Review: Riu Palace Zanzibar

Tucked away on the northwest coast of Zanzibar, Riu Palace Zanzibar is a luxurious adults-only, all-inclusive resort that looks out over the island’s iconic turquoise waters. We visited last July for our mini-moon, and it was exactly the kind of place we’d hoped for—peaceful, romantic, and effortlessly beautiful. Zanzibar itself feels like a tropical dream, with white sand beaches, crystal-clear shallows, and sunsets that light up the sky in every shade of gold. For honeymooners looking for a mix of laid-back luxury and postcard-perfect surroundings, this is an easy one to recommend.

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What to expect: arrival & dining

From the moment we landed in Zanzibar, everything ran smoothly. We’d arranged an airport transfer directly through the hotel, and after a scenic drive up the coast, we arrived at Riu Palace Zanzibar to a warm welcome and a surprise upgrade. The staff had already noted it was our honeymoon and made sure we were looked after from the start—a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the whole stay.

As soon as we stepped into the open-air lobby, we were greeted with smiling faces, a cool drink, and a cheerful “jambo!”—something we’d hear throughout our stay, always followed by the equally friendly “hakuna matata.”

The resort is adults-only and all-inclusive, which meant everything was taken care of. Dining options were varied, from relaxed beachside lunches to evening à la carte dinners. The main restaurant offered an excellent buffet with changing themes, and we loved the variety of global and Swahili-inspired dishes. With drinks and snacks available throughout the day, it felt relaxed and indulgent without ever being over the top.

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Room Options

We stayed in a Superior Suite with Sea View, which felt like our own little sanctuary. Spacious, modern, and peaceful, it came with a large private terrace and garden overlooking the Indian Ocean. The suites are beautifully designed, with king-sized beds, walk-in rain showers, generous walk in wardrobes, and a fully stocked minibar.

Room categories range from Junior Suites to luxurious Beach Villas with Private Pools, ideal for couples wanting a bit more privacy. Some rooms come with hot tubs or direct access to the beach, so there’s something to suit every kind of getaway.

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Facilities & Activities

The resort has three pools, including an infinity pool overlooking the beach that became our go-to spot for lazy afternoons. There’s a well-equipped gym, daily entertainment, and a spa for treatments and massages.

Water sports were a big part of the experience—we booked a boat trip to Mnemba Island, which was great for snorkelling, and went jet skiing along the coastline. All were easily arranged through the on-site team. The dive centre also offered excursions and equipment rental for those keen to explore the marine life more deeply.

It’s also worth noting that Zanzibar is a perfect addition to a Tanzanian safari. The hotel can help arrange pre- or post-safari travel, and the flight connections from mainland parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro are straightforward.

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Nearby Highlights

We didn’t leave the resort during our stay, and honestly, we didn’t need to—everything we wanted was right there: great food, a peaceful beach, plenty of activities, and time to unwind. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to see more of Zanzibar, the island has plenty to offer beyond the resort.

The nearest town to the resort is Nungwi, a lively fishing village known for its long stretch of beach, dhow boats, and relaxed local vibe. From Riu Palace, it’s just a short drive away and worth visiting for a change of pace. One of the more unique experiences nearby is The Rock Restaurant, a tiny, iconic restaurant perched on a rock in the middle of the ocean—accessible by foot at low tide or by boat when the tide comes in. It’s a memorable spot for lunch or sundowners.

Also nearby is the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond, a small sanctuary where you can learn about local conservation efforts and even help feed or swim with rescued turtles.

If you're feeling adventurous, there’s no shortage of things to do across Zanzibar. You can take a Spice Tour inland to see the island’s famous cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg plantations, or spend a day exploring Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dolphin spotting tours, sunset dhow cruises, and even kitesurfing on the east coast are also on offer for those wanting to make the most of their time on the island.

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Summary

Riu Palace Zanzibar was the perfect setting for our mini-moon. The service was warm and genuine—staff always greeted us with “jambo” and “hakuna matata,” which never failed to make us smile. From the incredible suite to the food, pools, and thoughtful touches, everything made us feel special. It’s the kind of place where you can do as much or as little as you like—and we wouldn’t hesitate to return.

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