# Melia Zanzibar > Melia Zanzibar is a luxurious 5‑star beachfront resort located in Kiwengwa on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, set on a 16‑hectare estate beside a 300‑metre long stretch of pearly white sand lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. - **Type:** accommodation - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//accommodations/melia-zanzibar - **Last updated:** 2026-07-12 ## Key facts - **Type:** Hotel - **Star Rating:** 4 - **Location:** Zanzibar - **Destination:** Zanzibar - **Price Range:** $$$ - **Amenities:** Private white‑sand beach & sun loungers, Free Wi‑Fi, Tennis court & outdoor sports areas, Scuba diving & excursions, Conference/meeting facilities, Spa & wellness centre ## Details ## Why Stay at Melia Zanzibar? Melia Zanzibar is a large luxury beachfront resort in Kiwengwa on the island's northeast coast, set across a 40-acre landscaped estate above a coral cliff. Its scale is the point: multiple pools, six restaurants and seven bars, a spa, tennis courts and the exclusive The Level enclave give it a breadth of facilities few Zanzibar properties can match. ## Where Is Melia Zanzibar & What Wildlife Can You See? The resort fronts a private 300-metre stretch of white sand at Kiwengwa, approximately 45 to 50 km from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport — a transfer of 50 to 60 minutes. The house reef and nearby Mnemba Atoll provide the wildlife interest here: snorkelling and scuba diving among tropical reef fish, with kayaking, paddleboarding and dhow trips off the beach. Eco-golf carts shuttle guests around the expansive gardens, which turn lush and bird-filled in the green season. ## Rooms & Style The 159 rooms range from Ocean View Bungalows and Ocean Front Romance Pavilions to The Level rooms and one-to-three-bedroom Ocean Villas with private pools, terraces and butler options. Design blends Caribbean-inspired lines with Zanzibari detail, and the overwater Jetty Lounge is the signature sundowner spot. Tennis courts, a fitness programme and conference facilities extend the resort's range. ## Who Is It Ideal For? - Families who want space, multiple restaurants and watersports on tap - Couples upgrading to The Level for adult-focused pools and privacy - Post-safari guests seeking a full-facility beach week - Groups and celebrations needing varied room categories in one resort ## Pairs Well With Melia is a classic beach extension: explore the wider [Zanzibar](/tanzania/zanzibar) destination guide, or bolt it onto a bush itinerary such as the [9-day Kenya and Zanzibar](/safaris/9-days-kenya-and-zanzibar) combination. ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is Melia Zanzibar and how do I get there from the airport? Melia Zanzibar is in Kiwengwa on the island's northeast coast, set across a 40-acre landscaped estate above a coral cliff with a private 300-metre stretch of white sand. The resort is approximately 45 to 50 km from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport — a 50 to 60-minute private, air-conditioned transfer. Ferry travellers from Dar es Salaam can drive about 50 minutes across the island from Stone Town. ### How many restaurants does Melia Zanzibar have? Melia Zanzibar has six restaurants and seven bars, including the iconic overwater Jetty Lounge, the resort's signature sundowner spot. Dining options span all-inclusive, à la carte, buffet, overwater dining and a beach club grill, with vegetarian, vegan and halal choices. That breadth of facilities — plus multiple pools, a spa and tennis courts — is exactly what sets this large resort apart on the island. ### What is The Level at Melia Zanzibar? The Level is Melia Zanzibar's exclusive enclave, offering private pools, lounges and dedicated butler options for guests wanting extra privacy. The Level accommodation includes Beach Rooms with ocean views and one-to-three-bedroom Ocean Villas with private pools and terraces. It particularly suits couples upgrading for adult-focused pools and privacy within the larger 159-room resort. ### Can you snorkel and dive at Melia Zanzibar? Yes. The resort has an on-site water sports hub with direct diving and snorkelling access to the house reef and nearby Mnemba Atoll, where tropical reef fish abound; kayaking, paddleboarding and dhow trips run off the beach. June to October offers phenomenal ocean visibility for diving trips, while January to February brings hot weather with exceptionally calm, flat seas ideal for snorkelling inside the reef. ### Is Melia Zanzibar good for families after a safari? Yes. Melia Zanzibar suits families who want space, multiple restaurants and watersports on tap, and post-safari guests seeking a full-facility beach week. Children of all ages are welcome, varied room categories — from Ocean View Bungalows to multi-bedroom villas — fit groups of any size, and eco-golf carts shuttle guests around the expansive 40-acre gardens. It is a classic beach extension to a Kenya or Tanzania bush itinerary. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.