Zanzibar

Why family beach holidays at Gold Zanzibar will completely change your narrative

Last updated 22nd May 2025

Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa delivers an exquisite blend of beaches and culture that beguiled Andrew Dent and made for some compelling school gate conversations.

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Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa

Have you done Greece, Italy, Spain, or even Cornwall? Of course, you have. Well, it’s time to up your school gate holiday conversation game. I give you Zanzibar; a game changer that should put paid to the Ikos versus Sani conversation.

Zanzibar is situated off the coast of Tanzania and is technically part of the East African country. However, it is very much its own thing via a rich history as a trading port, due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Over the centuries it has been controlled by the Portuguese, the British and the Sultan of Oman. So your holiday here will not only be great beaches, but also wonderful food, history and culture.

Although there are currently no direct flights from the UK to Zanzibar, you can go via Doha on Qatar Airways or via Nairobi on British Airways. Both routes take about 13 hours in total. But the thought of leaving behind the grey skies of home in the afternoon and arriving in tropical paradise by the following lunch time should be enough to help you through it.

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Pool views, Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa

Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa, part of the Cocoon Collection

We were staying at Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa on the Northern Coast of Zanzibar. Part of the luxury Italian ‘Cocoon Collection’, this five-star property combines Italian elegance with laid-back island charm.

It’s also one of the best places in East Africa for a beach holiday with kids and, from the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of. Plus, transfers – about 90 minutes – are efficient and friendly, and check-in happens with a welcome drink in hand.

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Beach, Gold Zanzibar

Why Gold Zanzibar is right where you want to be

Set on Kendwa Beach, famous for its long stretch of soft white sand, Gold Zanzibar is right where you want to be. The beach is ideal for families as the ocean is calm, tides are minimal, and it’s safe for even the young ones. Kendwa is always lively with locals selling all manner of colourful gifts. They’re somewhat pushy, as you would expect, but not to the point that you feel it’s too much. Also, whenever you want to retreat into the tranquillity of the resort, you just step back 50 yards and your sanctuary is there.

The resort has two large swimming pools, ideal for parents to relax and kids to spend hours kicking around. One of the pools is close to the main restaurant and beach, while the second offers a quieter spot with plenty of loungers. There’s a shallow paddling pool as well, specifically designed for toddlers, ensuring little ones can safely enjoy the water.

However, accommodation is where Gold Zanzibar really shines for families. Villas and suites are spread across landscaped gardens and beachfront locations, offering privacy and space. Families can choose from deluxe rooms to large beachfront villas with their own pools, and many rooms come with interconnecting doors or sofa beds: perfect for parents travelling with younger children. All rooms are large and elegantly designed, with Zanzibari décor, marble bathrooms, and shaded terraces for napping or reading while the children play.

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Time to chill, Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa

A stand-out kids club gives parents welcome time to chill

For parents, the kids’ club is a standout. Open daily and run by warm, friendly staff, it offers a programme of activities including arts and crafts, beach games, dancing, and storytelling. While the children play under supervision, parents can head to the spa, book a yoga class at the on-site gym, participate in the water sports activities or simply chill out.

Food is another area where Gold Zanzibar excels. The hotel operates on an all-inclusive basis, with flexible dining options, and each meal offers a combination of a laden buffet supported by various food stations where international and local delicacies are prepared.

Breakfast is a big deal, lunch is pretty casual (heat of the middle of the day, I guess) and then dinner is an event with the occasional theme night thrown in. Fresh seafood is a particular highlight: some of the largest prawns you’ll ever see, grilled to perfection.

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Nothing is too much trouble, Gold Zanzibar

Nothing is ever too much trouble at Gold Zanzibar

The staff at Gold Zanzibar deserve a special mention, as they all have an island-vibe charm, coupled with quiet efficiency. They’re also great with the kids, and nothing seems too much trouble, from customising meals for fussy eaters to arranging last-minute trips or even a special birthday surprise.

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View from Stone Town, Zanzibar

Explore Stone Town with local guides or spend a few hours snorkelling

Beyond the beach, Gold Zanzibar is also ideally located for half-day and full-day adventures. A trip to Stone Town, just over an hour away, is one of the most popular excursions and, as well as a chance for families to explore Zanzibar’s fascinating cultural heritage, from spice markets to ancient carved doorways, it’s the place to learn about the island’s unique position at the crossroads between Africa, Arabia, and Europe. Guides can tailor the tour for children, making it both educational and fun, giving you all a feel of the real Zanzibar.

Another popular trip from the hotel is the Mnemba Atoll snorkelling experience. For about $50 per head, you will be picked up from the hotel and driven across to the North Eastern coast line. Here a 20-minute boat trip will take you into the centre of the action. The water is clear and full of marine life. We saw turtles and loads of colourful reef fish. We didn’t get lucky on the dolphins, but apparently more often than not they are in fact there. The whole trip is four hours and well worth it.

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Evening, Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa

Barefoot chill is the mood every evening

Back at the resort, evenings are peaceful and easy going. Families gather around fire pits or walk along the beach. Some nights include live music or small cultural performances, but the overall atmosphere remains low-key and relaxed. There’s no pressure to dress up, it’s all barefoot chill. I would recommend doing the sunset cruise one evening. It is in the resort’s own boat which sets off right in front of the hotel, and the two-hour experience includes swimming and diving off the top deck of the boat. Great fun.

If you are after an exotic holiday with a mix of turquoise water, sand, great food with a smattering of culture and history Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa is a really good option. I also bet not many, if anyone, at your school gate has been before!

How to plan Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa

How to get there

London to Zanzibar, via Nairobi, from 12 hours, 55 minutes

Cocoon Collection private transfer to Gold Zanzibar, 90 minutes

Where to stay

Deluxe Garden View Suite, all-inclusive (2 adults, 2 children) from £655 per night

Full Board available from £458 per night or Half Board from £387 per night

Find out more and book

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