Sculpted domed sanctuary
Whitewashed domed villas tucked into tropical gardens on Dongwe Beach, with private butler service and a secluded coastal rhythm.
Where it shines
Remarkable
Organic white-domed architecture shaped with salvaged dhow timber, local coral stone, and sculpted orchid walls.
Remarkable
Dedicated personal butlers, private villa plunge pools, and tailor-made all-inclusive dining served anywhere on property.
Notable
Swahili-Arabic architectural motifs, reclaimed fishing boat wood, and seafood seasoned with indigenous island spices.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set along the quiet Michamvi Peninsula, calm tides lap white sands with coral reefs and dhow excursions just offshore.
The rooms
Villas feature circular living spaces, vaulted domed ceilings, and private plunge pools secluded behind sculpted orchid-petal walls.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The central pool curves through gardens of bougainvillea and palms, flanked by peaked thatched gazebos and woven loungers.
The spa
Kiota Spa offers massages on an open-air oceanfront deck, using botanical oils and Zanzibari clove scrubs.
Central Poolside Restaurant and Bar
Tables sit beneath a soaring thatched roof beside the pool, serving Swahili-fusion seafood seasoned with island spices.
At the table
Tailor-made meals can be served on private villa rooftops, in the palm gardens, or directly on the beach.
How it began
Founder Eileen Smith shaped the retreat organically, building the domed structures with local coral stone and reclaimed dhow wood.
Good to know
Stay here
Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat 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.