Thatched hillside village
Conceived as a sustainable coastal village, thatched timber bungalows spread across a jungle hillside leading straight down to the sand.
“teak, grass-roofed bungalows that appear out of nowhere, like elephants hiding in thick clumps of jungle and palm trees.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Thatched roofs, hand-carved doors, and recycled bottle lanterns dot the sloping jungle hillside.
Notable
Wimbi Watersports Centre operates sailing, diving, and sunset cruises on traditional dhows.
Notable
The two-acre organic spice garden supplies ingredients for Swahili cooking masterclasses.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Zuri Zanzibar takes that maxim to the extreme with its sprawl of luxury accommodation embedded in nature.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Kendwa Beach borders the grounds. Unlike most Zanzibari shores, the calm water here remains deep enough to swim at any tide.
The rooms
Beds stay cool beneath Evening Breeze canopied netting. Bathrooms open to outdoor showers screened by handmade paper bead curtains.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 32-meter infinity pool stretches along a timber deck, looking out past the palms to the Indian Ocean.
The spa and gym
Curtained timber cabanas at Maua Spa host massages using local herbs, and an indoor gym sits nearby.
At the table
Tables sit beneath pitched timber ceilings at Upendo, and Bahari Grill serves fresh grilled seafood right on the sand.
Of especial note: the carved doorframes, contemporary African art and locally made furniture, often crafted from old dhows.
How it began
Czech investor Václav Dejčmar secured the hillside on a mountaineer friend's tip, hiring Jestico + Whiles to design an off-grid village.
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Good to know
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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.