Overview
Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar is an adults-only all-inclusive resort operating under the Riu brand — a Spanish hospitality group with a large international resort portfolio. The Palace designation within Riu's hierarchy indicates the company's upper tier of properties, distinguished by larger rooms, more dining variety, and premium finishes compared to standard Riu clubs.
The all-inclusive format here follows Riu's established model: meals at multiple restaurants, drinks available 24 hours, and a range of pools and beach facilities included in the room rate. This is a known quantity for travellers familiar with the Riu brand from other destinations.
The setting
The resort sits on the east coast in the Mwambani area, on a stretch of beach that is characteristic of this side of the island: white sand, clear water, and a tidal dynamic that means the sea pulls back significantly at low water. The property's pool provision is substantial as a result, giving guests reliable swimming options independent of the tide.
The resort is large by Zanzibar standards, with a layout that encompasses multiple pool areas, beach frontage, dining venues, spa facilities, and entertainment spaces. Its physical scale is part of the appeal for guests who want a resort that feels active and well-provisioned rather than small and quiet.
Who it suits
The adults-only policy and all-inclusive format together attract a specific type of traveller: those who want a relaxed, sociable beach holiday without the logistical complexity of children on-site and without monitoring a daily spend. Couples on a first Indian Ocean holiday, travellers who have used the Riu brand elsewhere and know what to expect, and groups of adults who want a social resort atmosphere all tend to find this a comfortable fit.
It is less suited to travellers seeking a quiet, intimate, or locally flavoured experience. The resort's enclosure and scale create a self-contained world that is deliberately insulated from the surrounding area.
Good to know
Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, and alcohol is widely available at resort hotels but less so in local villages and markets. The all-inclusive format means guests are largely insulated from this distinction within the property. Excursions to Stone Town, spice farms, and Jozani Forest can be arranged through the resort and are a worthwhile way to connect with the island beyond the beach.
