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Africa might be the home of the wildlife safari, but it also has epic beaches perfect for tagging on to the end of a hot, dusty adventure. Pristine white sands, teeming marine life, coral reefs, outstanding hospitality, and a host of water sports all add up to make a stay at a luxurious beach resort an unforgettable part of your holiday, or a holiday in itself.
In this article, you’ll get a closer look at the top 12 best luxury beach resorts in Africa.
Zanzibar
1. Zuri Zanzibar
Located just 50 km from Stone Town’s international airport, Zuri Zanzibar is a peaceful escape and one of Africa’s most idyllic beach resorts.
Set on the beautiful Kendwa Beach, known for its white sands and crystal-clear waters, this luxurious resort offers a range of accommodations, from bungalows and suites to villas with private pools and direct beach access. The rooms have been elegantly designed, blending modern comforts with local African influences.
At Zuri Zanzibar, guests can look forward to a range of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, boating, and kayaking. The resort also includes a wellness center, perfect for a relaxing massage or indulgent treatment.
Dining is exquisite, with a good mix of local cuisine, international dishes, and seafood specialities often served right on the beachfront. High-quality amenities include a concierge service, excursion planning, and personalized attention throughout your stay.
If you’re looking to extend your East African trip with a few days on the beach, check out this tour.
2. Fundu Lagoon
The epitome of barefoot luxury in a blissfully remote destination, Fundu Lagoon is situated on Pemba Island and is only accessible by boat, ensuring absolute privacy in a little piece of paradise.
The resort layout flows along the contours where the jungle hillside meets the shoreline, and the rooms have been designed to make the most of the natural surroundings and stunning ocean views.
This exclusive destination features four bars, each reflecting different aspects of the hotel’s surroundings, as well as a spacious open-sided restaurant serving excellent international and Swahili cuisine.
Activities offered at Fundu Lagoon include hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sunset dhow cruises, and fishing in a range of environments, from shallow beaches to coral reefs with steep 100 m drop offs.
When you’re done with your adventures, cool off in the infinity pool with views of the Indian Ocean over the treetops, or indulge in a massage and spa treatment. If this sounds like your ideal luxury beach getaway, have a look at this 5-day tour.
3. White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
This prestigious resort is located in the village of Paje, on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. An elegant retreat, it offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort after a hot and dusty safari adventure.
Situated along a stunning stretch of Paje’s white sandy beach, White Sand is a coastal paradise perfect for families looking for relaxation in idyllic conditions. Two fine dining restaurants serve delicious international and African fusion cuisine using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
White Sand is a fantastic destination for watersports and includes the option to go kite surfing, snorkeling, sailing, cycling, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, windsurfing, and boating. Offsite activities include deep-sea fishing, historical tours, skydiving, waterskiing, and wine tasting, to name just a few.
The White Sand Spa offers a blissful escape and uses locally sourced products based on seaweed, coconut, and spices found on the island. If you’re after a luxury beach retreat, this is it.
4. Xanadu Villas & Retreat
Xanadu Villas & Retreat is an exclusive and luxurious boutique resort located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. Positioned on a secluded area of the island’s coastline, this idyllic destination is ideal for honeymooners or couples seeking privacy and personalized service.
Xanadu offers spacious and stylish villas with private plunge pools and direct access to the pristine white sandy beach. The resort is elegantly designed, blending contemporary luxury with local Zanzibari influences.
Xanadu’s concierge service is especially attentive and will cater to your every need. Guests have access to a variety of activities, including snorkeling in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, kayaking, and paddleboarding. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, the beachfront spa is a great place to relax with a soothing massage or treatment.
When it comes to gourmet dining, Xanadu pulls out all the stops with a blend of local and international cuisine focusing on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Experience your own villa in Zanzibar on this tour.
Mauritius
5. Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa
Renowned for its elegance, sophistication, and unparalleled hospitality, the Shangri-La Le Touessrok is a luxury resort situated on the east coast of Mauritius.
Set on Frangipani Island, this destination offers a secluded and exclusive escape, with luxurious rooms and suites offering uninterrupted views of the gentle Indian Ocean and white sandy beaches right on your doorstep.
Beyond watersports like snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and sailing, the resort offers its guests two championship golf courses with epic ocean views.
Gourmet dining on the island features a diverse range of cuisines, from local Mauritian dishes to international flavors served in a variety of restaurants and bars, some of which offer gorgeous beachfront dining.
For more active guests, there’s a fitness center and tennis courts, while those looking to unwind can enjoy a massage or treatment at the spa.
6. LUX* Le Morne
Nestled between the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain and the tranquil Indian Ocean, this luxurious resort on the southwestern tip of Mauritius offers an unforgettable stay in a tropical paradise.
The resort features elegantly designed rooms and suites, some with private pools, balconies, and terraces featuring unspoiled views of the ocean and lush gardens. Multiple pools offer the perfect chance to cool off while enjoying a cocktail from the impeccable Maison bar.
Apart from the usual watersports like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, LUX* Le Morne offers its guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with large pods of dolphins in the bay.
Other indulgent activities include breakfast in the beachfront treehouse, sunset aperitivos on Le Morne mountain, and a romantic 500 candles dinner right on the beach and under the stars. Dining is excellent, with a variety of restaurants serving up international flavors and local Mauritian cuisine in the most sublime settings.
7. Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel
Featuring an intimate ambiance, luxury accommodations, and personalized service, this exclusive, adults-only resort is located in Anse la Raie on the northern coast of Mauritius.
Paradise Cove boasts a prime oceanfront location, with exceptional views of the Indian Ocean and direct beach access. Accommodations are stylish and discreet, with some offering private balconies or terraces and premium amenities.
Guests can partake in a range of watersports, including snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, while those just looking to relax can enjoy the many pools, including an infinity pool. Paradise Cove offers diverse dining options, with restaurants serving a fusion of international cuisine and local Mauritian flavors.
Services at this resort can be tailored to cater specifically to honeymooners or couples looking for an especially romantic experience.
8. Constance Belle Mare Plage Resort
Famed for its 5-star service, warm atmosphere, and lush tropical environment, Constance Belle Mare Plage is set on a 2 km stretch of white sandy beach on the eastern coast of Mauritius. Luxurious accommodations, world-class facilities, and a beautiful beachfront setting all add up to make this a must-stay resort.
Thoughtfully designed rooms and suites offer stunning views of the ocean, gardens, and 18-hole golf courses, arguably the best courses on the whole island.
Beyond enjoying a round of golf or two, Constance Belle Mare Plage’s sheltered position makes it ideal for watersports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing and paddle boarding. When it comes to dining, guests will be spoiled for choice with eight restaurants in idyllic settings serving up the best in gastronomic experiences.
For the little ones, there’s a Kids Club guaranteed to keep children entertained while parents get a break to relax on the beach or enjoy a cocktail at any of the eight resort bars. If you need to rejuvenate after a safari, the Constance Spa is waiting to soothe you.
Mozambique
9. Santorini Mozambique
Possibly Mozambique’s best-kept secret, Santorini Mozambique is situated on the sublime southern coast of Vilanculos. Exclusive-use villas and luxury suites offer the finest in lavish interiors, guaranteeing a tranquil haven in the most idyllic location.
The hotel also provides direct access to the pristine beach and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Comfort meets sophistication in this secluded paradise, with spacious living areas, private pools, and outdoor terraces with breathtaking views.
There’s plenty to do at Santorini Mozambique, both onsite and off site. Exclusive activities include island excursions along the Bazaruto Archipelago, scenic helicopter flights, horseback safaris, scuba diving, kitesurfing, yoga, sunset dhow cruises, and charter fishing.
For the ultimate in relaxation, the resort’s Spa Na Colina offers soothing massages with African-inspired essential oils and beauty treatments with marine-inspired skincare products.
When it comes to dining, the Santorini Mozambique kitchen makes magic, with herbs and vegetables sourced from their own garden and a focus on fresh seafood. Gourmet dining experiences await you in a variety of idyllic locations in and around the resort.
A stay here combines well with a safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park – take a look at this tour for a suggested 9-day itinerary.
10. White Pearl Resort
Situated in Ponta Mamoli on the southern coast of Mozambique, the White Pearl resort offers a stunning tropical paradise setting with untouched beaches, azure waters, and luxurious accommodations. Elegantly designed beachfront suites blend modern comfort with natural beauty for a serene and exclusive experience.
Outdoor showers, balconies with private plunge pools, and world-class amenities add to the sense of tranquility and blissful 5-star escape. Families are welcome at the White Pearl, and children can join the exciting Kids Skipper Club, which offers no shortage of fun.
The White Pearl resort offers a range of activities, from scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, to surfing, turtle tracking, and horse riding. A particular highlight is the chance to experience a dolphin encounter on an ocean safari to a nearby coral reef.
You’ll also have the opportunity to go on a game drive in Maputo Special Reserve or a guided exploration walk around Lake Mimoli. When you’re done exploring, indulge in a massage or spa treatment.
Dining at the White Pearl is a captivating experience, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and Mozambican flavors served in an array of idyllic locations, both indoors and out. If this destination sounds like your perfect luxury beach resort, have a look at our suggested 6-day tour.
11. Kisawa Sanctuary
Kisawa is a 300-hectare sanctuary of forest, beach, and sand dunes, situated on the southern tip of Benguerra Island. Part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Kisawa is close to the National Marine Park, one of the richest and least explored subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean.
This unique destination has combined the skills of local artisans with groundbreaking 3D sand printing technology to deliver an authentic, low-impact design that blends in beautifully with its sublime natural surroundings. Each bungalow comes with its own infinity pool, private beach, and open-air deck.
Scuba diving at Kisawa is exceptional, with the option to go deep sea diving with black, blue, and striped marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, bull sharks, tiger sharks, and manta rays. Snorkeling close to the island is also rewarding, with the chance to swim with turtles and a dazzling array of reef fish.
Other exclusive activities on offer include guided hiking, canoeing through thriving mangroves, boating, island hopping, and dugong and dolphin spotting on ocean cruises. After your adventures, unwind at Kisawa’s stand-alone spa, which specializes in integrated holistic healing.
Kisawa dining is outstanding, with most ingredients sourced locally from a network of farmers and fishermen and served at your choice of stunning locations.
12. &Beyond Benguerra
Situated off the coast of Mozambique within the protected marine reserve of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, &Beyond Benguerra offers lavish lagoon living in a little piece of paradise.
Luxurious thatched accommodations offer private timber decks, rim-flow pools, sun loungers, and private salas with irresistible hanging daybeds, the ideal place to forget about the hustle and bustle of city life.
&Beyond Benguerra provides its guests with a range of captivating experiences. A fully equipped dive center offers scuba diving excursions to premier dive sites for every level of diver. Prefer to stay on dry land? Go for a horseback safari or disappear for an afternoon on a romantic castaway picnic where you’ll have the perfect spot all to yourself.
Go on a sunset dhow cruise to toast the end of another unforgettable day in paradise or take a break in the massage sala – tranquility awaits you at every turn. If you’re looking for an unforgettable holiday at a luxury resort on the beach, this tour could interest you.
If you’re looking for a luxury beach resort, Africa has got you covered with a range of outstanding accommodations in idyllic settings. Make the most of the warm Indian Ocean or lounge your days away on spotless white sand beaches, cocktail in hand.
Speak to a safari expert at Discover Africa today about planning the ultimate seaside escape or extension to your safari.
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Author: Antoinette Van Heerden
Published: 8 December 2023