Kilindi

Kilindi is an intimate luxury lodge on a lovely 500-metre beach on a bay on the northwest coast of Zanzibar. Its staff has impressive international experience, and it has already earned plaudits from press and guests alike. 

Accommodation

Designed by Neil Rocher, Kilindi’s stunning architecture is designed to offer privacy and maximise space and light – and to be both luxurious and sustainable. Fifteen domes “pavilions” stand amid 52 acres over what The Sunday Times describes as ‘the best beach on the island.’

Each 320m2 pavilion is set amidst gardens in its own walled enclave, and has two rainwater plunge pools, with a waterfall between them to circulate the water. The domes provide shade and capture rain water, which is stored beneath the bedroom and acts as one of the natural cooling systems.

The bedroom has full-length shutters opening onto a stunning view, and there is an enormous wet room and an outdoor day-bed. Two of the residences are suitable for families and have air-conditioning, TV and radio.

Food

Meals are reported to be wonderful. The head chef, Richard Tewnion (formerly of London’s Bacchus), and Russell, the restaurant manager, should be able to ensure that the food lives up to expectation (They are the only ex-pats on the staff.). Pavilions are equipped with pagers so you can place your order with your room steward for drinks and private dining. Kilindi has its own smoker for fish, pork and chicken, a nursery and its own market garden. 

Facilities

Kilindi has a large decked swimming pool with ocean views, a small private cinema and DVD library and a business centre with WiFi. The Ushwari Spa (ushwari means ‘tranquillity’ in Swahili) uses Kilindi’s own materials and oils in its treatments. Kilindi’s location on the west of Zanzibar allows you to enjoy spectacular tropical sunsets. 

Activities

Kilindi has been designed for relaxation in a lovely, natural setting and you can go down to the beach, watch the dhows sailing by from a sun lounger and enjoy a picnic lunch. Kayaking is another peaceful way to explore the area.

Kilindi will organise fishing for you and offers diving in conjunction with Scuba Do, a PADI 5-star Gold Palm dive centre, which collects Kilindi divers from the lodge.

Responsible tourism

The pavilions are completely solar-powered, with the exception of electricity for the hair-dryer. Kilindi is self-sufficient in water. Waste water is re-cycled in toilets and the lush gardens. The lodge also has its own sewage treatment plant. 

Location

Kilindi is about 9 km south of Nungwi and about an hour’s drive from Stone Town.