Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat Zanzibar
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Dongwe
Vibe
Whitewashed domed villas tucked into tropical gardens on Dongwe Beach, with private butler service and a secluded coastal rhythm.
“Sculpted domed sanctuary”
Organic white-domed architecture shaped with salvaged dhow timber, local coral stone, and sculpted orchid walls.
Dedicated personal butlers, private villa plunge pools, and tailor-made all-inclusive dining served anywhere on property.
Swahili-Arabic architectural motifs, reclaimed fishing boat wood, and seafood seasoned with indigenous island spices.
On Dongwe beach along the Michamvi Peninsula, tucked into tropical gardens on the southeast coast.
Rooms
Villas feature circular living spaces, vaulted domed ceilings, and private plunge pools secluded behind sculpted orchid-petal walls.
Wellness
Kiota Spa offers open-air beachfront treatment pavilions where therapists use island clove scrubs and cold-pressed botanical oils.
Backstory
Founder Eileen Smith shaped the retreat organically, building the domed structures with local coral stone and reclaimed dhow wood.
Eat & drink
Under a towering makuti thatched roof, the kitchen prepares Swahili-fusion seafood with island spices, served poolside or on the sand.
The neighborhood
Set along the quiet Michamvi Peninsula, calm tides lap white sands with coral reefs and dhow excursions just offshore.
More like this
Bawe Island Resort
“Private island roost”
Secluded
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.