Kiponda Zanzibar, Tanzania
Renovated
2011
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
The house
Emerson ZanzibarRestored Swahili quarters
Sunlit courtyard corridors, gentle breezes, and birdsong offer a serene, contemplative haven set apart from Stone Town's winding stone alleys.
“Romantic, with blue-, pink-, and violet-painted walls, rich textiles, deep baths, and high beds.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Eleven operatic-themed rooms filled with Zanzibari four-poster beds, scumbled azure walls, and vast serpentine stone bathtubs.
Remarkable
Three restored nineteenth-century landmark buildings featuring antique carved timber doors, high ceilings, and an airy courtyard.
Remarkable
Live traditional Taarab music in the courtyard and multi-course Swahili seafood dinners on the rooftop terrace.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
its utterly unique blend of Swahili and Arab cultures, and for the riotously eclectic architecture and design that’s created by this collision of traditions.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Tucked along a pedestrian lane in Stone Town's Kasbah, the retreat sits moments from the House of Wonders and bustling spice markets.
The rooms
Each opera-themed room features antique Zanzibari four-poster beds, colour-washed plaster walls, and deep stone soaking tubs opening toward private verandas.
Treatments
- Treatments
- In-room massage treatments arranged on request.
Restaurant
The Rooftop Tea House
Low cushions and timber tables look across Stone Town's minarets and spires toward the ocean for sunset seafood dinners.
Restaurant
The Secret Garden
The open-air courtyard sits amid weathered coral rag ruins, serving spice-infused Swahili dishes to the sound of live Taarab music.
How it began
Cultural pioneer Emerson Skeens restored this historic compound, once home to Swahili ruler Muhammad bin Ahmed and nineteenth-century merchant Tharia Topan.
Good to know
Stay here
Emerson Spice Hotel
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Zanzibar
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.