Explore below ↓Our take
The Palms was the first luxury property on Zanzibar and while it has had new competition over the years, it remains the smallest luxury villa property on the island.
The Palms is an intimate adults-only retreat on Zanzibar’s south-east coast. Its small scale, private atmosphere and villa layout make it best suited to couples and honeymooners looking for quiet service rather than a large resort. We would choose it for travellers who want the privacy of a villa and a gentle change of pace after several active safari days, rather than a busy hotel with many restaurants and facilities.
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A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
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Accommodation
There are just seven villas, each with a bedroom, living area, en-suite bathroom and private terrace. The limited room count gives the hotel a particularly private feel, with the beach and main areas only a short walk away. The villa layout gives couples space to spend time together beyond the main pool and dining areas.
Food & drink
The hotel offers a personalised dining style with seafood, local flavours and international dishes, served in the main restaurant or in more private settings when arranged. We confirm the meal plan and any dietary needs before travel so the beach portion of the journey feels straightforward.
What to do
Days centre on the beach and pool, with spa treatments and water-based activities available through the wider resort facilities. Tides and wind on the south-east coast vary by season and time of day. We discuss swimming expectations and the time of year before suggesting this side of the island.
Planning your stay
The islands’ beaches differ markedly by coast and tide. We weigh hotel atmosphere, room privacy, swimming conditions and onward flights, especially after an active safari.
Zanzibar and Pemba offer different kinds of stay. Fanjove is also in this coastal collection as a southern island alternative, outside the archipelago itself.
Continue exploring
Compare a few alternatives, or open the full regional guide to see every property in this part of Tanzania.
Zanzibar Archipelago
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a boutique, Relais & Châteaux property set on the powder-white sands of Paje on Zanzibar’s southeast coast. Spread across four hectares of tropical gardens and beachfront, the resort offers one of the island’s most exclusive and private luxury experiences, combining spacious villa-style accommodation with exceptional service and direct access to one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches.
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Zanzibar Archipelago
&Beyond Mnemba Island is an exclusive private island retreat located off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean and a protected coral atoll. With powder-soft white beaches, vibrant coral reefs and just twelve secluded beachfront bandas, the island offers the ultimate barefoot luxury escape, combining complete privacy with world-class marine experiences in one of East Africa’s most idyllic settings.
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Zanzibar Archipelago
Xanadu Villas & Retreat is an exclusive boutique resort nestled along the pristine white sands of Zanzibar’s east coast, near Dongwe. With its distinct architecture, private pools, and lush tropical gardens, Xanadu offers a secluded and luxurious escape that blends Swahili style with modern elegance.
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We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
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