Emerson Zanzibar
One Foundation
Emerson Zanzibar is made up of one foundation, two heritage hotels, three unique restaurants and four exclusive dining experiences all founded by the flamboyant Emerson Skeens. Inspired by his big-hearted passion for the local community, Skeens formed the Emerson’s Foundation for Zanzibar. And though Skeens passed away in 2014, the Foundation continues to make a difference in the community today.
Two Hotels
Boutique hotels Emerson Spice Hotel and Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel, are consistently rated two of the best hotels in Stone Town. They are within walking distance of each other in the historical heart of Stone Town.
Where to Eat in Stone Town? Try one of our three Restaurants…
Both hotels have an amazing rooftop restaurant overlooking the heart of Stone Town: the Tea House at Emerson Spice Hotel and the Tea House at Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel. In Emerson Spice there is also the magical Secret Garden Restaurant. Visiting these restaurants will offer you a uniquely Zanzibari atmosphere, reflecting the intriguing mix of cultures.
Dining in the magical Secret Garden Restaurant is possible from 17h00 from an à la carte menu or drop in for lunch from 12:00 noon.
The dining experience in the rooftop Tea House restaurants with spectacular views over Stone Town starts at sunset with dinner served promptly at 19h00. There are also live music events on Wednesday and Friday nights. Check the schedule for all our Live Music Events in Stone Town.
Two Stone Town Hotels
Three Top Stone Town Restaurants
Three Top Stone Town Restaurants
Experience the Real Zanzibar
Stay at Spice Hotel
Looking for a place to stay in Stone Town to experience the real Zanzibar?
An inspired and lovingly restored merchant’s house, this boutique hotel has 11 individually designed rooms, which are structured around an airy central courtyard, adding light and spacious sparkle to the building.
The main style of the hotel is a combination of Art Deco and traditional Zanzibar.
A stay at Emerson Spice offers an authentic stylish ambience, amid the vibrant, mystical and magical sounds of the city, with the background calls to prayer from Stone Town’s many mosques.
Flavours of Zanzibar
Three Top Stone Town Restaurants
Two of the best hotels in Stone Town, Emerson Spice and Emerson on Hurumzi between them have the three top restaurants in Stone Town. Each hotel has a restaurant in their rooftop Tea House. The first course of dinner is served promptly at 19h00 and diners are welcomed from 18h00 for the sunset hour in the both rooftop restaurants. There is only one sitting every evening and advance reservations are required. Due to the nature of the set seafood based menu at Emerson Spice Tea House restaurant, dietary requirements are better catered for in our other restaurants. In addition there Stone Town’s most magical Secret Garden Restaurant located in Emerson Spice Hotel.
Emerson Spice Rooftop Tea House Restaurant
The rooftop restaurant at Emerson Spice is our Signature Seafood restaurant offering an informal fine dining tasting menu in eight servings with the freshest local seafood, a creative use of spices and indigenous plants.
The Secret Garden Restaurant Emerson Spice
Secluded and tucked away in a walled garden, the Secret Garden restaurant at Emerson Spice is a romantic, magical haven away from the noisy hustle and bustle of Stone Town.
Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Tea House Restaurant
This restaurant boasts a 360° view over Stone Town and the Indian Ocean. Seating is Swahili style, on thick Persian rugs with low tables. Most evenings, a traditional Taarab band perform.
Spring Special
From the 1st April until the 30th May, Emerson Spice Tea House Restaurant is offering Two Seven Course Fish & Seafood tasting menus, two sunset cocktails, and a bottle of wine, for only $100.
- from 1st April 2026 until 30th May US$ 100 for two.
* Direct reservations: book Emerson Spice Hotel Tea House Restaurant online – request ‘Spring Special’ when you book
Authentic Local Music, Art & Live Events
What’s on in Stone Town, Zanzibar?
Some things to do in Stone Town? Join us at one of our regular evenings of live music events in Stone Town, art exhibitions or other hosted cultural events. From food to film festivals, we are at the heart of this vibrant pulsating Zanzibar capital Stone Town.
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Authentic Stone Town Culture
Where Heritage Meets Passion
Read some of our latest articles and travel blogs. Discover more about the culture, history, art, music and gastronomy of Zanzibar. The magical, timeless story of Zanzibar can be experienced in either of Stone Town’s two famous ‘heritage’ boutique hotels. Emerson Zanzibar is a home-grown brand located in the World Heritage Site of Stone Town. Two unique hotels where culture, history, design and art have richly fused together to create exclusive award-winning experiences. With its partner Emerson’s Foundation, here is the beating heart of community and environmental engagement.
Spring Special
Exclusive to Emerson Spice Hotel Only -EXCLUSIVE EMERSON SPICE SPECIALS- Spring Special From the 1st April until the 30th May, Emerson Spice Tea House Restaurant is offering Two Seven Course Fish & Seafood tasting menus, two sunset cocktails, and a bottle of wine, for only $100. from 1st April 2026 until 30th May US$ 100 for two. * Direct reservations: book Emerson Spice
Emerson Foundation Art Exhibition – Emerson’s Collection 2025
Outside the Lines, an exhibition from Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Collection that offers a rare glimpse into the bold, spirited, and vibrant expressions that defined Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation rare Collection. A special selection of works by the late Mzee Damian Msagula, well loved by the Tanzanian art community.
Emerson Zanzibar Art Awards Exhibition December 2024
The Emerson Zanzibar Foundation 4th year Art Awards and exhibition take place in December 2024 at the Art Gallery between the top Stone Town Hotels of Emerson Spice and Emerson on Hurumzi.
Recommended Holidays in Tanzania
Bush, Beach & Culture Holidays
Explore mainland Tanzania’s classic African Bush safari adventure. Add Zanzibar’s breath-taking coast with clear azure sea shimmering on the Spice Island’s stunning white sands. Immerse yourself in the timeless sounds, tastes and sunsets of Emerson Zanzibar, with truly magical rooftop views. Wander the old alleys steeped in history and local culture in the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site of Stone Town. Why not do all three?
Or why not try this amazing 10 Day Culture, Bush Safari and Beach Package Deal today! A trip of a lifetime to Zanzibar!