Kilindi first opened its doors in Match-2009 and since then it's created quite a buzz as the new up-and-coming hotel on Zanzibar. It aims to fill a gap in the luxury end of the market, and when we last visited in December 2009, it was clear that it is already settling very well into this niche.
The design of Kilindi is unique and quite different from properties found elsewhere in Zanzibar - endless curving pale cream walls and stunning sea views are a key feature. It has a very calming ambiance and you instantly find yourself relaxing and unwinding when you arrive here.
The 15 Pavilions are incredibly spacious and airy, and by keeping the décor simple, they optimize the natural light and breeze very effectively. The large domed roofs provide shade from the sun - and are part of the innovative water recycling system used throughout the hotel. Water is collected and stored under each pavilion, helping to keep them cool, while also providing the water for the pools, showers and toilets - making Kilindi a very eco-responsible and forward-thinking lodge. (Read more about the rooms by clicking here.)
If you want to venture out of your pavilion, a 25m T-shaped swimming-pool overlooking the ocean is found in the main area, just in front of the 500m beach. With internationally-experienced chefs and spa therapists we expect the service and food to be excellent.
Since Kilindi is still relatively new, it is still settling into its surroundings, but the management team is very experienced and we're sure that any issues they encounter will be swiftly dealt with and resolved.
Central facilities: The main communal areas at Kilindi are incredibly spacious and airy - designed in the same style as each of the pavilions. By the reception area a small shop sells a selection of useful toiletries such as shampoo, sun cream and insect repellant as well as some traditional Zanzibari souvenirs. A 15-seater media room with a plasma TV screen and a large selection of DVDs will keep you amused if you want a break from the sun. By the reception you can also find internet and WiFi access -although this area is quite separate from the central area and pavilions so as not so disrupt the calm and peace for those who are seeking a break from technology.
The main bar and restaurant area is simple and spacious, yet comfortable. Some large leather sofas are dotted around for relaxing in the shade. The bar area is very impressive with a large flat waterfall cascading down a glazed concrete wall behind the bar length of the bar.
In front of the bar area down a small pathway, overlooking the sea, is the striking 25m T-shaped swimming pool, behind which the sun sets each evening. There are comfortable mattress-style loungers dotted on the decking surrounding the pool.
The surrounding gardens have been left somewhat wild and leafy, and they have plans to enhance these further by making a feature out of the underground caves on the site.
For those who want a bit more indulgence the spa at Kilindi features an amazing view and a double hamana suite where couples can enjoy a double massage followed by a private dinner on the terrace.
The overall atmosphere is one of simplistic luxury and relaxation, and the architecture and colours used manage to achieve this very well.
Directions: Kilindi is about an hour's drive north of Stone Town. Zanzibar is a 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam airport.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: The team at Kilindi is very experienced and as a result the quality of the food is very high. Head chef, Richie Tewnion, has worked with Jamie Oliver in the past and ran his own kitchen at Bacchus. With his own organic vegetable patch onsite, we expect the food at Kilindi to be nothing short of excellent. They grow much of the food themselves, and try and source everything else as locally as possible.
Breakfast, which can sometimes be served to you in bed on special request, includes range of fresh fruit juice, pancakes and all the usual things you would expect in a good cooked breakfast.
Lunch is often a meze of different types of delicious dishes which you can mix and match - much like tapas.
Dinner is a more formal affair and the menu changes each day - expect some delicious meat and fish dishes, and imaginative recipes such as garlic and ginger soup.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes, depending on how full the hotel is.
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are included, except for Champagne and premium imported wines and spirits.
Special interests
Honeymoons: The pavilions at Kilindi are exceptionally self-sufficient and private. Each having two of their own private plunge pools and plenty of areas to sunbathe and relax, honeymooners will really appreciate the privacy here. The team will do their best to make sure your stay is very special.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Zanzibar
Beach holidays: With a 500m stretch of white sand at the front of the property, the beach is a main feature at Kilindi. The location on the north-west coast means that sun sets over the sea - a feature you don't find in areas on the east coast.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Zanzibar
Wellbeing: Kilindi invokes a great feeling of relaxation upon arrival and is a place to truly unwind. This is helped by the fantastic spa they have onsite which is run to international standards and offers a wide range of treatments including double massages - designed especially for couples.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for wellbeing in Zanzibar
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Kilindi
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions
Activities: No specific activities- but there is a TV room with a plasma screen and a selection of DVDs
Equipment: No special equipment, however there are some cushions for the children.
Notes: Family Pavilion rooms are the only rooms with or TV High walls could be dangerous and so children need to be supervised at all times. There is also a quiet, relaxed atmosphere so the children could get bored.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
TV & radio: There is TV and radio only in family rooms
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The staff at Kilindi are first aid trained, and they have lots of equipment on site. They are also registered with a local doctor who they can cause in case of emergency.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Guards are on duty 24 hours a day at the front gate and there are 16 Maasi who are subtly dotted around the resort.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in each room, and the staff have had fire training.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Included - takes about 24 hours.
Money: The staff can exchange money if absolutely necessary - but they will need some notice as they will go out to a local village to do this.
Accepted payment: Cards are accepted for purchases at the shop and for any extra drinks you wish to purchase here - but you shouldn't need to part with much money at all - hence there is no cash used onsite here. There is a 5% charge for card use.
Kilindi review
amazing, best gluten free food ever great experience after an energetic first week which was outstanding, Kilindi was a welcome relaxation and matched first week
A great retreat
A beautiful hotel in a good location, the rooms are amazing as is the service and the level of hospitality from all the staff.
It was very quiet when we were there, probably a little too quiet and ...
We want you to understand more about Kilindi. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Kilindi's own webpage Nice website which is a bit thin on real information but has a nice photo gallery with lots of pictures, so worth a look.
