Lose yourself in a labyrinth of carved doors, spice-scented air, and echoes of centuries gone by. Stone Town is a sensory journey, one where Arab, Swahili, Persian, and European influences still linger in the coral-stone walls. We love it not for the checklist sights, but for the unexpected: a smiling child in a school uniform, a street-side vendor who remembers your name, a rooftop call to prayer at sunset.

Best for: Culture lovers, curious minds, and anyone who enjoys getting gloriously lost in history.

On the southeast coast, where the wind dances across turquoise shallows and palm trees lean like they’re listening, Paje offers a slower pace. Here, you can kitesurf by morning, sip coconut water by noon, and let the tide carry your worries out to sea. It’s barefoot and bohemian, but with just enough charm to keep it quietly refined.

Best for: Soulful beach days, sunrise strolls, and laid-back stays with a local feel.

Not technically part of Zanzibar, but often lovingly mistaken as its quiet cousin, Mafia Island is pure magic. Think fewer footprints, more coral. Fewer distractions, more connection. This is where marine parks take centre stage and whale sharks glide through crystal-clear waters. If you’re after remote beauty and a deeper kind of luxury, Mafia delivers.

Best for: Ocean lovers, conservation-minded travellers, and those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path escape.