We got married in Bali, honeymooned in the Maldives, and as our 10-year wedding anniversary approached, we wanted a destination that could rival the magic of those trips. With our love for tropical paradises, we searched for a unique and romantic retreat—and found the perfect spot: Zanzibar, a place we’d long dreamed of visiting. Our choice? The incredible Xanadu Luxury Villas, which promised unparalleled romance and relaxation. The reality exceeded every expectation. Nestled in a secluded location, Xanadu’s entrance is reached by a rural road that belies the breathtaking luxury awaiting inside. The moment we stepped onto the property, we were struck by its beauty.

The villas are architectural masterpieces, blending authentic local design with meticulous attention to detail. From the outset, we were warmly welcomed by the manager and our personal butler, Jesca, who would ensure every moment of our stay was unforgettable. After a quick tour of the stunning common areas, including the pool and restaurant pavilion, we were shown to Nyota Villa, our home for the next few days. Meaning “stars” in Swahili, Nyota lives up to its name with views that frame the starry skies perfectly after sundown. This ocean-view presidential villa is nothing short of spectacular. It features two bedrooms, a spacious lounge, a private pool, waterfall showers, and a rooftop pool. Every corner is adorned with local art and carefully chosen furniture, creating a seamless blend of luxury and authenticity.

In the master bedroom, we were greeted with a thoughtful surprise: a personalized message celebrating our 10th anniversary, accompanied by sparkling wine, decadent chocolates, and a delicious cake. It was a heartfelt touch that set the tone for our stay. Jesca introduced us to Xanadu’s all-inclusive experience, which includes a fully stocked fridge with delicious drinks and à la carte dining featuring daily changing menus.

How to make this even better? First, we could choose to dine in whichever location we wished (how amazing is that?). Second, the quality of the food was extraordinary, with many ingredients sourced in the Xanadu’s own farm. This farm-to-table concept with an excellent herb and vegetable garden, combined with own animals, brought vibrant flavours to every bite. Shortly after arriving, we had an incredible lunch on the beach and after completing with a delicious dessert, we couldn’t stop marvelling at the pristine white-sand beach, so fine it resembled sugar. In our first evening, we chose to repeat the amazing setting on our own private section of the beach for an unforgettable dinner under the stars. The candlelit dinner featured a tasting menu paired with exquisite wines. Everything was exceptional and truly a magical start to our time in Xanadu.

The days that followed were a blur of bliss. We enjoyed gourmet meals in a variety of enchanting settings, from our villa to the pavilion. Jesca ensured every detail was perfect, replenishing our fridge with wines and local beers and arranging everything from hammocks to poolside drinks. She even handled our laundry, allowing us to focus solely on relaxation. Of course, we couldn’t resist the call of the Xanadu spa, set in a cozy beachside building. The Pamoja Experience, a signature couples’ treatment, was one of the best we’ve ever had. It began with a scrub made from honey, coffee, and other natural ingredients, followed by a refreshing shower and an incredible massage. If you visit Xanadu, do yourself a favour and indulge in this unforgettable spa experience.

One of the highlights that we really cherished was the amazing sunrise over the Indian Ocean, there is something special about the morning sun with a beautiful light, calming shadows in the complete peace of the quiet morning – a perfect way to be one with yourself and get the right energy and calmness for the day. Of course we didn’t miss one of these enchanting mornings. If you on the contrary are looking for a little bit of adventure, there are plenty of water sports available in the hotel for example kayaking and stand up paddle. We gave a try to the SUP challenge for the first time ever, it was very fun, however we were struggling a bit to keep the balance on the board, so I will spare you from the footage of our experience, haha!

When our final day arrived, we both knew that choosing Xanadu in vibrant Zanzibar was one of the best travel decisions we’d ever made. From the moment we booked our flights to the moment we reluctantly packed to leave, everything about our stay exceeded our highest expectations. While we might explore a new destination for our next anniversary, Xanadu has set a gold standard—and we won’t rule out returning to relive the dream. This hidden gem is a once-in-alifetime experience, and we hope everyone gets the chance to discover its magic.

Our Nyota Villa:

Ocean View:

Pool time:

The beach:

 

Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner under  the stars:

The Spa: