energised.
