In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree.” It is easy to imagine Samuel Taylor Coleridge himself feeling perfectly at home in this serene beachfront sanctuary. Set along the warm, turquoise shores of the Indian Ocean, Xanadu is an exceptional boutique retreat featuring just a handful of exquisite villas. Each villa is uniquely designed, its graceful curves inspired by the billowing sails of traditional Zanzibari dhows that glide across these shimmering waters.
Opened in 2017, this hidden island gem quickly became one of our most treasured discoveries. Discreet villas are nestled within lush tropical gardens, only steps from sun-kissed sands and the tranquil sea. Xanadu is designed for pure relaxation and indulgence, an idyllic retreat to unwind after an unforgettable safari adventure. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and a variety of ocean activities, all thoughtfully arranged by the dedicated activities team.
The warm and welcoming owners, Eileen and Marcus, passionate collectors of African art, have created a refined yet relaxed atmosphere of understated luxury. Carefully curated artwork and distinctive design pieces complement contemporary furnishings that are both elegant and exceptionally comfortable.
And then there is the cuisine. Simply put, it is among the finest you will experience anywhere in Africa. Led by a talented chef from South Africa, the kitchen celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients, from warm, freshly baked breads and vibrant garden salads to perfectly prepared seafood caught straight from the surrounding ocean. Every dish is beautifully presented and thoughtfully crafted.
A tranquil spa offers restorative treatments designed for relaxation and renewal, while a dedicated private butler attends to every detail of your stay with discreet and attentive service.
Dongwe, Zanzibar
18
9 Villars
En-suite bathrooms
Not allowed
Non-Smocking Rooms
Set within an enchanting island sanctuary of rare privacy and beauty, Xanadu’s nine ultra-exclusive villas offer an extraordinary sense of intimacy and indulgence. Each villa is uniquely designed, blending elegant architecture with the relaxed charm of tropical island living.
Guests retreat to oversized king beds within one or two expansive bedrooms, complemented by spacious living areas, luxurious bathrooms, and private plunge pools. In the magnificent Presidential Mbingu Villa, a dramatic rooftop plunge pool provides breathtaking views and the ultimate sense of seclusion. Outdoor rain showers one of the true pleasures of refined beach living invite guests to refresh beneath the open sky.
Every villa is attended by a dedicated private butler, delivering attentive, discreet service that anticipates every need while preserving complete privacy. Dining at Xanadu is entirely yours to design. Enjoy an intimate dinner served in the comfort of your villa, dine beneath the stars in the elegant main restaurant beside the pool, or indulge in a lavish picnic-style feast on the private beach with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop.
Our hosts’ deep love for Zanzibar and its natural, paradise-like beauty ensures that guests enjoy an exceptional blend of cultural discovery and ocean adventures. A dedicated Activities Director is always on hand to curate and personally accompany each experience, ensuring comfort, safety, and effortless enjoyment.
Spend your days gliding across the turquoise waters on stand-up paddleboards or sea kayaks, exploring vibrant reefs with premium snorkeling gear, or simply unwinding on the powder-white sands while gazing into the endless blue horizon. For those seeking adventure, Xanadu’s private fishing boat—an exhilarating vessel powered by twin 70-horsepower engines—offers thrilling excursions and the opportunity to reel in the catch of the day.
Scuba diving expeditions can be effortlessly arranged, while guided cultural tours reveal the charm of local Zanzibari villages and the intoxicating aromas of the island’s famed spice markets. As the day draws to a close, guests may set sail aboard Xanadu’s traditional Zanzibari dhow for an unforgettable sunset cruise along the Indian Ocean.
Back on shore, indulgence awaits with soothing treatments from a highly skilled massage therapist offering rejuvenating massages, manicures, and pedicures. A charming boutique showcases a curated collection of exquisite jewelry and art personally selected by the owners.
And, of course, the pristine white beach awaits just steps away. A leisurely stroll along its tranquil shoreline—slow, peaceful, and unhurried—is among the simplest yet most sublime pleasures Zanzibar offers. For those concluding a safari adventure, Xanadu provides the perfect sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation on the magical shores of Zanzibar.
Kilindi Zanzibar is a unique boutique retreat set within 50 acres of lush tropical gardens, featuring a collection of white-domed pavilion suites. Originally designed for Benny Andersson, the property blends influences from across Tanzania and Zanzibar.
The design combines Scandinavian simplicity with Middle Eastern architectural elements, creating an open, nature-inspired atmosphere. Each pavilion suite features wide-arched windows, wooden shutters, and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, allowing natural light and ocean breezes to flow through the space for a calm and immersive stay.
Here, where the whisper of the turquoise tide kisses sands of purest white, find a sanctuary for the soul. Surrender to the gentle embrace of Bwejuu Beach, a stretch of paradise so exquisite it earns its praise as one of the world’s most beautiful havens. Nestled beside this pristine shore lies the magnificent Baraza Resort, its thirty secluded villas a testament to Zanzibar’s captivating tapestry of Arabic, Swahili, and Indian influences, each a luxurious echo of a rich heritage.
Days unfold in blissful harmony with the ocean. A magnificent coral reef graces this southeastern coast, transforming the waters into a serene and safe playground for swimmers, and a vibrant underwater world for snorkelers. Carefree hours drift by, buoyed by the gentle currents, perfectly complemented by elegant dining under starlit skies and moments of pure indulgence in the thoughtfully designed spa.
Here, time slows, inviting unhurried moments of old-fashioned rest and relaxation. Let each day be a balm, soothed by the gentle lapping of the waves and the skilled touch of healing hands. This decadent escape, a well-deserved pause after the thrill of an East African luxury safari, is a fitting finale – a taste of paradise to carry home in our hearts.
One of the finest boutique hotels in Stone Town, this beautifully restored former merchant’s house features eleven uniquely styled rooms arranged around a light-filled central courtyard.
The hotel offers two dining options: the Secret Garden Restaurant, set within atmospheric garden ruins, and the rooftop Emerson Spice Tea House, known for its elegant setting and views over the town. Each room is individually designed, combining character and history to provide an authentic Zanzibar experience.
