Zanzibar, a breathtaking archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, has become a premier destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure after an exhilarating safari. Known for its stunning white-sand beaches, rich cultural history, and vibrant marine life, Zanzibar offers a serene retreat that contrasts beautifully with the wild landscapes of the African mainland.
After the dust and excitement of a safari, Zanzibar’s idyllic beaches provide the perfect place to unwind. The island’s coastline is dotted with palm-fringed beaches that stretch for miles, lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Whether lounging under the sun or taking a dip in the warm sea, visitors find the beaches of Zanzibar to be a rejuvenating experience. Popular spots like Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje offer a mix of tranquility and activity, with opportunities for water sports, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching.
Zanzibar is home to a range of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to post-safari travelers seeking comfort and pampering. Cast off your cares – and your shoes at Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa, a barefoot resort nestled in the palm-flecked fringe of Paje Beach, one of the most beautiful strips of sand on Zanzibar’s south-east coast. Traditional palm roofs and sun-bleached timbers make the villas look like they’re part of a rustic fishing village, separated by gardens of lush exotics and bright-blooming flowers. But as the hotel’s name suggests, it’s the sugary sands that take centre stage.
Just a short flight from the GCC, guests are chauffeured to the 4-hectare beachfront property and greeted by a personal butler. The African escape is redefining intimate mindful luxury, inviting families, couples, and friends to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature’s paradise.
Located in an intimate lagoon, the villas sit on the most pristine piece of Paje Beach, a stunning 10km stretch along the south coast of the tropical island. Known for its powder-soft sands, the tide rises and falls dramatically throughout the day, making way for sandbanks, beach bike rides, and a sandy walk out into the ocean at low tide, with a 2km coral reef to protect the illustrious beach.
The family-owned resort, the only member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux in Tanzania, showcases 15 earth-toned private villas with one, two, or five bedrooms available. Surrounded by lush greenery for privacy, guests can dive into their opulent private pool, slip into a warm hot tub to unwind after a full day of activities, or experience the rare pleasures of outdoor showers and baths. As if that wasn’t enough, the villas also include an annex bungalow living room and lounge, a private terrace perched at the top of white spiral staircases, and French doors to invite the warm coastal winds. The interiors are elegantly designed with pieces sourced from Italy and hand-made furniture customised on the property.
EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY AND LOCAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
Focused on sustainable hospitality, the resort is powered by solar panels, solar water heating, and a wind turbine. Their bottled water production facility ensures that they have no single-use plastic on the property, carefully packaged in glass branded bottles. The villa’s complementary cosmetics are also sourced from The Seaweed Centre, a mere 10 minutes from the resort where local women come together to create natural and organic shampoos and soaps from resources on the island.
White Sand also features its own carpentry workshop where their bespoke wooden interiors are designed and fit to measure every room. Additionally, a local tailor on the property crafts custom garments for guests using their choice of fabric and designs.
HOLISTIC BLISS AT THE SENSES SPA
Into your well-being, combining expert care, inspiring design, and the power of nature to lead you into a profound state of relaxation. Relax and unwind with the spa’s specialised massages and facials or, step into the stream room and infrared sauna that leaves you with a youthful island glow.
INDULGE IN CULINARY EXCELLENCE
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, explore White Sand’s exceptional culinary delights from around the world, offering options that cater to various dietary preferences including halal and vegan options. The Doors to Zanzibar is designed to open your senses and guide you on a journey filled with colour, passion, and savoir-faire. The chic lounge of the main restaurant Doors to Zanzibar is a true showstopper featuring a giant mother-of-pearl chandelier that glistens through the night as bubbles dance in your glass. White Sand’s newest restaurant offers a cool yet elegant beachfront oasis. Enjoy the perfect blend of international and Swahili fusion cuisine in a casual yet exquisite 5-star dining experience.
VIBRANT MARINE LIFE AND ADVENTURE
For those still craving adventure after their safari, Zanzibar’s waters are a haven for diving and snorkeling. The coral reefs around the archipelago are teeming with vibrant marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and even whale sharks. Popular diving spots like Mnemba Atoll and the waters surrounding Pemba Island offer some of the best underwater experiences in the region.
Zanzibar stands out as a key destination for post-safari relaxation, combining the serenity of its beaches with the richness of its culture and the thrill of its underwater world. Whether you’re looking to unwind in luxury, explore historical sites, or continue your adventure in the ocean, Zanzibar offers a perfect blend that complements the wild beauty of a safari. It’s a place where the journey doesn’t end but transforms into a different kind of wonder, making it an essential stop for any African adventure.
