Kilindi Zanzibar | Best Tanzania Beach Lodges

The place

As I meander through the oceanside tropical gardens at Kilindi Zanzibar, I’m amazed at the wide variety of endemic trees, shrubs and plants. The balmy air is redolent with fresh flowers and a cool breeze wafts in from the sea. I decide to take a stroll to the private beach, 500m of unspoilt white sands stretching across the northwest coast of Zanzibar, just south of Kendwa.

The room

I lie on a sun lounger, utterly relaxed. Khalfan, our private butler, has already come to check if we’d like to have lunch on the beachfront, somehow anticipating my desire to do so. Up ahead a multitude of traditional wooden dhows pass, legacy of over 500 years of spice trade. After an incredible lunch, we head back to our Omani-style arched villa, a two-story architectural marvel which somehow successfully combines Middle Eastern and Scandinavian influences. Khalfan tells us that the hotel was originally designed as a private holiday home for Benny Andersson, one of the members of the 1970s pop group ABBA. Keen to wash off the sea salt, I quickly dive into our plunge pool on the roof terrace, which consists of two pools linked by water features and a waterfall that leads to the main infinity pool down below. My partner meanwhile, an architectural enthusiast, is busy exclaiming about the villa’s unique domed roof with stained-glass skylight and the white shutters on arched glassless windows, which allow the gentle ocean breeze to waft through the rooms. I’m soon drawn into the enthusiasm and we explore our villa in more detail, from the open-air bathroom with its rainfall shower to the outdoor pavilion with day beds to enjoy the views. The massive four-poster bed even has its own air conditioner within the mosquito netting, which provides a bubble of cool should the sea breezes coming through the shutters not be enough. Could life here be any more idyllic?

I lie on a sun lounger, utterly relaxed. Khalfan, our private butler, has already come to check if we’d like to have lunch on the beachfront, somehow anticipating my desire to do so. Up ahead a multitude of traditional wooden dhows pass, legacy of over 500 years of spice trade.

After an incredible lunch, we head back to our Omani-style arched villa, a two-story architectural marvel which somehow successfully combines Middle Eastern and Scandinavian influences. Khalfan tells us that the hotel was originally designed as a private holiday home for Benny Andersson, one of the members of the 1970s pop group ABBA. Keen to wash off the sea salt, I quickly dive into our plunge pool on the roof terrace, which consists of two pools linked by water features and a waterfall that leads to the main infinity pool down below.

My partner meanwhile, an architectural enthusiast, is busy exclaiming about the villa’s unique domed roof with stained-glass skylight and the white shutters on arched glassless windows, which allow the gentle ocean breeze to waft through the rooms. I’m soon drawn into the enthusiasm and we explore our villa in more detail, from the open-air bathroom with its rainfall shower to the outdoor pavilion with day beds to enjoy the views. The massive four-poster bed even has its own air conditioner within the mosquito netting, which provides a bubble of cool should the sea breezes coming through the shutters not be enough. Could life here be any more idyllic?

What sets it apart

I love having a personal butler to attend to our every need, including recommending the best activities and excursions that Zanzibar has to offer. The public areas never feel crowded as we can choose to dine wherever and whenever we want, with ingredients served fresh from the organic garden or the ocean. The spa’s treatment programme is also completely tailored to our needs. Then there’s the waterfall bar at the main pavilion, which overlooks the large infinity pool with stunning views of the bay. We spent many a happy hour here sipping cocktails and marvelling at the sheer magic that Kilindi Zanzibar offers – fresh flowers on our bed every day, handwritten notes, mouthwatering food and staff who provide impeccable service, while making you feel like part of the family. And I haven’t even got started on the diving, which is spectacular in Zanzibar’s turquoise waters.

I love having a personal butler to attend to our every need, including recommending the best activities and excursions that Zanzibar has to offer. The public areas never feel crowded as we can choose to dine wherever and whenever we want, with ingredients served fresh from the organic garden or the ocean.

The spa’s treatment programme is also completely tailored to our needs. Then there’s the waterfall bar at the main pavilion, which overlooks the large infinity pool with stunning views of the bay. We spent many a happy hour here sipping cocktails and marvelling at the sheer magic that Kilindi Zanzibar offers – fresh flowers on our bed every day, handwritten notes, mouthwatering food and staff who provide impeccable service, while making you feel like part of the family.

And I haven’t even got started on the diving, which is spectacular in Zanzibar’s turquoise waters.

At a glance

Luxurious and romantic private getaway with tropical gardens, spa, large infinity pool, waterfall bar and restaurant. The 15 spacious Middle Eastern and Scandinavian-styled double-story pavilions each have their own plunge pools, outdoor pavilion and sun loungers.
Private butler, private dining and flexible schedules.
Snorkelling, scuba diving, watersports, fishing, catamaran and exotic sunset dhow cruises (additional costs), spa treatments (additional cost), Stone Town walking tour (additional cost), spice farm tour and Jozani Forest day trips (additional cost).
Children from 16 are welcome. Family groups can be accommodated when the hotel is booked out on an exclusive basis.

Luxurious and romantic private getaway with tropical gardens, spa, large infinity pool, waterfall bar and restaurant. The 15 spacious Middle Eastern and Scandinavian-styled double-story pavilions each have their own plunge pools, outdoor pavilion and sun loungers.
Private butler, private dining and flexible schedules.
Snorkelling, scuba diving, watersports, fishing, catamaran and exotic sunset dhow cruises (additional costs), spa treatments (additional cost), Stone Town walking tour (additional cost), spice farm tour and Jozani Forest day trips (additional cost).
Children from 16 are welcome. Family groups can be accommodated when the hotel is booked out on an exclusive basis.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.