First look: kizikula, Zanzibar

A brand new boutique hotel is making waves in Zanzibar. kizikula is giving ‘the spice island’ a laidback, forward thinking place to sleep with focus on design and sustainability.

When it comes to sexy places to bed down the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar isn’t really the first place that comes to mind. Until recently, when a handful of smart designy hotels have raised the bar on the island - drawing a new type of traveler to this Indian Ocean bliss. Our very favorite is kizikula, a simple yet well-dressed boutique hotel on the remote southern coast of Zanzibar. With the only sign of life being the nearby dust-bowl town of Kizimkazi, a stay a kizikula truly feels like having your very own slice of paradise.

The concept

With a humble nine rooms sitting on a four acre piece of seaside land kizikula is all about slowing down and enjoying on the simple things in life. Whether that’s early morning yoga sessions, dips in the 20 (!) meters outdoor pool, late night stargazing or all-day hammock lingering - kizikula has got you covered. At the same time it focuses on sense of community and sustainability. Communal roof terraces and a large outdoor lounge area make perfect for socializing while the on-site organic farm produces many of the fruits and vegetables used in the kitchen. From papaya marmelades and fruit juices to free-range eggs and goat cheese - all freshly farmed at the hotel grounds.

The rooms

The two-story kizikula houses draw inspiration from its tropical surroundings - combining hard materials as battered concrete and pink coral limestone (as found on the island) with soft pastel interiors and lush tropical gardens. Each house faces the ocean, giving the top floor rooms spectacular sea views. For the interior designs kizikula teamed up with the Mumbai-based studio case design as well as a handful of independent designers who gave each of the nine rooms an individual feel. Expect well adorned rooms with comfy beds, contemporary furniture by Casegoods, outdoor showers and a large veranda or balcony. Pastel colored walls against wood paneled ceilings turn sleeping at kizikula into a tropical affair.

to do

kizikula’s facilities center around the (pretty generous) elevated outdoor pool and include a restaurant, a basic outdoor gym, sea facing wooden yoga decks and an outdoor lounge area with a cocktail bar and low-slung Moroccan-like lounge chairs. Again, cleverly designed facing the ocean and putting the attention where it needs to be: the crystal clear waters and the spectacular sunsets. And even though the hotel doesn’t have a beach, it brings a beachy vibe with white sandy pathways flanked by swaying palms, hammocks and sun loungers. Stairways and a rocky natural tunnel give direct access to the sea. It may be clear: no better place in Zanzibar to swap your smartphone for a sunbed than over here at kizikula.

Rooms from USD 199 per night including breakfast, Kizikula