Park Hyatt Zanzibar

The Park Hyatt occupies one of Stone Town's most storied seafront buildings: the Mambo Msiige, a 17th-century Zanzibari mansion whose name translates roughly as 'do not imitate', joined to a sympathetic newer wing. Carved doors, barazas, antique chests and Omani-Indian-Swahili detailing honour the trading-port culture that earned Stone Town its UNESCO listing, while the hotel's systems and comforts are thoroughly contemporary.

Rooms in both wings look either into the labyrinth of the old town or out across the water, where dhows cross the horizon at sunset. The infinity pool on the ocean terrace is the property's golden hour magnet, and the residential-style lounge serves Zanzibari spiced coffee and afternoon tea in rooms that feel more private house than hotel.

Stone Town's markets, the former slave-trade memorial, the Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens' evening food stalls all lie within a short walk—this is a hotel for engaging with the island's history, not for beach idleness, though the famous east-coast sands are an easy day trip. As a cultured first or last stop on a Zanzibar itinerary, it is the clear leader.