About White Sand Villas
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a privately owned boutique resort near the vibrant town of Paje, Zanzibar.
A member of Relais & Chateaux it is set in 3.6 hectares of lush tropical gardens with a 200m beachfront. White Sand Villas was built with luxury, comfort and private space in mind.
With its minimalistic, modern, Scandinavian style and friendly atmosphere, White Sand Villas offers a refreshing alternative to several of Zanzibar’s other luxury ‘boutique’ hotels. The large villas combine plenty of privacy with great facilities and a high level of service. We think that the resort is a really exciting addition to Zanzibar’s coastline.
Our view
With its minimalistic, modern, Scandinavian style and friendly atmosphere, White Sand Villas offers a refreshing alternative to several of Zanzibar’s other luxury ‘boutique’ hotels. The large villas combine plenty of privacy with great facilities and a high level of service. We think that the resort is a really exciting addition to Zanzibar’s coastline.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
11 villas, 3 rooms
Children
Fine for children of all ages.
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of White Sand Villas
6 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Coconut Beach Holiday
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
A luxurious island getaway split between a small boutique hotel in Stone Town and your own sumptuous private villa on a spectacular swath of white sandy beach.
Visiting Stone Town, Michamvi Peninsula
US$2,730 - US$5,310 per person
White Sand Villas: Our full report
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a privately owned boutique resort near the vibrant town of Paje, Zanzibar.
A member of Relais & Chateaux it is set in 3.6 hectares of lush tropical gardens with a 200m beachfront. White Sand Villas was built with luxury, comfort and private space in mind.
With excellent service and facilities, Zanzibar White Sand Villas is perfectly placed in to the luxury end of the market. It is one of the smaller resorts on Zanzibar with just 11 villas and three rooms.
Each of the 11 villas has an assigned butler and comes with a private swimming pool, air conditioning and WiFi. Inside, they are spacious furnished with Scandinavian-style wood, with woven fabric rugs and a large bed with a retractable mosquito net, a desk and a comfortable chair. In the open-plan bathroom you’ll find twin basins and an impressive rain shower, while outside is a second shower and a bathtub. Sunloungers and a hammock beckon on the private veranda.
The villas at White Sand Villas come in three configurations:
- The five Beachfront one-bedroom villas have been designed to blend in with the natural setting, whilst also meeting a high level of luxury. All five villas are sea-facing and split into two simple areas: a main lounge and dining area, and a bedroom; both are spacious and minimalist, decorated in light creams and soft wood. Up a flight of stairs is a shaded roof terrace with a day bed. Each villa also has its own private entrance to the beach in front.
- The five Family two-bedroom villas consist of a large recreation area and two bedrooms, which are both en-suite. They also have a balcony with sea views, but are set further back than the one-bedroom villas, with no direct beach access. There is a second, shared living/dining room with a mini bar and drinks station. We feel this would work well for very close friends or family groups, otherwise two one-bedroom villas may be more suitable.
- The Presidential five-bedroom villa is made up of three en-suite bedrooms and two others that share an interconnected bathroom. With 730 square meters of space, the villa can accommodate at least ten guests easily, with extra beds available if needed. It has a rain shower in each bathroom, a panoramic rooftop terrace, a Jacuzzi, and a home cinema; but no direct beach access.
- The three Cinnamon rooms are set a little further back from the beach and consist of a double room with en-suite bathroom but without the private living area and outside space found in the villas. One of these forms a family room consisting of two interconnected bedrooms
The lounge bar and dining area at White Sand Villas are decorated in the same fresh modern style as the villas, with driftwood sculptures and light-wood panelling on the walls. Upstairs, the rooftop champagne bar serves a selection of wines and champagnes and provides a great location for watching the sunset. Shisha can be arranged on request.
Below the main bar and restaurant is a large pool surrounded by areas of wooden decking with several shaded sunloungers. A small bridge separates the main pool from an adjoining shallow children’s pool that comes with a number of floats and pool toys. Nearby is a small children’s playground with swings, a slide and a table-tennis table.
White Sand also has a beautiful spa sited beside a waterfall with lush vegetation and tropical flowers that give it the feeling of a hidden oasis. Along with a sauna and steam room, there is a range of treatments available using locally sourced products based on seaweed, coconut and spices found in Zanzibar. As if to offset all that indulgence, the adjacent open air gym offers a selection of exercise equipment and weights.
There is a well stocked boutique with an extensive ranfe of Tanzanite jewellery and clothing - some of which can be custom made.
Activities at Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas are numerous. With their own kitesurf club, Zanzibar Kite Paradise, it’s a great place to kitesurf and they cater for people of all abilities. Kitesurfing is best from June to September, and December to January. The hotel also has free bikes available for guests, as well as a number of kayaks, paddleboards and even a catamaran that guests may hire. Diving can be arranged through the nearby Rising Sun Dive Center which is based at Breezes Beach Club. The team can also arrange horse riding and golf.
Geographics
- Location
- Michamvi Peninsula, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 or 4 nights
- Directions
- It takes around 30 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, then it’s a further hour by road to White Sands.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- White Sand Villas serves a range of Swahili influenced dishes with European overtones. These are made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients including homegrown vegetables from their own garden. When we were last here we though that the food and wine was of exceptional quality. Over the years we have found the food here is some of the best we’ve experienced on Zanzibar - but it is worth noting that it is relatively expensive and it is possible to rack up a quite a bill over a few nights here.
Sunrise pastries, coffee and juices are served on the beach from 5.30am. A spectacular start to the day!
Breakfast is served between 7.30am and 10.30am, and includes a range of fruits, cereals and pastries as well as several cooked options.
Lunch is served 12.00–15.00pm, includes a number of light meals and snacks.
On a previous stay we enjoyed a delicious beach barbecue served on tables tucked between the vegetated dunes with views out to the kitesurfers on the beach. The food was buffet style with a tempting selection of fragrant salads; hot vegetable curries and rice; and a delicious seafood and chicken barbecue. This was all washed down with chilled bottles of wine, water and beer from silver ice buckets alongside the tables.
Dinner is a little more formal and provides an opportunity to get dressed up. In the evening they serve a three-course à la carte menu with three choices per course. We particularly enjoyed the curry which was superbly spiced. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is provided at White Sand Villas. A tray service is charged.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- The two bedroom villas at White Sand's are fantastic for families. With their own private pools and plenty of space, these provide luxurious accommodation for children of all ages. For young children there is a small play area and shallow pool too.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Zanzibar
- Honeymoons
- The luxurious, spacious villas and array of facilities make White Sand Villas a great choice for a Zanzibar honeymoon. You can enjoy a couple’s massage in the spa, a dip in your private pool, or a romantic dinner on the beach.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Zanzibar
- Beach holidays
- Contemporary and luxurious, White Sand Villas sits on a beautiful coastline, ideal for a beach break in Zanzibar. Here you can enjoy a stroll along the beach and watch the kitesurfers skim across the waves – or join them!
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Zanzibar
- Wellbeing
- White Sand Villas has a beautiful spa offering a range of therapies using locally sourced products. Set by a tranquil waterfall and with its own sauna and steam room, this is a great place to relax and unwind in Zanzibar.
- See ideas for Wellbeing in Zanzibar
- Private villas & houses
- Built with luxury and comfort in mind, this resort offers 11 modern and stylish villas, each with its own private swimming pool. It's a great option for families seeking privacy and relaxation.
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Zanzibar
- Luxury
- White Sand Villas was certainly built with luxury and comfort in mind. The 11 villas are modern and stylish; each comes with its own private swimming pool. Enjoy a seafood barbeque on the beach or have a drink at the rooftop champagne bar.
- See ideas for Luxury in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Special activities & services
- Staff can prepare a range of child-friendly dishes. A child-minding service is available for extra charge, although staff have no professional training.
- Equipment
- A child’s bed can be added to the one-bedroom villas. There are high chairs available.
- Generally recommended for children
- White Sand Villas is well set up for children of all ages. There is a small play area with swings, slides and a trampoline and a shallow swimming pool with children’s toys.
- Notes
- There is direct access to the beach and no lifeguard on duty, so parents are advised to keep their children under supervision.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Power is generated by solar panels and a wind turbine with a back-up generator.
- Communications
- There is good cellphone reception and free WiFi throughout.
- TV & radio
- The main bar area has a large satellite TV. All the villas also have a TV.
- Water supply
- Transported in
- Water supply notes
- All bathrooms have flush toilets and showers are plumbed.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Several of the staff are first-aid trained and there is a first-aid kit on site. For more serious incidents there is a hospital in Stone Town, which is an hour’s drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- White Sand Villas has 24-hour security guards who are based at the main gate and at all corners of the property.
- Fire safety
- There are smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in all the villas and communal areas.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available at an extra cost.
- Money
- White Sand Villas is able to exchange small amounts of currency. There are electronic safes in all the villas.
- Accepted payment on location
- White Sand Villas is a stylish, contemporary hotel with great facilities located on a quiet stretch of beach south of Paje on the south-east coast of Zanzibar.
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White Sand Villas's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of White Sand Villas.
Excursions from White Sand Villas
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at White Sand Villas. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Jambiani Village Tour
Half-day - mornings
Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.
More about Village Tour
Jozani Forest Tour
Half-day or combine with other tours
For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.
More about Jozani ForestOther lodges in Michamvi Peninsula
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Breezes Beach Club
Breezes Beach Club is a family-style resort that also appeals to honeymooners, and is perfect if you want plenty of facilities.
Qambani
Qambani is a luxury property on the tip of the Michamvi Peninsula, set on a low cliff above a white, sandy beach, with stunning ocean views.
Baraza Resort & Spa
Baraza is a high-quality resort, with a buzzing atmosphere and a range of activities that appeal both to families and lively honeymooners.
The Palms
The Palms is an exclusive and luxurious beach getaway - though the main areas are small – next to Breezes and sharing Breezes' facilities.
Xanadu Villas
Situated on a picturesque beach on the Michamvi Peninsula, Xanadu Villas is a sophisticated boutique hotel with six luxurious private villas.
Kono Kono
Kono Kono is a contemporary beach resort on a quiet stretch of west-facing beach on the Michamvi peninsula.
Anna of Zanzibar
Anna of Zanzibar’s warm atmosphere and five spacious and inviting villas make it a great place for a relaxed stay on a lovely stretch of beach.
Zawadi
Set on a pretty cove on Zanzibar’s Michamvi Peninsula, Zawadi is a modern boutique hotel offering lots of space and privacy.
When to go to Michamvi Peninsula
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit White Sand Villas in Michamvi Peninsula
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zanzibar in January
As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.
New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.
- Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
- High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
- Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
- Quieter and better value later in the month.
- Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Zanzibar in February
The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.
At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.
- Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
- Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
- Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
- North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
- ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Zanzibar in March
March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.
Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.
- Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
- Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
- Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
- The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Zanzibar in April
April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.
Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.
- Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
- Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
- Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
- Low prices and few other tourists.
- Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in April
Zanzibar in May
The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.
Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.
- Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
- Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
- Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
- Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in May
Zanzibar in June
June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.
The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
- Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
- Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
- Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Zanzibar in July
July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.
The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.
- Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
- Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
- Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
- Great beach weather result in high prices.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Zanzibar in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.
High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.
- Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
- Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
- High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
- With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Zanzibar in September
September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.
September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.
- Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
- Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
- Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
- Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Zanzibar in October
October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.
With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.
- End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
- Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
- Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
- High demand means prices remain high.
- Northeast coast generally more sheltered.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Zanzibar in November
The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.
Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
- Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
- Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Zanzibar in December
December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.
The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.
- Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
- High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
- Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
- Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
- Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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