Villa Vanilla Zanzibar

The peaceful location was one of the things we loved most. Villa Vanilla is a little away from the big hotels and villas, but not too far from them. Those places often have local "beach boys" around, following visitors and trying to sell souvenirs or services. At tourist hotspots there can be so many that it gets tiring, and after you turn one down another may come along a moment later with the same pitch, saying you have to buy or they’ll have nothing to eat. Villa Vanilla felt like our safe spot, where we could relax without noise or hassle. It’s nearly in the middle of the island, which makes it easier to reach the key sights: swimming with turtles in the north, Jozani forest and the red monkeys in the south, found only on this island, and Stonetown in the west. The staff recommended and arranged most of our trips, including rides, so we didn’t have to figure it all out ourselves. We stayed six nights with my girlfriend, and it was an amazing experience. Manager Suleiman welcomed us with such warmth and told us right away to feel at home and consider them family. He and the rest of the staff were incredible, close and trustworthy in a way we’d never experienced before. They became our friends and guides, always helping with questions and trying to make our stay enjoyable, even picking up on requests we hadn’t directly made. I mentioned wanting to try papaya for the first time, and the next morning there was fresh fruit from a nearby garden. The owners were friendly and down to earth, always up for helping, giving advice, chatting or watching football together. We could count on great food when we got back from trips. The vegetables, fruit and seafood were fresh and harvested or caught that same day. Prices were really low for such good food, so we ate there most of the time and had only a couple of lunches elsewhere. We also loved the tasty food and fantastic cocktails, made at a very good price by a friendly barman who was always there for us. Villa Vanilla is right on the beach, with a clean pool, a clean room with a nice balcony view, hot water and free Wi-Fi. We loved the privacy and quiet. We’re grateful to Villa Vanilla and will definitely return when we visit Zanzibar again.

The staff were lovely and full of useful advice, and even tidied our room and left fresh towels while we were out, though we hadn't asked. We also booked activities through the villa manager, Mr. Suleiman, including Safari Blue and a private boat trip where we saw dolphins. The price was reasonable, which we found hard to get elsewhere in Zanzibar. They have four pairs of rubber shoes to borrow, handy since I hadn't brought any, and the piña colada was amazing. Breakfast changed each day and was tasty and freshly made, but there was no choice between sweet and savory, and drinks were limited to instant coffee or tea bags. A few things in the room could be improved: we missed a closet, a sponge, and paper towels for the two sinks. The shower really needs a curtain. Water pools beside it, and the smell gets awful. There's a brush to clean up, but it's not enough. One caution from our stay: locals are often around the villa and beach, since it's beside their homes. Be wary of people offering guide services or selling souvenirs, including sellers dressed as Maasai. We felt they were looking for money and carried knives and other tools for “battle.” Don't tell people where you're staying, since you could be robbed at night or while walking on the beach. Bring enough cash in USD or TZN because exchange rates are poor, but don't carry or show large amounts. Take care at local ATMs too, as someone may be watching. For guides, ask villa staff first rather than agreeing to offers on the beach or in the village.

We stayed in an apartment beside Villa Vanilla, but ate lunch and dinner at its bar every day. The food was fresh and amazing, the staff were really nice, and prices were okay. I'd highly recommend the bar.

The beach is right beside the place, and the service was amazing. Everything was clean and nice, with hospitable, helpful staff and delicious food. The Crab Soup and Seafood Pasta were especially good.