Honeymoon Review: The Kilindi Zanzibar

By Bianca Foley

Why go?

An intimate, adults-only retreat with sweeping Indian Ocean views and unparalleled privacy, Kilindi Zanzibar is a masterclass in sophistication – ideal for honeymooners seeking peace after a Tanzanian or Kenyan safari.

Honeymoon style

For couples in search of stillness and style, with spa rituals, private beach dinners and a butler on hand to orchestrate every quiet luxury.

Set the scene

A collection of sugar-white, domed pavilions set across 50 acres of tropical gardens, Kilindi is equal parts sanctuary and sculpture. Once a private home commissioned by Benny Andersson of ABBA, the architecture blends Middle Eastern and Swahili influences with modern minimalism. You’ll find arched walkways, hidden courtyards and flower-covered paths that lead down to the beach. There’s a deliberate slowness to the rhythm here – it’s a place where guests can simply stroll to the open-air lounge for a sundowner or take their time lingering poolside, perhaps plotting a sail at sea. The crowd is a mix of honeymooners and privacy-seeking romantics.

Rooms

Each standalone villa is cocooned in foliage – and the Ocean View Pool Pavilions in particular have stunning uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Each villa is a celebration of openness: shutters pull back entirely, drawing in the sea air, while the open-air bathroom; part tropical garden, part sanctuary, turns daily rituals into a sensory escape. The private plunge pool stretches out beneath the palms, where guests can enjoy a floating breakfast tray of fresh fruits, warm pastries and other delicious foods to start their day the right way. Soothing interiors are pared-back and considered: whitewashed walls, Swahili-inspired carved doors and handwoven textiles in neutral tones. A 24-hour personal butler is assigned to each pavilion; and they move with the quiet confidence of someone who has perfected the art of thoughtful invisibility.

Food and drink

Meals are served wherever you like – your villa or the shaded terrace – with a focus on Zanzibari flavours and fresh produce. Guests can even enjoy a private dinner on the sand, watching the sunset and enjoying a decadent seafood spread. As an alternative to having the floating breakfast in your villa, you can take yours in the main restaurant – the poached eggs, avocado and seed toast are worth requesting more than once.

The story

Originally conceived as a coastal escape for one of ABBA’s founding members, the property has retained the feel of a private residence, with just 15 pavilions scattered across the estate. Rather than expand this, the team at Kilindi has preserved the intimacy of the original design – opting instead to refine the offering and focus on slow travel.

Spa

The on-site spa is tucked discreetly within the gardens, with open-air treatment pavilions that blur the line between nature and nurture. The signature couples massage is not to be missed – an hour of deep relaxation set to the sound of birdsong and the rustle of palms; the therapists were wonderfully skilled, kneading away every last trace of post-wedding tension.

Family-friendly

Kilindi is strictly couples-only, and all the better for it. With no distractions beyond the sea and the sky, it’s an unapologetically romantic setting.

Eco-friendly

The property is actively involved in local conservation efforts, supporting marine protection and local communities through collaborative partnerships, working alongside local fisherman and other sellers; pouring rewards into the local community. There is an on-site spice garden, and the team grows a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and plants that are used in the restaurant. They want to eliminate waste where they can and utilise surplus produce in the team-member restaurant, as well as providing guests with stainless steel reusable water bottles.

Location

Perched below the pristine beaches of Kendwa along Zanzibar’s northern coast, Kilindi is just under 90 minutes by car from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. The location offers the best of both worlds: seclusion, plus access to snorkelling, spice farms, sailing trips and the cultural draw of Stone Town should guests feel like exploring. But, unsurprisingly, many don’t – the pace here encourages rest, with just enough on offer should you choose to stir.