...The collection
The Archipelago of Zanzibar
The perfect place to relax post-safari, we round up some of our favourite luxe retreats on and around exotic Zanzibar.
CASTAWAY CHIC
Mnemba Island Lodge
A private island surrounded by a perfect swish of white sand, located off the northeast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island Lodge is a laid-back barefoot beach resort where your every wish is met. Suiting those that enjoy an informal setting but with excellent service, Mnemba Island Lodge is quite simply paradise personified.
With only 12 spacious bandas spread along the shoreline, there’s a feeling of sheer castaway bliss, with a décor made up natural materials: driftwood, linen, wood and stone, topped with a thatched roof. Although it’s tempting to succumb to your tranquil surroundings, there’s lots to see and do. Try sunrise yoga on the beach, a dhow trip at sunset, swimming and snorkelling straight from the beach, watching turtles hatch (between February and March) and enjoying spoiling extras like champagne and sushi as the sun sets.
“With a butler on hand, life at Mnemba Island Lodge is utter bliss, set to your own pace on your own private, and achingly beautiful, tropical island.”
MUST DO
A standout of Mnemba Island Lodge is its snorkelling and diving with some of East Africa’s best dive spots just a short boat ride away in vibrant coral gardens, deep blue drop offs and abundance of marine life including manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, hammerheads and trevally.
Spice Island
Zuri Zanzibar
If you like the sound of being based on spice island Zanzibar itself, then Zuri Zanzibar is one of our top recommendations. Located in the northeast of the island, Zuri is made up of a collection of suites and villas with an infinity pool that overlooks the gorgeous beach. There is also a spa, four bars and flexible dining which means you can have breakfast on the beach, private BBQ’s, seafood picnics or sundowners in secluded spots.
Built to resemble an African village, Zuri engages the senses with its rustic-luxe design, encased in verdant tropical foliage. Inside the décor is dotted with local craft as well as design icons from the 60s, a melange that works well to create a stylish ambience. Private terraces are the place for absolute relaxation with hammocks, sun beds, sea views and steps down to the beach.
“Drift by on a dhow at sunset, have a treatment in the breezy spa, swing in a hammock…life at Zuri is gloriously slow-paced.”
MUST DO
When in Zanzibar, allow us to arrange a private tour to UNESCO-protected Stone Town, where you can see the historical influence of Sultans, Arabs and Europeans through its architecture and sights such as the Slave Markets, Anglican Cathedral, Palace of the Sultans and the old Arabic fort.
VILLA HAPPINESS
Xanadu
Sometimes a villa really captures the best of both worlds, and this is certainly the case at Xanadu, located on Zanzibar’s east coast. Made up of just nine exceptional villas, Xanadu is characterised by high-design architecture, excellent five-star service and access to one of Zanzibar’s best and most blindingly white beaches. With a fusion of contemporary interior design and classic Zanzibari style, Xanadu makes it easy to get into holiday mode in your spacious villa with private plunge pool and rooftop terrace clad in treetop palms and overhanging tropical foliage, a secluded spot that’s perfect for that post-beach sun downer.
With an on-site kitchen garden, the ocean just a few steps away and aromatic herbs and spices the mainstay of Zanzibar cuisine, dining at Xanadu is a highlight, a sensory experience enjoyed through fresh coconut, seafood, curries and grilled meats which can be savoured on beach picnics, in the privacy of your villa, under the stars or even on a sandbank.
“With exceptionally designed and spacious villas which come with a butler, you won’t want for anything at Xanadu.”
MUST DO
Being located on Zanzibar’s most dazzling beach has its advantages. Morning swims, afternoon walks and sunbathing can be enjoyed alongside paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkelling, right off the beach.
BEACH HEAVEN
White Sands Villas
As the name suggests, this hotel is found on a stretch of impossibly white sand on Paje beach in southeast Zanzibar, its powdery softness just steps from the suites, villas and rooms that make up White Sands. Blending with sensitivity into the natural surroundings, the resort appears like a fishing village, with thatched huts, wooden bandas and stone walls fusing around palm trees and exotically flowering shrubs.
Sandy paths lead from the villas to the conical-shaped, open-sided dining room where aromatic Zanzibarian dishes are served brimming with local spices and fresh seafood. At the spa, open treatment rooms allow the sea breeze and sounds of the waves to become part of your wellness journey. For those looking for a particularly restorative stay, we recommend the spacious villas which are enclosed by overflowing verdancy and have a separate day area which includes a shaded lounge, seating area and pool. The sleeping quarters have heavenly outdoor bathrooms too.
“Enjoy the turquoise colours of the Indian Ocean with a stay at luxe retreat White Sands, perfectly placed for beach lovers.”
MUST DO
If activity strikes, the hotel has its own kite-surfing school where you can take advantage of the Zanzibari breeze to surf the wave-crested ocean. If that sounds too strenuous, gently paddle the transparent waters in a see-through kayak.
The review
Arijiju Retreat
A sensational private-hire house hewn into a hillside of Laikipia’s Borana Conservancy, Arijiju is an architectural hideaway with views to Mount Kenya.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
Trip idea
Tanzania & Zanzibar – Northern Circuit Safari
Insight
The Great Migration – When & Where
