Luxurious Zanzibar
tanzania
Zanzibar
“Get lost in a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets and massive arabian wooden doors of Stone Town. Have a walk along gorgeous beaches alive with local culture, sail ancient dhow boats, and dance at Zanzibar’s annual music festival held in an ancient stone fort. Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island due to the delicious variety of spices grown on the island’s many plantations. Delight in the lingering scent of spices and the vibrant markets, which can be found around almost every corner in Stone Town. Zanzibar is an island steeped in culture and history — a destination that brought adventurers, seafarers, and traders from far and wide. The archipelago is set in the Indian Ocean and is surrounded by pristine waters, dotted with beautiful dhows (traditional Arabic sailboats), and home to a plethora of underwater inhabitants. ”
WHAT WE LOVE
Wandering Stone Town's narrow cobblestone streets and bustling marketplaces
Swimming in the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, dotted with beautiful dhows (traditional Arabic sailboats)
Visiting rare Kirk's red colobus monkey and Aders' duiker monkey in Jozani Forest Reserve
Stunning beachside resorts and hideaways
Exceptional underwater aquatic life
Sauti za Busara music festival held every February
REST & REJUVENATE
Zuri Zanzibar: Lush tropical gardens surround the villas at Zuri Zanzibar, a gorgeous property that sits tucked into an isolated lagoon on a white sandy beach. Zuri’s location is more than picturesque, it’s also in a spot that avoids the receding water during low tide that leave long stretches of sand before you reach the ocean. The airy bungalows are decorated with billowing canopy beds and African art, and each has a private deck with jacuzzi and private beach access. Zuri is about a two hour drive from Stone Town, making it a good choice for travelers who want the tranquil vibes of a secluded beach resort with the option of taking a day trip to engage with the local culture in town.
Jafferji House & Spa: Jafferji House & Spa is a bohemian-chic boutique hotel located right in the heart of Stone Town. Housed in a restored historic home, filled antiques and artifacts collected from all over the world, and further decorated with hand carved wooden beds and bannisters. The hotel is small, with just 10 rooms and suites. There is a lovely spa and two restaurants, one of which is located on the top floor terrace with views over the rooftops and winding alleyways of Stone Town. Availability of cultural experiences like cooking or drum lessons and coffee ceremonies as well as traditional dhow cruises, whale watching and island picnics make this a top choice for those who want access to plenty of activities while on a luxury beach trip.
Xanadu: On Zanzibar’s southeast coast six elegant villas surround a pristine swimming pool in the midst of verdant tropical gardens, and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean just steps away. With a private butler, rooftop plunge pool, and luxury spa services brought to your door it may be tempting to indulge in seclusion, however a sunset cruise aboard a traditional Zanzibari dhow or candlelit dinner on a private beach will certainly draw you out. Made to order meals from Xanadu’s celebrated chef mix global flavors with Swahili influences and are enhanced by herbs from the local garden. Celebrate life by finding your rhythm in time with the waves.
White Sand Villas: A Relais & Chateaux property on Zanzibar’s east coast, White Sand Villas is a dreamlike oasis offering the highest level of privacy. Each luxurious and spacious beachfront villa has a private plunge pool, outdoor tub and shower, all nestled within 1500 square meters of lush private gardens. Standout memories from this trip of a lifetime might include gliding along calm waters during sunset at Paje Beach, known as one of the world’s best kitesurfing destinations, or relaxing into a luscious spa treatment that envelopes you with the same Zanzibari scents and spices that give flavor to your extraordinary meals. In the evening a romantic toast at the resort’s rooftop tops off a truly magical day.
Zawadi: Set on a cliff with stunning views of the Indian Ocean as far as the eye can see and a private white sand beach inlet, Zawadi Hotel is the epitome of both tranquility and laid-back elegance. Each of six gorgeous villas has a spacious terrace surrounded by bougainvillea and coconut palms that give way to the expansive ocean views this property is so famous for. Relaxation goes beyond accommodation Zawadi’s beautiful spa, where Thai and Balinese therapists will soothe away the day’s activities, whether snorkeling, sunbathing on the sand, or making use of the resort’s own outdoor jogging trail. Intimate evenings await at the resort’s airy dining room and elegant bar where you’ll share delectable treats with your loved ones and hope you never have to leave.
Private Islands
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island can only be described as utopian, but lucky for you, it actually exists. This previously uninhabited island rests just 5 km from the eastern coast of Zanzibar and at its centre lies a tropical forest, home to cute, spaniel-sized suni antelope and entrancingly colorful butterflies. The lodge itself boasts ten private bandas, constructed from hand-woven coconut palm and local timber, and nestled perfectly between the lush forest on one side and the sparkling white beach and turquoise blue waters on the other.
Thanda Island
For the past decade, Thanda Island has been a private home to investors & philanthropists from Sweden, the Olofsson family – but as of 2016, for the very first time, they are opening their aquatic retreat to passionate travelers seeking an eco-friendly, conservation-minded, far-flung, private luxury adventure – a tropical island with a single villa cast amidst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean off the eastern shores of Tanzania. Situated in its’ own marine reserve, you can bathe in blue heaven with the gentlest giant of the ocean, the whale shark, dive with dugongs & dolphins, discover vibrant & unspoiled coral reefs, catch a glimpse of humpback whales and witness sea turtle nesting. Here, you can rest, rejuvenate, enjoy adventure sports and explore your idyllic island playground, where shades of turquoise infuse your days and tropic spices your nights.
