Where To Stay - Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar

Feb 11, 2019

Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar

First Impressions

“We don’t care about time here, eat whenever and wherever you want.” The manager managed to capture the feeling of this unpretentious, luxury resort as he greeted us on arrival. There are no manicured lawns, no golf carts ferrying suitcases, no forced smiles. Instead, I fondly remember acres of bustling green bush, chirping away as it overlooks the ocean. Years ago, one of ABBA's dancing queens decided to build a luscious resort tucked away in Zanzibar's North. He soon realised bureaucracy is taken rather seriously in Tanzania and gave up. Not to worry, because the lovely folks at Elewana noticed and jumped on board right away. They named it Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar, now famous for its minimalist Scandinavian designs paired with bohemian Middle Eastern touches. The word “room” doesn’t justify the terraced arena which we were given to sleep, swim and laze about in. Open white domes connect you with the surrounding gardens and birdlife, separating you from the rest of the world, while water trickles between the two swimming pools (yes, that is two pools per room) at your disposal. The line between being in- and outdoors doesn’t exist; you are just able to flow or, in our case, flop around in what soon becomes a sort of la-la land. Most resorts have some dose of machinery or noise that shocks you back into reality, Kilindi doesn’t. It allows you to exist in a completely isolated, luxury bubble of relaxation.

Specifics

The resort sits close to the northern tip of Zanzibar, one and a half hours from Zanzibar Airport. Its west-facing location is perfect for sunsets, sundowners and sunbathing (oh, and sleep-ins!).
There are fifteen pavilions available between 1 June to 1 April ranging from expensive to extraordinary prices.
You will be assigned a butler on arrival, which means you don’t have to do anything at all.
A pristine beach, complete with traditional dhows and sun loungers beckons.
If doing nothing isn’t your style, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and snorkelling gear is free to use. Given the pristine, unpolluted waters, this is something I highly recommend.
The fresh, local food is a la carte, whenever and wherever you want. The restaurant will provide delicious vegan or vegetarian menus on request, I recommend including this in your booking.
Every guest is given her own refillable drink bottle and water fountains are plentiful. Say no to plastic! (And pick hotels which do so, too.)