Forested oceanfront refuge
Standalone villas disperse across thirty-two hectares of coastal forest, linked by palm-lined sandy tracks best navigated on the resort's complimentary bicycles.
Where it shines
Remarkable
A 32-hectare forested estate offering a 500-foot activity jetty, non-motorized watersports, floodlit tennis courts, and sandbank excursions.
Notable
Dedicated butler service, private plunge pools in every villa, and bespoke sandbank picnics with private chefs.
Notable
Garden spa pavilions utilizing ila rituals and Zanzibari botanicals alongside complimentary scheduled yoga and a glass-walled infinity pool.
What they say
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Tatler.
A simplified blend of styles—Swahili, Omani, Indian, British colonial—reflecting the island’s mix of influences.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The secluded southwest coastline borders the Menai Bay marine reserve, where traditional dhows sail past and wild dolphins gather offshore.
The rooms
Every villa pairs pitched wooden ceilings with canopied beds, opening onto a private sundeck, plunge pool, and an outdoor pebble-garden shower.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
A glass-walled infinity pool edges the beach, and the air-conditioned gym looks out over floor-to-ceiling garden greenery.
The spa
Six glass-walled treatment pavilions sit in a garden sanctuary, using organic ila products infused with Zanzibari botanicals.
At the table
The Dining Room serves spice-infused dishes on an open-air ocean terrace, and rope swings ring the thatched beach bar.
Situated on the island’s southwest, near the quaint fishing village of Kizimkazi, the resort is ensconced within 32ha of verdant tropical gardens and fronted by a kilometre-stretch of powdered beach.
Good to know
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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.