Uroa Bay Beach Resort in Uroa, Tanzania, is a large beachfront hotel on the east coast of Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja. Travellers searching for it often also compare Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa, a bigger resort a little further north at Kiwengwa. This guide covers both so you can decide which suits you.
Details come from tour-operator and booking listings checked in October 2026. Resorts on Zanzibar are refurbished and rebranded from time to time, so confirm the current name, rooms and prices before booking.
Uroa Bay Beach Resort at a Glance
Uroa is a quiet fishing village on the central east coast, roughly 40 km from Stone Town and the airport. The resort sits on its own stretch of beach and offers a large pool, a spa, restaurants and bars, and organised excursions.
Room counts and star ratings vary between listings, and guest reviews are mixed: many praise the staff and food, while some mention upkeep issues. Like much of the east coast, the beach has strong tides and seaweed at times, so swimming depends on the time of day. Our overview of Uroa Beach explains the area in more detail.
Bluebay Beach Resort and Spa, Kiwengwa
Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa stands on the beach at Kiwengwa, north of Uroa. Listings describe a resort of more than 100 rooms in garden and sea-facing categories, suites, a spa, several restaurants and an adults-oriented club area with its own pool.
Kiwengwa is one of Zanzibar’s main resort strips, so there are more hotels, beach bars and activities within walking distance. Other options here include Diamonds Mapenzi Beach and the resorts covered in our Kiwengwa beach resort guide.
Which East-Coast Resort Suits You?
Choose Uroa if you want a calmer village setting and fewer crowds. Choose Kiwengwa if you prefer a bigger resort with more facilities and nightlife nearby. Both are about an hour’s drive from the airport.
East-coast beaches are tidal: at low tide the sea can retreat far out, which is great for walks and seeing local seaweed farmers, but not for swimming. Check tide times when planning your day.
Booking Tips
Compare the same room category across several sites, confirm whether your rate is half board or all-inclusive, and ask about airport transfers and the Zanzibar tourist insurance requirement.
To compare beaches across the island, see our guide to the best beaches in Zanzibar.
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