Indulge your Senses at Ycona Luxury Resort in Zanzibar

Imagine waking up to the warm sun caressing your face, having your first-morning coffee in your private pool sitting at your submerged dining table, strolling through a curated tropical garden, and only being a couple of steps away from the sparkling shores of the Indian Ocean, all of this and more is possible when residing in the recently-opened Ycona Luxury Resort in Zanzibar, a secluded haven designed for couples and their special celebrations, a swift 45-minute drive from the airport.

Situated amid a mix of tropical forest, manicured grounds and spice gardens spanning more than 60,000smq, this 5-star, eco-friendly resort boasts 40 private villas, a contemporary-styled beach lounge, 4 restaurants, 3 bars, an underground wine cellar, a gym, a spa with yoga patio, a forest trail and a 50m private pearlescent beach just moments away. Everything lovebirds could wish for to make everlasting memories together can be found in one place. Couples seeking tranquillity and relaxation have landed in paradise, where luxury meets nature to create an unforgettable experience for two.

Sustainability is at the core of Ycona Luxury Resort. The team is committed to minimising human footprint by working towards being completely carbon neutral, and their boutique concept helps limit imprint on the environment. The resort plans to be the first carbon-neutral, eco-friendly resort in East Africa and is committed to solar conditioning and solar-powered thermal solutions. Not only this but with low waste, giving back to the community and using farm-to-table solutions, Ycona Luxury Resort is a pioneer in sustainability in Tanzania and all of East Africa.

Weddings

When planning your special day at Ycona Luxury Resort, the sky’s the limit. From a ceremony on the sandbanks to a charming celebration with the Ycona Botanic Garden as your backdrop, the options for tying the knot are unlimited. Every wedding is unique and features a planning service to make it happen before your eyes. Choose between two main packages and tailor them to your needs (packages are for a min of 2 guests and max of 100).

Pick the venue of your dreams, whether you prefer the glistening Indian Ocean to frame your day with the soft sands between your toes or the hundreds of trees, colourful flowers and fragrant spices staging your union. In your package, you’ll receive beautiful floral decorations, a wedding cake and a bottle of sparkling wine after the ceremony (the Silver Package starts from $1500). Upgrade to the Gold Package and receive photography and videography for your ceremony and a romantic, 3-course dinner on the beach with a bonfire (starting at $3000). To elevate your special event, the first honeymoon night is complimentary, and with the Gold Package, couples can experience a mesmerising sunset cruise in addition to lots of bespoke touches to add to their celebration.

Start Married Life

With a hospitable team and a paradisiac resort to enjoy, honeymooners feel right at home within a few seconds upon arriving at Ycona Luxury Resort. Every corner has been designed in detail and with the highest standards and quality materials. Newlyweds can choose from an array of luxury villas displaying natural light, complete privacy, Italian finishing and an elegant African touch. Positioned directly on the private beach, the Honeymoon Beach Front Villas tick all the boxes with their 40sqm pool equipped with an immersed table, a panoramic rooftop with a jacuzzi, and a private garden. Ycona Luxury Resort has a plethora of settings for you to delight in, whether you’d like to wake up to the sound of the jungle, a tropical lake view, with the ocean a stone’s throw away or the aromas of the spice gardens, whichever your preference, there are villas and suites to satisfy your requests.

Indulge all your senses with a Ycona Signature Journey reserved for couples and their spa moments. Select from exceptional locations, such as their Tropical Lake Spa, the beach, the privacy of your own villa, and the mysterious beach cave, and unwind with facial and body treatments crafted with tropical oils to take you on a sensory journey through the jungle.

It’s not only the wellness aspect that will uplift your stay. There’s much more to experience, starting with a culinary adventure in one of the restaurants, offering different luscious temptations from farm-to-table to fine dining under the stars. Mama Africa, for example, is a limited-seating restaurant tucked away in the Ycona Botanic Garden, where couples can select their freshly caught fish and home-grown vegetables for a quintessential farm-to-table experience, in a romantic setting. For a memorable evening, surprise your loved one with a special dinner and celebrate with a fine dining date night inside the iconic heart-shaped restaurant, The Heart of Zanzibar. For complete privacy, the in-suite chef cooking show is an unforgettable gastronomic occasion to share with your better half. For more casual dining options, the Ycona Beach Lounge offers fresh and quick bites and an Italian aperitif at sunset. And for a tasty pizza, the Jungle Pizzeria near the Ycona Tropical Lake is a must-try. With a wooden oven, delight in handmade pizzas.

Escape to a tropical oasis in one of Zanzibar’s most magical destinations. Revel in the resort’s luxurious facilities or adventure out to some of the most mesmerising attractions, such as the World Heritage Site of Stone Town or a trip to the Jozani Forest to visit the Colobus Monkeys, all is possible at Ycona Luxury Resort.