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Imagine walking along pristine, powdery white sand. To one side, palm trees are swaying in the gentle breeze; on the other side, a turquoise ocean stretches out to eternity. Africa’s beaches offer the perfect opportunity to embrace a slower pace of life and purely focus on your relaxation. What makes these mesmerising environments even better are the spectacular resorts. Let’s explore the best beach resorts in Africa, from the island paradises of Zanzibar and Mauritius to Mozambique’s incredible coastline.
1. Zuri Zanzibar, Tanzania
Located just 50 km/31 mi 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 snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, boating, and kayaking.
There’s also a wellness centre at the resort, perfect for a relaxing massage or indulgent treatment. Dining here 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 personalised attention throughout your stay.
If you’re looking to extend your East African safari with a few days on the beach, check out this tour. After traversing the plains of the Serengeti during a Tanzania safari or exploring the Masai Mara in Kenya, a few days spent relaxing on the beach can be the perfect way to end your holiday in Africa.
2. Fundu Lagoon, Tanzania
The epitome of barefoot luxury in a blissfully remote destination, Fundu Lagoon is situated on Pemba Island, Tanzania, and is only accessible by boat, ensuring absolute privacy in a little piece of paradise. Flowing along the contours where the jungle hillside meets the shoreline, 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, snorkelling, windsurfing, sunset dhow cruises, and fishing in a range of environments, from shallow beaches to coral reefs with steep 100 m/328 ft 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 seven-day tour.
3. White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa, Tanzania
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, snorkelling, sailing, cycling, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, 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.
The resort is committed to being eco-conscious – it is 100% powered by renewable energies. Sustainability here can also be seen in the use of organic materials in the architecture, tropical and vegetable gardens, and waste management measures.
4. Xanadu Villas & Retreat, Zanzibar
Xanadu Villas & Retreat is an exclusive and luxurious boutique resort located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. Positioned in a secluded area of the island’s coastline, this idyllic destination is ideal for honeymooners or couples seeking privacy and personalised service. The nine spacious and stylish villas with private plunge pools have direct access to the pristine white sandy beach. The resort is elegantly designed, blending contemporary luxury with local Zanzibari influences.
Concierge service at Xanadu is especially attentive and will cater to your every need. Guests have access to a variety of activities, including snorkelling in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are so many things to do in Zanzibar with Xanadu as your base. Don’t miss out on exploring the Kuza Caves! This sacred cave is carved out of limestone; the fresh, clear waters will beckon you to take a dip.
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. Expect a blend of local and international cuisine focusing on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Experience your own villa in Zanzibar on this tour.
5. Constance Belle Mare Plage Resort, Mauritius
Famed for its five-star service, warm atmosphere, and lush tropical environment, Constance Belle Mare Plage is set on a 2 km/1.2 mi 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 two 18-hole championship golf courses.
Beyond enjoying a round of golf or two, Constance Belle Mare Plage’s sheltered position makes it ideal for watersports. Explore the ocean via a range of adventures, including snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. When it comes to dining, guests will be spoilt 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. To relax and rejuvenate after a safari, the Constance Spa is waiting to soothe you. If you’re travelling with your partner, indulge in a couple’s massage. Starting with a foot scrub, this massage experience is all about coaxing you into relaxation while elevating the senses with the use of natural products inspired by plants of the region.
6. 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 offsite. 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, head to Spa Na Colina. The spa 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 nine-day itinerary.
7. White Pearl Resort, Mozambique
Situated in Ponta Mamoli on the southern coast of Mozambique, the White Pearl resort offers a stunning tropical paradise setting. Think 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 tranquillity and blissful five-star escape.
Families are welcome at the White Pearl. 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, snorkelling, 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. Indulge in a massage or spa treatment when you’re done exploring. Dining at the White Pearl is a captivating experience. The emphasis is on fresh seafood and Mozambican flavours served in an array of idyllic indoor and outdoor locations. If this destination sounds like your perfect luxury beach resort, have a look at our suggested six-day tour.
8. andBeyond Benguerra, Mozambique
Situated off the coast of Mozambique within the protected marine reserve of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, andBeyond Benguerra offers lavish lagoon living in a little piece of paradise. Luxurious thatched accommodations offer private timber decks, rim-flow pools, and sun loungers. Private salas feature irresistible hanging daybeds, the ideal place to forget about the hustle and bustle of city life.
AndBeyond Benguerra provides its guests with a range of captivating experiences. A fully equipped dive centre 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 and your partner.
Go on a sunset dhow cruise to toast the end of another unforgettable day in paradise. Take a break in the massage sala – tranquillity awaits you at every turn at andBeyond Benguerra. If you’re looking for an unforgettable holiday at a luxury resort on the beach, this tour could interest you.
Africa has got you covered when it comes to luxury beach resorts that pull out all the stops. There is 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.
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Author: Gavin Denner
Published: 8 December 2023