On a stretch of powder-white sand where the Michamvi Peninsula curves toward the sunrise, nine architectural marvels emerge from tropical gardens like sculptures born from imagination. Xanadu has been crafted holistically out of a desire to breathe, its domed pavilions and swooping rooflines creating shadows that shift with the hours. This is where contemporary African design meets Arabian mystique—where cathedral windows frame the Indian Ocean and private butlers appear with cold Kilimanjaro beers just as you contemplate the sunset. Despite the hyperbole, it does achieve really high standards: spectacular villas; 'on point' service; and some of the best food on Zanzibar.


Plan your journey

Awarded: Bronze

Location

Situated on the Michamvi Peninsula, Xanadu Villas has access to miles of palm-fringed white sandy beach and azure water, positioned along Dongwe beach on Zanzibar’s southeast coast. This part of the island experiences dramatic tidal shifts—at low tide swimming in the ocean is not possible because the ocean recedes back to the coral reef, which is anything between 1 and 1.5 km offshore. While this means ocean swimming follows nature’s schedule, it transforms the landscape twice daily into something otherworldly: at low tide, you can walk across exposed coral flats discovering tide pools teeming with starfish and sea urchins, while high tide brings the warm Indian Ocean right to your doorstep. The property sits in deliberate isolation from the bustle of Stone Town, yet remains accessible enough for day trips to explore the island’s spice plantations and historical sites. The Rock Restaurant is only 15 minutes away from Xanadu, that Instagram-famous restaurant built on a coral outcrop that becomes an island at high tide. The vibrant kitesurfing scene of Paje lies just 10 kilometers south, while the seaweed farms and local fishing villages of Jambiani stretch beyond.

Rooms

The nine villas at Xanadu each tell their own architectural story, named in Swahili for elements of nature that inspire their design. Kimwondo Villa (Swahili for Shooting Star) The architects favorite. This extraordinary villa takes the Xanadu signature style and transforms it to another level—a single bedroom at ground level, then an exterior staircase spiraling to a rooftop pool where you dine under stars. The two presidential villas command attention: Mbingu (“Heavenly Sky”) stacks three levels of luxury with bedrooms on two floors and a dome-enclosed rooftop pool, while Nyota means Stars in Swahili, and in our new ocean view Presidential Villa you can truly reach for the stars, sprawling across 400 square meters with both ground-level and rooftop pools.

The one-bedroom oceanfront villas—Mawingu, Mawimbi, and Alfajiri—each claim prime beachfront positions with private plunge pools and outdoor lounging areas. Mawimbi sits at the property’s edge for maximum privacy, while Mawingu features hand-carved headboards and sail-shaded pool terraces. For friends or families, the two-bedroom garden villas Mlima and Korongo offer supersized living spaces with that signature Xanadu dome ceiling and pavilion-style archways that blur indoor-outdoor boundaries. Even tiny Umande, the coziest hideaway at just 40 square meters, manages to feel expansive with its cathedral ceiling and private plunge pool surrounded by flowering gardens.

Communal Areas

The heart of Xanadu centers around a makuti-thatched pavilion housing the main pool that seems to flow seamlessly from outdoor terrace into the bar area—an architectural trick that makes the entire space feel like one fluid environment. The restaurant operates without rigid boundaries, with tables materializing wherever you desire: beneath your villa’s private gazebo, on the powder sand with lanterns, or at the main dining pavilion where the chef’s daily inspiration takes form. An organic herb and vegetable garden supplies the kitchen, while the bar stocks South African wines alongside house spirits for sundowners.

The Kiota Spa occupies its own beachfront sanctuary where treatment rooms open to ocean breezes yet maintain complete privacy through clever architectural screening. Here Africology products meet traditional Swahili healing techniques in treatments performed either in the spa pavilion or on your villa’s private deck. The beach itself becomes an extension of the property’s facilities—hammocks strung between palms, loungers positioned for optimal sunset viewing, and a launch point for kayaks and paddleboards when the tide cooperates.

Activities

Your private butler will be there to assist throughout the duration of your stay, arranging everything from spontaneous beach picnics to elaborate excursions. The Indian Ocean dictates the rhythm here—high tide brings swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding directly from the beach, while low tide reveals a lunar landscape perfect for beachcombing and exploring tide pools. Kayaking through the exposed coral gardens at low tide offers glimpses of octopi, sea cucumbers, and brilliant tropical fish trapped in crystalline pools.

Beyond the property, Buccaneer Diving run their snorkel trips out of their base in Dongwe (around a 15 minute drive north from Paje) within the Blue Lagoon, where visibility extends 30 meters on good days. The kitesurfing mecca of Paje sits close enough for day trips, while cultural excursions to Stone Town’s labyrinthine streets take about 90 minutes each way. The journey was only about 15 minutes from Xanadu to the Maalum Caves, where you can swim in an underground freshwater pool surrounded by ancient limestone formations.

All Inclusive

Accommodation
Meals prepared world class chef & drinks ( soft drinks, local beers, ciders, house spirits, house white & red wines)
A private butler throughout the duration of your stay
Daily laundry service
Guided activities including sea kayaking, snorkeling and Sup boarding from Xanadu' s beach
Snacks and Dinner on day of arrival (Early check-in may be requested to include lunch and access to villa. Subject to availability)
On departure day Breakfast only

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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DRY SEASON

A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.

Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.

Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.

Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. While technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a good time to visit. Water clarity can be surprisingly good, making it possible to go scuba-diving and snorkelling.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. While technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a good time to visit. Water clarity can be surprisingly good, making it possible to go scuba-diving and snorkelling.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

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