Overview
Unguja luxury
Xanadu and its beautiful collection of eight boutique villas are hidden among the palms on a powder-soft sand beach in the quiet southeast of Zanzibar.
Taking inspiration from the island’s Arab history, its white domes pierce through the canopy, with ornate metal work, African art and chunky timberwork giving the breezy rooms a Swahili character. Each of the villas are unique, with one or two bedrooms, but all come with expansive living spaces, plunge pools, balconies, dining area and a private butler.
A large swimming pool, bar and restaurant sit at the heart of the resort, with a chef creating Zanzibari inspired gourmet cuisine which can be savoured pretty much anywhere you fancy – in your villa or the beach.
Facts
At a glance
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Eight villas
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Swimming pool
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Restaurant and bar
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Private butler
Experiences
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Diving and snorkelling
Zanzibar’s South East Coast is bordered by a reef that has great diving spots for those watersport enthusiasts looking to experience Zanzibar from below. Scuba diving can be enjoyed directly in front of Xanadu, up north around the beautiful Mnemba Island or the southern region of the island in Kizimkazi. There are also some excellent snorkelling spots.
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Kayaking
Kayak and experience the Indian Ocean from the surface, off Xanadu’s beach at high tide.
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Dhow cruise
Take an exclusive sunset sail cruise across Chwaka Bay on a sailing dhow with a chef preparing culinary delights and drinks.
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Surfing
Surf the Indian Ocean on one of the many surf sites on the South East Coast of tropical Zanzibar. The waves are perfect for beginners and more advanced surfers.
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Stone Town
Stone Town is a magical jumble of cobbled alleyways and rich culture with each corner displaying another narrative of its Arabic and European history. The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site offers historic sites as well as a range of markets, souvenir shops, and restaurants. A guided tour of the historic centre of Stone Town is a must for every visitor to Zanzibar and is about an hour’s drive from Xanadu.
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Jozani Forest
The only national park of Zanzibar features the indigenous Red Colobus Monkeys as well as mangroves to explore and experience. The nearby Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is a community initiative worth a visit.
Footprint
Xanadu expanded their vegetable and herb garden in 2020 and also added livestock to the farming operations, endeavoring to grow as much of their own organic produce as possible. For everything else, such as fish, there is an aim to source locally, especially when produced organically and in a sustainable manner.
Building materials were local and environmentally friendly. Tanga Stone from the mainland and recycled Dhow boat wood for the majority of our carpentry are some examples very visible in the design. Supporting local and using traditional manual building techniques reduces carbon footprint and also assists with job creating and skills development.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.