This unpretentious boutique resort sits in the village of Bwejuu on Zanzibar’s southeast coast, on a vast stretch of beach where fishermen haul in their catch on traditional wooden boats. It’s easy and honest; a comfortable timeout for those seeking powdery white sand, without the boisterous party venues and high prices you often find in this popular corner of the island.
Contemporary in design, it is most popular with 30- to 60-something couples, but it’s also effortlessly accommodating to families (children are welcome, and there's a kids' corner with toys and games). The 9 spacious, airy guest bungalows have lounges and outdoor bathrooms, and some have 2 bedrooms; there are also simpler rooms in the main building for those on a budget. The restaurant serves tasty fare, with an appropriate emphasis on fresh fish and seafood; a few steps away sparkles the alluring infinity pool, and there’s a tented cabana for holistic massages. In the background a hip, chilled-out playlist quietly thrums along, coaxing you into a lazy bliss of books, strolls, rests and dips. Kitesurfing, diving and snorkelling are the go-to activities for those who can muster the energy, and excursions to Stone Town and elsewhere are easily arranged.
Highs
- The lovely, palm-fringed beach - quieter than many in southeast Zanzibar, and voted one of the world's top 10 by Conde Nast Traveler
- A friendly and uncomplicated vibe that put us instantly at ease
- Expansive ocean views from all but one bungalow, and most open straight onto the sand
- Cool and comfortable chill-out areas, plus a glistening infinity pool
- Tasty seafood at the restaurant, set under the shade of a breezy Bedouin tent
Lows
- No air conditioning (though you do get a ceiling fan), and the open-air bathrooms are hot in the middle of the day
- WiFi in communal areas only and it can be slow, but you’re here to forget the outside world
- Dinners have a set menu, but dietary requirements are easily catered for
- The sea can retreat a long way during low tide which can make swimming tricky and high tide can leave rubbish and debris on the sand
- Full pre-payment required before arrival, plus a 5% surcharge for credit-card payments
Best time to go
Zanzibar is best visited from June to mid-October (a spectacular time, with warm but comfortable temperatures) and mid-December to mid-April (hot but often stiflingly humid). These are also the best times for kitesurfing. Diving is best in March. The island experiences 2 rainy seasons, with heavy showers from mid-April to mid-May, and lighter ‘short rains’ during November.
You might want to check the dates of Ramadan, when food and alcohol aren’t served outdoors, and some bars/restaurants close altogether (most notably in Stone Town, although extra respect is expected throughout). This will not affect you within the confines of Indigo Beach Zanzibar.
You might want to check the dates of Ramadan, when food and alcohol aren’t served outdoors, and some bars/restaurants close altogether (most notably in Stone Town, although extra respect is expected throughout). This will not affect you within the confines of Indigo Beach Zanzibar.
Our top tips
Make sure you try the hotel's spicy local twist on margaritas: delicious. The signature Indigo Beach cocktail is excellent, too.
- Boutique Resort
- 25 rooms
- Restaurant & bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
There are 9 white, blue-roofed bungalows, some single-storey, others spread over 2 floors. All have sparse yet comfortable furnishings and a modern-rustic touch: rattan chairs, cushions adorned with bright local patterns, the occasional flower-filled vase. Bedrooms are large, with enticing queensize beds wrapped in mosquito nets; we slept very well, though we did hear occasional noise from low-hanging palms scratching our roof. You also get a lounge with a sofa, a private slice of garden, and an outdoor bathroom with a rainshower and screens of reeds for privacy.
Eight bungalows face the ocean and open directly onto the sand, where a couple of loungers await. Two of these are geared up for families, with a second twin bedroom, as is the Garden Bungalow (the only one without a sea view).
There are also 10 smaller, simpler bedrooms in the guesthouse behind the pool. They’re decorated in fresh whites and blues, with indoor ensuites - ideal for single travellers, couples on a budget, or a group of friends. And, since our visit, are 6 Deluxe Pool View rooms, more modern in style, in a separate building which Indigo took over in 2024. They are placed around their own 13-metre pool; a good midrange option for couples.
Features include:
- Fan
- Mosquito net
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Meals are taken under the shade of a Bedouin tent, at exquisite dhow-timber tables surrounded by white sand and lush, green gardens. The tasty, no-frills food spans many international cuisines, but there’s an emphasis on local specialities and super-fresh fish.
Days kick off at a leisurely pace with a buffet breakfast and eggs to order; the à la carte lunch menu is well-priced, with a reasonable selection of appetising plates - Caesar salad, grilled calamari, that kind of thing. Dinner consists of a delicious 3-course set menu (any dietary requirements are accommodated with ease), which is well presented and lovingly served. Our tuna and grapefruit ceviche and grilled kolekole (kingfish) main were exceptional. There’s also a good selection of drinks, including mouth-watering mojitos.
Should you wish to eat out, there are a number of options a short walk/cycle away; just ask staff for recommendations.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- The beach is the main draw. Lounge on the sand, or wander along the shore into the village, watching local characters and the arrival of the daily catch
- Rent a bicycle from the hotel and cycle a few km to the next town, Paje
- Kitesurfing is a hot favourite in the area. You'll find numerous kite schools in Paje, offering tuition and equipment hire for every level
- Diving and snorkelling can also be arranged nearby; you'll spot colourful fish and, if you're lucky, inquisitive turtles
- A variety of excursions further afield are on offer, too: a spice tour to get acquainted with the spices for which the island is renowned; a step back in time amid the alleyways of Stone Town; or a day at sea on a traditional wooden dhow
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Historical sites
- Kitesurfing
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
- Sailing
- Scuba diving
- Scuba diving courses
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Traditional cultures
- Well being
- Wildlife
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome. There’s a play area with toys and games. Babysitting can be arranged, and hotel and restaurant staff are endlessly accommodating.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Family Suite has a queensize bed and two single beds. Three bungalows are set up for families, with an additional twin bedroom. All bungalows (but not the guesthouse rooms) can accommodate 1 rollaway bed.
Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms
Babysitting:
Can be arranged with 24 hours’ notice
Kids Activities on site:
- Kids corner with play house, toys and games outside under the trees
- Creative workshops from time to time
- Direct beach access
- Bikes to rent
Kids Activities nearby:
- Snorkelling and diving
- Kitesurfing
- Boat trips
Families Should Know:
The pool isn't fenced
Distances:
- Airport: 1-hour drive (Stone Town)
- Shop: 5-minute walk (Bwejuu)
- Hospital: 20-minute drive
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Indigo Beach is set in the fishing village of Bwejuu, near Paje on Zanzibar’s southeast coast. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Stone Town.
By Air:
Zanzibar International Airport (55km) is served by plenty of flights from Dar es Salaam and Arusha on the Tanzanian mainland, as well as a few direct international flights. The hotel can arrange transfers from the airport (or from the sea port, if you’d prefer to take the ferry from Dar es Salaam), or you can hail a taxi on arrival.
By Car:
You won't need a car in Zanzibar, but if you do want to hire one then see our car rental recommendations. Bear in mind that local roads are bumpy and signposting is poor.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Stone Town - Zanzibar International 55.0 km ZNZ
- Dar es Salaam 120.0 km DAR
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km