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Perched on the tip of Zanzibar's lovely Michamvi Peninsula, newly opened Qambani oozes tranquillity, with just six stand-alone villas ranging across the property's sprawling gardens. It's the ideal retreat if you're looking for privacy of the luxurious and discreet variety. Everything is exquisitely done, from the Swahili-inspired decor to the international menu. When you're able to raise yourself from your sunlounger, there's a wonderland of attractions to explore, from the natural world to the fragrant Spice Route and historic Stone Town.And, of course, the sapphire Indian Ocean, which rises and recedes to reveal coral and rock-pool beaches.
From $280 person/night
Wandering the exotic melting pot of Stone Town, with its authentic, cobbled facades, old churches and sinuous streets that conceal untold treasures, from fragrant restaurants to art and antique stores.(Haggling is a must!)
Snorkelling the island's underwater reefs and myriad fish species (best done at low tide), and then heading inland to visit tropical coastal forests that sing with the calls of red colobus and Sykes' monkeys, chirruping birds and butterflies galore.
Staying submerged, which isn't hard to do in the two swimming pools – an infinity pool and a separate saltwater pool – and of course, the tropical ocean on your doorstep.
The vast central lounge strikes just the right chord of beachy elegance, with its bright-cushioned white seating, contemporary African artworks, and antique louvre doors that open to the breezes. Meals can be eaten in a number of locations, from the communal dining room with its hurricane lanterns to the veranda, pool bar or even, romantically, on the beach. The kitchen, staffed by a top-notch chef, is always open to the culinarily curious. Two pools, a spa and a media room.
Six thatched, roomy villas are well spaced throughout the grounds. Two family units sleep four comfortably, three cater for couples, and the Sultan Villa has two double bedrooms joined by a central open-air living area that leads to a large terrace right on the sea's edge. The decor throughout is hint-of-Swahili subtle, suggesting rather than forcing the motif. Expect big spaces, lovely bathrooms with the best fittings, breezy loft rooms for children, aircon, a peaceful atmosphere and wide ocean views.
With its superb setting, modern amenities, accommodating staff and meals prepared to your taste, Qambani offers genuine hospitality. The spacious villas provide plenty of privacy.
The essential Zanzibar caters for everyone, from water-lovers and history buffs to naturalists and those looking to do absolutely nothing. You choose the pace. Go looking for dolphins, dive or snorkel with rainbow schools of fish, kite-surf or kayak straight from the lodge. Explore Stone Town's worn, ancient architecture, traditional markets wafting with scents and banter, and delightful hidden restaurants. Or settle back on your hammock with a book, the views, a snack and a drink. Total bliss.
In the gin-clear ocean around Zanzibar, marvel at bright corals with over 450 species of tropical fish, octopus, stingrays, moray eels, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, and if you are very lucky: whales sharks and manta rays. In the coastal forests, spot the colobus and Sykes monkeys, bush babies, more than 50 species of butterfly, as well as brilliant bird species.
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