Ycona Luxury Resort

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Eco-luxury pool villa resort on a private bay, east coast of Zanzibar

No. 61 · Autumn 2026

Aerial view of villa rooftops, the lagoon-style pool and rocky shoreline, Ycona Luxury Resort

Welcome

A private bay on Zanzibar's east coast

Ycona Luxury Resort is an eco-luxury resort of 40 private pool villas on the east coast of Zanzibar, set in tropical gardens above its own white-sand bay.

Ycona sits along the east coast of Zanzibar, above a 500 metre white-sand bay in the north of Marumbi. The resort owns more than 60,000 square metres of tropical forest and spice garden overlooking the Indian Ocean, and has 40 private villas, four restaurants and three bars.

A shaded setting for two on the sand bank at low tide, Ycona Luxury Resort

The setting

Weddings from the sand banks to the spice gardens

Ceremonies and celebrations can be arranged on the sand banks, the beach, the private caves, the villas, the Y pool deck, the Ycona Spice and Botanic Gardens or the Ycona Tropical Lake. The resort's wedding planners help couples set a budget, choose a menu and decoration, and find photographers and a band. The newlyweds receive one complimentary night.

Where: Marumbi, east coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Stay: 40 private pool villas
Ceremony: Sand banks, beach, caves, villas or gardens
Price: On enquiry

The celebration

How the day is held

6 spaces for the day.

Villa living area opening onto the private pool, Ycona Luxury Resort

Private pool villas

Forty villas, each with a private pool and an immersed dining table, in beach, jungle and family layouts.

Private beach setting with cushions, hammock and lanterns, Ycona Luxury Resort

Sand banks at low tide

At low tide the bay forms treeless sand banks used for private breakfasts and excursions.

Private dining set in a coral cave, Ycona Luxury Resort

Wedding planner service

Planners guide couples through budget, menu, decoration, photographers and music.

Pool villa and garden at night, Ycona Luxury Resort

Where to stay

Rest, close at hand

40 rooms and suites.

Villas on the rocky shore beside the beach, Ycona Luxury Resort

Rooms

Luxury Signature Three Bedroom Villa with Pool

Three king-size bedrooms with a 75 sqm private pool, garden splash tub and garden or lake view, sleeping six adults.

Pool villa at night with the pool and terrace lit, Ycona Luxury Resort

Rooms

Luxury Three Bedroom Villa with Pool

Three king-size bedrooms and a large kitchen, with a 75 sqm private pool and immersed table.

The beach and pool lounge above the turquoise Indian Ocean, Ycona Luxury Resort

Rooms

Luxury Two Bedroom Villa with Pool

Two king-size bedrooms with a 75 sqm private pool and lake view.

Pool villa from above with its private pool, Ycona Luxury Resort

Location

Getting there

Airport: Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume, 26 km straight line distance
Airport: Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere, 90 km straight line distance

Dining

Dining, spa and low-tide experiences

Restaurants include the heart-shaped fine dining restaurant The Heart of Zanzibar, the Ycona Beach Lounge and the farm-to-table Mama Africa. Private dining can be set in a villa, beside a private pool or on the sand banks at low tide. The Cave Spa overlooks a tropical lake, and its Coral Cave Massage takes place in natural coral chambers revealed when the sea recedes.