• Beaches sparkle white in Zanzibar.zanzibar beach by day, tanzania, africa image by Albo from Fotolia.com
  
  Located off Tanzania's east coast in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is a tropical island retreat that fuses Indian, African and Arabic traditions with sand, surf and sun. The East African island is surrounded by hard and soft coral reefs and an abundance of underwater adventure. Wide swaths of sun-drenched beaches provide a sparkling necklace around the island's coastline. Luxurious resorts are tucked away on hidden beaches and even primitive hotels can offer all the comforts a vacationer needs to enjoy Zanzibar's natural beauty.
  
  

Ras Nungwi

• The Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel sits at the northern tip of Zanzibar overlooking a wide coral reef system that serves as a have for snorkeling and scuba diving adventurers. Lush tropical gardens surround the main lodge and thatched-roof chalets and an unspoiled beach stretches wide in either direction. The hotel features 32 rooms, all with balconies and four-post beds draped in mosquito netting to help ensure a restful sleep. An on-site PADI Gold Palm 5-Star dive center can get help you explore the colorful reef just offshore. Instruction is available so even novices can experience the underwater gardens and exotic marine life. A full range of water sports are available and a freshwater pool is also on site. Fresh seafood dressed with exotic spices is the cuisine of choice in the on-site restaurant. The restaurant also features a wide range of select South African wines.
  
  Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel
  
  P.O. Box 1784
  
  Zanzibar, Tanzania
  
  255-242-233-767
  
  rasnungwi.com
  
  

Chumbe Island

• Situated on its own island in the Indian Ocean, Chumbe Island is Zanzibar's monument to nature conservancy. The entire island is a nature preserve and 90 percent of it is covered in coral rag forest. A reef sanctuary surrounds the island and is filled with brilliant underwater coral gardens that teem with marine life. Accommodations on the island can be found at the Chumbe Island Eco Lodge, a seven bungalow complex that can make visitors feel like Robinson Crusoe. Rain water is captured and used for showering, cooking and drinking on the island. Solar panels supply the necessary power. Each bungalow provides two twin or one double bed under their palm-thatched roofs. The open-air design also provides for guests privacy, and a large living area overlooks the beach and warm waters of the Indian Ocean. As of 2010, all meals, nonalcoholic beverages, park fees, guided tours of the forest and reef, and boat transfers to and from the island are included in the price of your stay.
  
  Chumbe Island Eco Lodge
  
  P.O. Box 3203
  
  Zanzibar, Tanzania
  
  255-242-231-040
  
  chumbeisland.com
  
  

Baraza

• Everything you need to experience Zanzibar is available at the all-inclusive beach paradise of Baraza. Located on a stretch of gleaming white sand on Zanzibar's eastern coast, the Baraza Resort & Spa is an elegant boutique hotel steeped in Swahili, Indian and Arabic design. As of 2010, all meals and beverages are included during your stay, including alcoholic beverages and afternoon tea. The 30 villas at Baraza feature distinct interior architecture and luxurious furnishings that are handcrafted by local artisans. Each villa is outfitted with a large outdoor terrace and private plunge pool. The hotel features a PADI Gold Palm 5-Star National Geographic dive center that can accommodate divers of all skill levels. Frangipani Spa offers guests a wide range of treatments and services. Three restaurants and two lounges offer dining that ranges from pizza to upscale cuisine as well as socializing opportunities.
  
  Baraza Resort & Spa
  
  P.O. Box 2284
  
  Zanzibar, Tanzania
  
  255-744-440-330
  
  baraza-zanzibar.com