Zanzibar, TanzaniaMichamvi
Upendo Beach Boutique Hotel
Bohemian beachfront villas
Michamvi Zanzibar, Tanzania
Opened
2009
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe SocialOutside the door
The house
Upendo ZanzibarBohemian beachfront villas
Open makuti-thatched pavilions house a beachside loft concept, where quiet days on daybeds give way to acoustic sunset sessions.
What it’s good at
Notable
Loft-style beachfront villas sheltered beneath traditional makuti thatch with hand-carved furnishings.
Notable
Dedicated personal butlers and private plunge pools across four secluded beachfront villas.
Listed
Boho Social hosts Thursday sunset acoustic sessions and Sunday brunches beside the pool.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The scale is small, fitting a handmade labor of love — the one-bedroom villas are self-contained, complete with plunge pools.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Michamvi's tidal beach looks straight out toward The Rock Restaurant, which sits on an offshore coral outcrop.
The rooms
One-bedroom villas open onto private plunge pools and rooftop terraces sheltered by high makuti thatch.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The oceanfront infinity pool looks out across the tidal bay, with cushioned daybeds set beneath frangipani trees.
At the table
Boho Social serves fresh Indian Ocean seafood and Swahili curries across open decks shaded by thatched umbrellas.
How it began
Founder Trish Dhanak acquired the beachfront plot after an island holiday, naming the hotel after the Swahili word for love.
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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.