Ycona Luxury Resort
Zanzibar, Tanzanie
Set on Zanzibar's unspoiled east coast, Ycona Luxury Resort reveals a more authentic and untouched side of the island. This villa-only eco-luxury retreat is set within 60,000 sqm of lush tropical gardens and stretches along 500 metres of private white-sand beach, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and Zanzibar's iconic sandbanks.
Conceived by an Italian couple, Ycona was born from the vision of creating a destination where hospitality, nature and responsible luxury come together in perfect harmony. Its name is inspired by the letter "Y", a symbol of women and their essential role in society. This philosophy is reflected throughout the resort through a strong commitment to female leadership, equal opportunities and the empowerment of local talent.
The resort features 40 independent villas, ranging from one to three bedrooms, including 14 villas with private pools. Designed for couples, honeymooners and families alike, Ycona offers four restaurants, threebars, a large swimming pool, The Cave Spa, and a curated collection of bespoke experiences, ensuring every stay is entirely personalised.
Recognised by the World Travel Awards, Ycona Luxury Resort was named "Zanzibar's Leading Villa Resort 2025", a prestigious accolade celebrating the excellence of its hospitality, service and guest experience.
Ideally located just 45 minutes from Zanzibar International Airport, Stone Town and the ferry terminal, Ycona provides the perfect base from which to explore the island's most iconic attractions. A private helipad, currently under development, will soon further enhance the resort's accessibility, offering seamless arrivals and exclusive private transfers.
Ycona Luxury Resort / DESCRIPTION
Sleep in elegance & sophistication
VILLAS
An Exceptional Setting to Call Home
Comprising exclusively private villas, Ycona Luxury Resort offers an intimate retreat where privacy, tranquillity and nature come together in perfect harmony. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, each villa has been designed to provide a seamless connection with its natural surroundings while delivering the highest standards of comfort and refinement.
The resort features 40 private villas, thoughtfully divided into three distinct collections :
Beach Villas
14 one-bedroom villas (85 sqm interior | 600 sqm plot)
- 4 Honeymoon Beachfront Villas with private pool, occupying the resort's most exclusive oceanfront locations.
- 4 Signature Beachfront Villas with private pool.
- 6 Signature Villas with private pool.
Family Villas
5 two- and three-bedroom villas (1,000 sqm plots)
- 2 Luxury Two-Bedroom Villas with private pool (180 sqm interior).
- 1 Luxury Signature Three-Bedroom Villa with private pool and fully equipped kitchen (210 sqm interior), with a private chef available upon request.
- 2 Luxury Three-Bedroom Villas with private pool and fully equipped kitchen (210 sqm interior), with a private chef available upon request.
Jungle Villas
21 villas immersed in tropical greenery (180 sqm interior | 450 sqm plot)
- 1 Rooftop Ocean View Jungle Villa featuring a private rooftop plunge pool.
- 10 Rooftop Jungle Villas with private rooftop plunge pools.
- 10 Jungle Villas.
Every villa blends contemporary architecture, elegant Italian furnishings, locally sourced Tanzanian Tanga stone, and handcrafted details by local artisans, reflecting Ycona's philosophy where luxury and sustainability exist in perfect balance.
Indulge your every need
THE CAVE SPA
A Sanctuary of Wellbeing
Hidden within a natural cave and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, The Cave Spa offers a serene escape where time seems to stand still. Designed to reconnect body and mind, it features two treatment rooms, a hair salon, manicure and pedicure areas, and peaceful relaxation spaces arranged around a natural waterfall and flourishing banana trees.
Wellbeing
Ycona's wellness experience extends beyond the spa with a stilted fitness studio and a floating yoga deck overlooking the water, creating an inspiring setting for movement and mindfulness. Guests can also enjoybespoke massages, either at the spa or in the privacy of their villa, for a truly personalised wellness journey.
For Families
Designed with families in mind, Ycona offers spacious two and three-bedroom Family Villas, alongside a wide range of facilities for all ages. Guests can enjoy the resort's expansive swimming pool, and a dedicated children's playground featuring a charming wooden pirate ship.
To further enhance the family experience, a Kids Club will soon open, expanding the resort's dedicated facilities and activities for younger guests.
Pamper your palate
RESTAURANTS & BARS
A Celebration of Flavour
Gastronomy lies at the heart of the Ycona experience, with four distinctive restaurants and three bars, each offering its own unique atmosphere and culinary identity.
The Heart of Zanzibar
The resort's signature fine dining restaurant is instantly recognisable by its iconic heart-shaped architecture and can accommodate up to 200 guests. Its rooftop, currently being redesigned, will soon become Ycona'smost exclusive setting for romantic proposals, intimate celebrations and private events.
Mama Africa
Nestled within the botanical gardens, Mama Africa celebrates the vibrant flavours of Zanzibar and the Middle East through a farm-to-table philosophy. The experience is enhanced by lively African evenings featuringtraditional Maasai performances.
Slyce
Led by an Italian chef, Slyce serves authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on handcrafted pizzas baked in a traditional pizza oven imported directly from Italy, alongside a selection of grilled specialities.
Ycona Beach Lounge
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, Ycona Beach Lounge offers all-day dining in a relaxed beachfront setting. The menu features international cuisine, freshly grilled seafood, sushi and wood-fired pizzas. It is also whereguests enjoy breakfast each morning, with uninterrupted views of the ocean.
In-Villa Dining
Guests may savour private dining experiences in the comfort of their villa through the resort's in-villa dining service. For villas equipped with a full kitchen, a private chef can also be arranged upon request, creatingbespoke culinary experiences tailored to each guest.
From morning until late evening, Ycona's bars, including the Ycona Beach Lounge Bar and the elegant lounge at The Heart of Zanzibar offer the perfect setting to unwind. The experience will soon be complemented by The Cave Winery, an exclusive wine cellar set within a natural cave, promising intimate tastings in a truly unique atmosphere.
Savour your surroundings
EXPERIENCES
Discover the Authentic Spirit of Zanzibar
Designed as a destination in its own right, Ycona Luxury Resort curates a collection of bespoke experiences, each tailored to create unforgettable moments and reveal the authentic beauty of Zanzibar.
Among the signature experiences:
Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of your villa's pool.
Sandbank Experience, discovering Zanzibar's iconic white sandbanks.
Private Dining Experiences in spectacular and secluded settings.
Coral Cave Massages, surrounded by the island's natural beauty.
Cave Aperitif, an exclusive sunset experience in a natural cave.
Signature Yoga Sessions and Spa Rituals at The Cave Spa.
Daily Spice Garden Tour, celebrating Zanzibar's rich spice heritage.
Wine Tastings in a natural cave (coming soon).
Each experience is thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in the island's landscapes, culture and traditions, while reflecting Ycona's philosophy of personalised luxury.
Activities
Explore Zanzibar at Your Own Pace
Zanzibar's east coast offers a unique natural spectacle, shaped by the rhythm of the tides. At low tide, Ycona transforms this extraordinary phenomenon into unforgettable experiences, from massages in coral cavesand private picnics on pristine sandbanks to starfish discovery walks and exclusive excursions.
The resort's team also curates tailor-made journeys across the island, inviting guests to discover the cultural treasures of Stone Town, Zanzibar's renowned spice plantations, breathtaking coastal landscapes and the island's most spectacular turquoise beaches.
Within the resort, guests enjoy a wealth of facilities and activities, including a private white-sand beach equipped for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling and beach volleyball at low tide. Ycona also features a main swimming pool with a cocktail bar, a games room, a boutique, a children's play area, a jogging trail, and on-call medical assistance. Four-legged companions are equally welcome, withdedicated pet-friendly services ensuring every member of the family enjoys a memorable stay.
Design your private, exclusive events
HONEYMOONS, WEDDINGS & PRIVATE EVENTS
Celebrate Life's Most Meaningful Moments
Inspired by the theme of love, Ycona Luxury Resort has become one of East Africa's most sought-after destinations for honeymoons, marriage proposals and unforgettable celebrations. Every occasion is thoughtfullycurated, from dedicated honeymoon packages and personalised wedding planning services to private dinners set in breathtaking, secluded locations.
The resort has already hosted exclusive celebrations for more than 150 guests, offering the possibility to privatise its villas, restaurants and event spaces for complete exclusivity. Ycona also develops tailor-made experiences for groups, incentive trips, corporate retreats and private events, ensuring every gathering is as unique as its setting.
All you have to do is dream. We'll take care of the rest.
The 4Y Commitment
Luxury with Purpose
At Ycona Luxury Resort, luxury and responsibility go hand in hand, guided by one clear conviction: to deliver an experience that is ethical, responsible and sustainable, without ever compromising on luxury.
Conceived by an Italian couple, Ycona was created from the vision of building a destination where hospitality, nature and conscious living exist in perfect harmony. Its name is inspired by the letter "Y", a symbol of women and their essential role in society. This philosophy is reflected throughout the resort through a strong commitment to female leadership, equal opportunities and the empowerment of local talent.
Ycona's commitment extends far beyond hospitality. The resort embraces renewable energy, cultivates its own organic vegetable garden and spice plantation, and transforms seaweed collected from its beaches intonatural compost. Deeply rooted in the local community, more than 90% of the resort's team is Tanzanian, supported by an ongoing investment in training, career development and long-term opportunities.
Ycona represents a new generation of luxury resorts, where every choice is guided by purpose and every detail contributes to a more responsible future.
