The Pros and Cons of What to Expect at Zanzibar Beach Resorts (No Sugarcoating)

I wasn’t gonna write this, honestly.
Like — who even wants another “pros and cons” travel piece, right?

But then I thought, nah. People need this. Real people. Not travel agents with commission to make. Not those fake influencers with drone shots and zero eye bags. I mean tired humans. Broke-but-dreaming humans. People like me.

So if you’re eyeing a trip to Zanzibar… this is for you.

The late-night scrollers. The budget-checkers. The ones who whisper “I need the ocean” like a prayer.

Let’s talk about what’s actually waiting for you at those beach resorts.

PRO: It’s... Yeah. That Beautiful.

No lie — Zanzibar looks fake. Like, stupidly pretty. The water really is that blue. That turquoise shade that makes you question if your eyes are working right.

I remember walking out to the beach the first morning and just… freezing. Not ‘cause it was cold — it wasn’t. It was warm and humid and smelled like coconut sunscreen. But I just stood there like, “How the hell is this real?”

White sand, no crowds, and waves that sound like a meditation app. This ain’t Ballito, babes. This is something else. This is soul-reset-level beauty.

And you get to exist in that? For a few days? I just stood there… didn’t even say anything. My throat kinda closed up. Not even sure why.

CON: You Will Get Sand in Weird Places

Like… everywhere.

No one tells you this, but beach resort life means sand will follow you back to your room, your sheets, your phone case, your toothbrush somehow. I found it in my ear once. My ear.

Also — the towels? Never fully dry. That coastal dampness lives with you now. Embrace it or you’ll spend the whole trip annoyed.

PRO: The Resorts Are Pretty Damn Peaceful

I stayed at one of the top-rated hotels in Nungwi and I swear, it was like time slowed down. No honking. No rush. Just wind and waves and soft music playing somewhere in the background. And people? They were chill. Staff were kind. Not fake-nice. Just… present.

You don’t realize how loud your life is until you’re in a place where no one’s yelling into a phone or updating their IG stories every two minutes.

It was calm in the way you forget life can be calm.

CON: Resort WiFi is a Lie

Look — they’ll say there’s WiFi. And yes, technically, there is. But don’t expect to stream Netflix or upload your 87th beach selfie in real time. You’ll open your phone and see that deceptive little signal icon... but nothing will load. Nothing.

Honestly though? Might be a good thing. Forced digital detox. You end up looking at the actual ocean instead of your screen. Imagine that.

PRO: The Food Will Ruin You (In the Best Way)

If you’ve never had freshly grilled octopus with spices that hit like home-cooked love... get ready.

They know how to do seafood here. I’m talking prawns the size of your palm, coconut rice that smells like heaven, and fruit that tastes like it got kissed by the sun itself.

Even the simple stuff — chapati, spiced teas, that weird little donut they give you with breakfast — it’s all made with care. It’s all vibey. It fills you up and calms you down at the same time.

CON: If You’re Picky, You Might Starve (Temporarily)

Okay, let’s keep it real.

If you’re one of those “I only eat chicken nuggets and toast” people… Zanzibar might throw you off. The spice game is strong. The flavors are bold. And not every resort has a buffet that caters to westernized palettes.

But also… maybe just try the dang curry, you know?

PRO: Local Tours Hit Different

Most beach resorts will offer some kind of excursions — sunset cruises, snorkeling, spice farm tours, prison island, that sort of thing. Do them. All of them if you can. But especially the ones that make you touch water or walk barefoot somewhere with no shoes and no signal.

That’s where the real magic is.
Where you feel your shoulders drop.
Where you remember — oh right, I’m a person, not just someone who answers emails all day.

CON: Touts Can Be a Buzzkill

I won’t sugarcoat it. Outside your resort bubble, there’s hustle. And I mean HUSTLE.

Guys will approach you on the beach offering tours, crafts, massages, whatever they can sell. Some are sweet. Some won’t take no for an answer.

You learn to smile and keep walking. Or you sit and chat for a bit. Just don’t be rude. You’re the visitor. They’re just trying to eat.

Still… it can get tiring.

PRO: The Vibe is Unmatched

Zanzibar runs on slow time. Like — proper hakuna matata energy.

Everyone’s just... chilling. Like, actually chilling. No one’s speed-walking or stress-scrolling. It’s like time decided to slow down on purpose. Not even the ocean. And you find yourself melting into that pace. You stop checking your watch. You stop caring what day it is. You let go of the grip. The tight hold you’ve had on your stress.

And that alone? That vibe? Worth every cent you saved for the trip.

CON: Luxury Can Be Deceptive

Some places look fancy in pics. And then you get there and realize they’ve been using wide-angle lenses since 2012.

Not saying you’ll get scammed. But manage expectations. Especially if you’re going for one of those affordable flight + hotel combos. They’re great deals — trust me, I found a few gems — but don’t expect Dubai-level luxury. You’re going for vibe, not velvet.

Read reviews. Real ones. Watch YouTube walkthroughs. Or better yet, trust this travel core — the kind that’s been there, done that, got the tan.

PRO: You Will Feel Something You Haven’t in a Long Time

This isn’t just a beach. It’s not just palm trees and sunset pics.

It’s what happens when the noise leaves your body. When your muscles forget how to clench. When you realize how long it’s been since you felt light.

Zanzibar does that. Or at least, it can — if you let it.

If you show up not just with your bags, but with your walls down.

FINAL VERDICT? Go.

Yeah, it has cons. So does everywhere. But if you’re looking for a place to fall apart quietly and put yourself back together in sunshine and saltwater?

Zanzibar beach resorts are it.

Just don’t over-romanticize it. Don’t expect perfection. Expect life. Messy, sandy, beautiful life. Expect slow mornings and strong coffee and the wind doing that soft hum thing.

Expect days where nothing happens and that’s exactly the point.

Book the trip. Get your feet dirty. Let the sun slap some clarity into your brain.

Then come back. Or don’t. Stay longer. I almost did.

From one tired soul to another — this place is worth it.