Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa, Zanzibar

rooms

Choose from elegant one and two bed villas, set in the tropical gardens, that offer plenty of space with separate living rooms, large terraces, private pools and outdoor bathrooms. The huge Presidential Five Bed villa with its rooftop hot tub and huge private plot is great for multigenerational family holidays (and comes complete with, *whisper*, your own private butler). Alternatively, the presidential villa can be split into lovely individual Deluxe Rooms, each of which share the villa entrance, garden grounds and living rooms. (Families to note that there may not be a guarantee that two Deluxe Rooms will be in the same villa, and as such, due to the private pools, the resort will decide on a case by case basis whether they will host children under 15 in these rooms)

The Cinnamon rooms offer a beautiful option for those of us on a budget. These are found tucked together, overlooking the gardens and near to the beach. You’ll enjoy a private terrace, hot tub and garden. The Cinnamon Family Room is a great option for larger families, with two bedrooms, private garden, dining area and just a few steps from the main pool. Holiday heaven.

facilities & activities

While the pool and its shady cabanas pack a luxurious punch, really its all about the beach here. Straight out of a glossy brochure, the white beach and the crystal clear, calm waters are psychedelic in colour and perfect for swimming, snorkelling and kite surfing – the hotel even boasts its own kitesurfing school. There are windsurfs, paddle boards and transparent kayaks for rent. On land, there are bikes for hire for those who fancy exploring a little part of this island paradise. The excursions are plentiful too; from spending an afternoon in the ancient trading town of Stonetown, to wild dolphin swimming, to lunch on an island, to day trips to Jozani National Park discovering the jabbering monkeys and a taste of rural Zanzibar. The cherry on the top is a selection of short safaris to the mainland for those who really don’t want to miss out. These range from 12 hours to 3 nights with every possible detail taken care of. You’ll be returned to your room having had a taste of African magic and perhaps a camera full of ‘The Big Five’- now that’s a beach-flop with a difference!

dining

The hotel is usually booked on a half-board basis (although full board and Bed and Breakfast is optional too). The elegant main restaurant, ‘Doors to Zanzibar’ is simply and beautifully decorated with local Zanzibar artefacts; choose a seat on the terrace overlooking the pool and enjoy traditional Zanzibari fare such as fish curries and spice-dusted prawns alongside more familiar club sandwiches and chicken wraps.

The Beachfront restaurant is shady and welcoming, serving up sizzling barbequed fish and meats alongside fresh salads and smoothies that restore and replenish.
And with 3 different bars to choose from, the most difficult question will be whether you decide to enjoy your sundowner on the terrace, on the beach or the Champagne Bar set on the roof of the restaurant with its incredible sunset views.

family

Families are very welcome here. The Two Bed Villa offers spacious accommodation connected by an external staircase and your own private garden, while the more budget friendly Cinnamon Rooms have two bed options and are located in one building. Cots and extra beds can be added to each room. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, including child friendly water-sports, a paddling pool and an outdoor playground.

location

The resort is found on Zanzibar’s southeast coast, around an hours’ drive from the airport. Transfers can be arranged directly with the resort.