Mikoko Villa

Tropical Modernism Meets Swahili Heritage

This newly built, enviously secluded, two-story beach house occupies the sands of a coral stone beach just a few minutes from the village of Jambiani on Zanzibar’s palm-fringed coast. The 500-square-meter villa, created by travelers for travelers, climbs two stories, offering five oceanview bedroom suites, indoor and outdoor living areas, and a scenic roof terrace with views on the lagoon and coconut groves.

The home's designers had a preference for pairs, as the property includes two infinity pools. Pick your view: ocean or garden. There are also two bars for the happiest of happy hours, and a pair of living areas for unlimited lounging, both indoors and out.

Sunbeds and loungers surround both pools, leafy tropical vegetation insulates the private villa, and ocean access is steps from the house, a rocky mix of sand and millennial-old coral pebbles broken by sand banks. Surf shoes are advised for exploring the private lagoon, a waterfront that changes with the tides all day long.

Experiences

This is a fully-serviced villa with a private chef, a manager/concierge who will take care of filling up your bar, making drinks, and all activities and taxis. In house massage, boxing, yoga, cooking classes are available by reservation. Though there are many activities in the area such as snorkeling, sailing, exploring beaches and caves, and the UNESCO Heritage Stone Town, you won’t have to leave the villa given the level of service and experiences, from boxing classes to sailing excursions to traditional boating or private kite surfing.

Around

Four kilometers south of Jambiani, this beach house rises from a rugged, wild coastline with visible coral reefs that are millions of years old. The beach evolves with the changing tides, revealing coral rocks, sand bars, and lunar-like banks for exploring on foot (with surf shoes). The beach attracts local female seaweed farmers and fishermen due to its relatively isolated location, meaning you’ll be mostly tourist- and beach vendor-free, with the daily catch available for purchase. The lagoon on the Indian Ocean's south east coast is unbelievably blue, a spectacular turquoise lagoon that's among the world's most beautiful.

Jambiani is located on the Tanzanian island of Unguja, a part of Zanzibar known for its seaweed culture. The farms employ thousands of local women and the area is also renowned for its spectacular coral reefs. Jambiani is a cluster of villages spanning some six kilometers of unspoiled beach on the island of Unguja, the largest in the Zanzibar archipelago. Known for its low-key, fishing village vibe, the traditional Swahili village is calm and low key, with white sands and turquoise waters. Cycle and kite-surfing rentals are available, and scuba and snorkeling guides are also abundant, along with captained rides on local dhow. There are several caves near Jambiani, including Kuumbi and Kuza caves, open for tours.

Adventurers can cycle to the neighboring Swahili village of Paje, a kite-surfing town that’s popular with backpacking youth, or walk the beach from Jambiani to Michamvi via Paje and the villages of Bwejuu, Donwe, and Pingwe, along a scenic 20-kilometer wild sand that is stunningly unspoiled.

Nightlife in Jambiani centers around bao, a traditional Zanzibari game like mancala. For clubs and partying nightlife, head to nearby Paje.

Location

Jambiani, Unguja, Zanzibar archipelago, Tanzania. Nearest airports: Zanzibar (25 miles), Dar Es Salaam (45 miles)

Best time to visit

June to March