A blissful island getaway
Escape to the tropics of Zanzibar, on the north-eastern shores of Unguja, where Villa Lali awaits, encompassing everything you and your family yearn for beside the sea.
There’s a distinct feeling of reverence and heritage, tranquility and authenticity that’s palpable from the moment you arrive at Villa Lali – an exclusive, luxury (yet simultaneously entirely laidback) villa – settled on the Matmwe shores of Zanzibar. It’s apparent that a lot of love has been stitched into the bones of the build of this island sanctuary. Layered into the large, connecting spaces of the living, dining and entertaining areas. The eight lavish suites that are all beautifully styled, overlooking the vibrant garden and the inimitable blue of the Indian Ocean. The sentiments of authenticity and esteem are parlayed in the weavings, the stonework, the metalwork and the carpentry. Historical stories revealed by the local artisans that have turned this Tanzanian tapestry into the poignant masterpiece it presents itself as. A place for families to gather and create their own lifelong memories. To observe the Spice Island’s past, its endurable presence and all that’s yet to come.
The welcoming environment will beckon the beach attire. Conveniently offering itself as a boutique hotel, this beach hideaway comes with all of the luxuries one desires when venturing on a group getaway. Fabulous traditional meals, tailored to your palates and in keeping with the local cuisine. A swimming pool with the dreamy Zanzibar beds, loungers, sofas and languid seating spots aplenty. Lookout points maximising on the magnificent views. A garden that’s as good as an enchanting tropical sanctuary. Yoga decks and beachside dining spots. Over 8km of sand to imprint your barefoot holiday feet. Bikes to ride, paddle boats and canoes to climb aboard, a gym to earn the freedom of feasting. With your own almost-concierge service, Villa Lali’s attentive and caring staff will advise on all of the other activities you and the island clan might like to dive into. The list is endless.
A serene seaside villa to embrace the beauty of beach life with your favourite people
What will certainly be at the top of the daily list – etched into the itinerary like a holiday ritual, tattooed into your hearts as a souvenir – will be a morning sunrise or evening sunset yoga session on the deck that hovers over the ocean. Moments of meditation, reflection and appreciation for the surroundings. With all of the abounding aquatic activities, nature adventures, cultural excursions in Stone Town and immersing yourself in the riveting community existence of the island, there will be ample time to simply sit still, too. To tend to the necessary parts of your family holiday in paradise. When it’s just you and the blue. Enraptured by the East African breeze that brings the spice of life along with it.
What we love!
- The ambience of the home that shares its story so openly in the design elements and furnishings. The owners built the property as an act of familial bonding. A labour of love, sourcing the local materials, employing the services of local artisans and craftsmen, artists and labourers. Ensuring all facets of the home are empowering the community and local infrastructure.
- Watching the morning sunrises, performing a few stretches on the deck or simply enjoying a hot brew from bed, greeting the day in true holiday fashion.
- There is very little to distract you from the sublime simplicity of the existence beside the sea. You’ll spend a lot of your time in and out of the water – either the swimming pool or the ocean. Sipping on tea or cocktails. Feasting from the chef’s exquisite platters. Savouring the service and the experience that the owners have consciously imbedded into every aspect of your stay. Ensuring it is as authentically East African as it comes. With a lovely dose of luxury on the side.
What you need to know…
- The property is located in the north east of Zanzibar on the coast of Unguja, just outside of the village of Matemwe. No more than an hour’s drive from Stone Town. The team at Villa Lali will co-ordinate all of your transfers to and from the property, when arriving or wishing to depart for the day’s adventures.
- The villa shares its paddle boats and canoes, bicycles and all beach essentials if you need them. You can explore the 8km of sandy beach from the garden. Lovely for long walks and runs. There is a home gym on the upstairs level. Guests can enjoy massages and the comfort of a yoga instructor visiting the villa when needed.
- Should you wish to explore the island, there are a number of cultural excursions and boat adventures, nature park visits and tours that the incredible team of staff will assist you with arranging. Including snorkelling and diving. Horse riding through the ocean’s waters. Hiring a yacht or a catamaran. Visits to the nearby islands including Mnemba and Chumbe Islands. Partaking in fishing trips with the local fishermen on their dhows. Heading into the village of Matemwe to listen to local music and explore the cuisine. A visit to Jozani forest to spot the monkeys and butterflies. Exploring the spice farms. As mentioned before, the list of things to dive into is endless on this magnificent island.
- The community outreach programme you are automatically a part of, just by staying at the villa. You are welcome to visit the programmes that Villa Lali actively support, including the local primary school and other educational and conservational endeavours.
- Ideally, the villa accommodates a maximum of 16 guests in its 8 lavish suites. As the property is generous with its space and amble loungers and beds, should there be an extra child or additional family member wanting to join in on the holiday magic, arrangements can be made prior to your arrival.
- As decreed by the Government of Zanzibar, all travellers to Zanzibar must purchase mandatory travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, even if they have their own travel insurance in place.
- If Villa Lali is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Zanzibar.