The Palms — Zanzibar

Overview

The Palms is the crown jewel of The Zanzibar Collection and one of the most exclusive addresses in the Indian Ocean: just seven private villas set along an award-winning stretch of the island’s peaceful south-east coast at Bwejuu. Adults-only, all-inclusive and intensely private, it is designed as a sanctuary for couples — every villa has its own plunge pool and dedicated beach cabana, and the whole resort can be booked for exclusive use. With only seven villas, service is deeply personal (guests routinely name the manager and staff in their reviews), and the resort earns near-perfect ratings, with couples scoring the location a straight 10/10.

About the Property

Neighbouring its sister properties Breezes, Baraza and Zawadi, The Palms occupies beautifully landscaped tropical gardens opening onto a swaying palm-fringed beach and the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean. The mood is barefoot elegance and absolute calm — no crowds, no children, no rush. Each villa is a generously proportioned residence of over 140 square metres, and the resort’s small scale means dining is flexible and personal: guests can eat where and often what they like, with the kitchen happy to prepare dishes off-menu. The Sanctuary Spa, a tennis court, gym and pool round out the facilities, all in an intimate setting built for two.

Quick Facts

• Only 7 private villas — one of Zanzibar’s most exclusive resorts
• Strictly adults-only; whole-property exclusive buy-out available
• Each villa over 140 m² with a private plunge pool and dedicated beach cabana
• Fully all-inclusive: all meals, in-house drinks, afternoon tea, gym, tennis and snorkelling gear
• Award-winning Bwejuu beach on the tranquil south-east coast
• Part of the family-owned Zanzibar Collection (with Breezes, Baraza and Zawadi)
• Sanctuary Spa, swimming pool, tennis court and PADI dive access
• ~55–63 km / about an hour from Zanzibar International Airport and Stone Town

Location

The Palms lies on the same coveted Bwejuu shoreline as its sister resorts, on the quietest and most unspoilt part of Zanzibar’s coast — an award-winning beach backed by lush gardens and coconut palms. Stone Town and the international airport are about an hour’s drive (roughly 55–63 km) to the west. As across the east coast, tides are pronounced: high tide brings swimmable turquoise water to the villa fronts, while low tide opens wide expanses of pristine sand for walking.

Accommodation

All seven villas are identical in their generous layout — over 140 m² each — comprising a master bedroom, a separate spacious living room, a full en-suite bathroom, a dedicated dressing room, and an additional room with its own en-suite bathroom, opening onto a large furnished terrace with Indian Ocean views. Each villa has its own private plunge pool and a personal beach cabana, plus air-conditioning, ceiling fans, satellite TV, minibar, safe and Wi-Fi. The décor is warm and natural, understated and elegant rather than flashy, designed for restful seclusion.

Dining

Dining is all-inclusive and refined, showcasing the fusion cuisine Zanzibar is known for — exotic spices, tropical fruit and the freshest seafood. With so few guests, the kitchen is flexible and personal, happily preparing off-menu requests and arranging private dinners. The all-inclusive plan covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, in-house wines, beers, cocktails and spirits, soft drinks, mineral water, tea, coffee and a proper afternoon tea. There are two bars — a cosy evening bar and a poolside bar — and romantic private dining is a signature for honeymooners and celebrations.

Facilities

Seven private villas each with plunge pool and beach cabana, Sanctuary Spa, swimming pool, tennis court, fitness centre, two bars, restaurant, tropical gardens, PADI dive access (chargeable), water sports (chargeable), snorkelling and kayak equipment (included), library/lounge, gift shop, 24-hour front desk, room service, free Wi-Fi and free parking. The entire resort is available for exclusive buy-out.

Why Choose The Palms

• Seven villas only — privacy and exclusivity on a par with the world’s finest hideaways
• Adults-only calm: no crowds, no children, just serenity for couples
• Villa living on a grand scale — 140+ m², private plunge pool and your own beach cabana
• Truly all-inclusive, from fine dining to in-house wines, cocktails and afternoon tea
• Award-winning Bwejuu beach and the polished service of The Zanzibar Collection
• Impeccable, deeply personal staff — consistently the standout in guest reviews
• Exclusive whole-property buy-out for weddings, milestone celebrations or multi-couple getaways
• Honeymoon perks: Stay-7-Pay-5, a bottle of wine, sundowners and 10% off scuba

Amenities

All-inclusive dining and in-house drinks, private plunge pools, personal beach cabanas, air-conditioning and ceiling fans, en-suite bathrooms (two per villa), dressing rooms, large ocean-view terraces, satellite TV, minibar, safe, free Wi-Fi, room service, daily housekeeping, Sanctuary Spa, swimming pool, tennis court, gym, two bars, snorkelling and kayak equipment, dive access, tropical gardens, gift shop, 24-hour front desk and free parking.

Activities

• Relaxing by your private plunge pool and beach cabana — the essence of a Palms stay
• Sanctuary Spa treatments and wellness
• Snorkelling and kayaking (equipment included); scuba diving and boat snorkelling safaris (chargeable)
• Windsurfing, sailing and kite surfing (chargeable)
• Tennis and gym sessions
• Sunset dhow cruises and deep-sea fishing (arrangeable)
• Excursions: Stone Town, spice farms, Jozani Forest, Prison Island and dolphin trips
• Private beach dining, sundowners and honeymoon experiences