Jambiani Villas

When our first choice of lodging, near Paje, was not available, we settled on Jambiani Villas – and were so happy we did. After all of the hustle and bustle we experienced in Arusha, and the market near Stone Town, it was a relief to stay at such a quiet, peaceful and gorgeous place. And the staff made us feel so welcome. We can’t say enough about Bana, Agata, Aziz, Hans, Daniel (our Maasai “security guard”) and the rest of the staff. They made our stay that much nicer. We stayed in the 2 bedroom villa just steps from the beach, restaurant and pool – so convenient, and really lovely. The upstairs suite has its own air conditioning unit, and a balcony which overlooks the Indian ocean and a few padded lounge chairs shaded by thatched-roof coverings that provided needed shade. While children are certainly welcome, there is far less to keep them entertained than other resorts on the island. Zanzibar is hotter than the mainland, but the ocean breezes keep the restaurant and rest of property very comfortable. They have a small but lovely menu and a daily menu and drink specials that changes daily. I enjoyed most of what I ordered there, with the highlight being a lovely buffet of Swahili traditional meals (all delicious) and a performance by local Maasai men showing some of their tribal dances. Bring swim shoes if you want to walk in the water at low tide (sea urchins and coral).

Jambiani villas comprise 3 separate sections. We were given a room in a noisy section which spoiled our stay. Our section was next door to a beach bar which plays noisy loud music from 12 midday to 11 pm at night. Building works were also going on at 2 houses either side. Otherwise this is an ok place.

Jambiani Villas was a very great place to stay. It has one of the friendliest staff you can ever find. They keep it very clean and they help organise tours for you with trusted agents in Zanziba. The meals were very delicious. Will return here.