Vanilla Arches, Zanzibar

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Villa |4 bedrooms |Sleeps 8

Bwejuu in Zanzibar

From £1418 per week |  From £203 per night

Short stays welcome

Changeover flexible

Be the first to write a review

Key info  Swimming pool, beach or lakeside relaxation, air conditioning, balcony/terrace, car not necessary, private garden, no pets allowed

About the home

An Indian Ocean island holiday! Kick off your shoes and feel the powdery beaches of Zanzibar. Perfect for families and groups of 8-14.
Experience true Zanzibari hospitality at Vanilla Arches! A private estate built around coconut trees and Swahili Arches. Explore Zanzibar from the East Coast - centrally located to all historical sites, Stone Town, dolphin diving, snorkelling Blue Lagoon. A kite surfing haven, protected by the Reef! The children will never get bored!

Unwind on one of the World's finest Beaches!
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, the perfect wedding setting or a family gathering in paradise, Vanilla Arches is your private Villa on the beach.
Lounge by the pool, Laze on the beach, Take up Kitesurfing or learn to dive in the Tropics. Lazy days in the sun, sunset Cocktails in the Bahari Lounge and Dinner under the Stars.
Learn to drum like a local around the bonfire!

Facilities

Further details indoors:
- 2 Luxurious Double En suites open on Private Terrace and Viewing Deck - 20m metres from the beach.
- 2 Eclectic Double En suites with Built-in Barazas, Facing the Tropical Garden and Courtyard Pool (sleep 4 each)
- 3 Rooms have Central A/c. Fans available.
- All rooms have large Italian Style En suite Bathrooms (hot & cold rain showers)
- All beds have treated Mosquito Nets,
- Safety Deposit boxes in all rooms
- Bath Towels, Hair Dryers
- Room Service available upstairs, Drinks served on Terrace at sunset on request
- Rooms are serviced daily, Linen Changed weekly.
- 20 min to Village with Restaurants, Bars
- Electronics like TV's, DVD players and iPod docking station provided on request and at owners discretion.
- Large Downstairs living/lounge area under roof.
- Pool Table, Games area
- Dinner can be served in the formal seated area, around the pool or in the garden.
- Guests are offered a selection of menus - fresh daily produce.
- Fresh Seafood and other Lunches Available from Chef's kitchen
- Fully Stocked Honesty Bar
- Complimentary Coffee/Tea at 8am and 4:30pm
- Stunning 8m high Bahari Deck with view over Ocean for Al Fresco Meals

Resident Chef - everybody loves Abeid's food!
- Explore local tastes and spices
- Meals prepared daily on site,
- Fresh seasonal produce only
- BBQ nights
- Great Service in a Relaxed space
- Stunning Seafood Platters, Crab in the Shell, local specialities.

Get your family or friends together and enjoy an Indian island experience like no other.
Experience Vanilla Arches – true Zanzibari hospitality.

Further details outdoors:
Vanilla Arches is a very large private estate. We do our best to ensure the privacy of our guests during their stay, the property is fenced off and locked at night.

Vanilla Arches offers guests the following services/facilities:
- Elegant Zanzibari Style décor in a unique and relaxing environment
- Full Service Team at no additional cost to guests.
- Treated Mosquito Nets in all rooms, Coils available.
- Daily housekeeping, Laundry Service available (USD10 per load wash & iron)
- Internet Facilities 10min drive/20min walk away
- Lockable Safes, Hair Dryers in Rooms
- Pool Table
- Room Service available
- Traditional Swahili Baraza (meeting place) and Garden Barbecue

For the Fun-Loving and Adventurous
- Safari tours, Fishing Charters, Diving, Snorkelling,
- Kite Surfing
- Crab Hunting, Seaweed Tours
- Bicycle rental, Walking Tours
- Henna Painting, Massage
- Swahili language lessons & Cooking
- Stone Town Spice Tour - don't miss it!!!

Or Just Relax
- Guests have a choice of several relaxation areas.
- Laze by the Pool on comfy loungers
- Chill in the Bahari Lounge, Garden Baraza or Upstairs terrace
- Have a drink at Crazy Muzungo’s Bar.
- Closeby - 7 Seas for toe-in-the-water Sundowners

Further details

"Your holiday, your way" - Self Catering or Serviced?
We suggest you try Chefs cooking - Fresh Organic Produce daily. Fish and Seafood off the boats daily!
The pool is 1.5m deep and safe for children.
Children under 12 pay 50% of published tariff. 12 years and over pay full price.
Minimum stay is 5 nights, Recommended stay is 7 days.
Electronic equipment can be provided on request - TV/DVD player/ipod Docking station.
Vanilla Arches has a dedicated Taxi Service.
Airport Transfers are USD70 per vehicle (max 7 passengers)

Conditions

Smoking permitted outdoors only.
Bookings can be made on Self Catering, Half Board or B&B basis
100% payment to secure Reservations.
Costs do not included Airport Taxes, Transfers or Visa fees.
Cost of Air Charter is subject to rates at the time of booking
Gratuity/Tips are determined by guests and paid directly to Staff on departure
Payments are Cash only (US$)- no Credit Cards please!!!

Photos

 

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Vanilla Arches - Relax

 

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Vanilla Arches - Luxury on the beach!

 

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Vanilla Arches - Private Estate, Swimming pool

The Zanzibar region

Travel Guide to Zanzibar

Geography
Zanzibar, a part of the United Republic of Tanzania, is a series of many islands, the main ones being Unguja and Pemba. The more populated of the two main islands, Unguja, is better known as Zanzibar Island and is home to Stone Town.

Places Interest
Historical Tours
Princess Salme Spice Tour – in the footsteps of the legendary Princess Sayyida Salme walking through the Plantations. Get to know the local spices, their uses and benefits.

Mtoni Palace Tour
Visit the Sultan’s Palace, the birthplace of Princess Salme.

Historical Buildings and ruins
Visit the House of Wonders; Pay your respects to Dr David Livingstone.

Art Galleries
Shopping for local art is fun; Tanzania is famous for its Tinga Tinga style of painting.

Jozani Forest/Colobus monkey tours
Only a 20-minute drive and you are in the forest walking with the Colobus monkey and learning about their habitat and conservation.

Kizimkazi
Swim with the dolphins in Kizmkazi. This is an amazing natural experience.

Dive Zanzibar
Zanzibar is well known for its beautiful coral reefs and there are many dives to choose from. We can offer deep sea fishing charters.

The Bwejuu area

Explore Exotic Zanzibar from Vanilla Arches - the East Coast is the perfect place for exploring the magical island. Stone Town is 45min away, Shopping and coffee shops, Historical sites, Dolphin dives, Kite surfing and Snorkelling Blue Lagoon are are in close proximity!

Apart from Bwejuu Beach being voted by Conde Nest Traveler magazine in 2007 as one of the most beautiful Island beaches in the world, a stay at Vanilla Arches would not be complete without experiencing an organized half-day or full-day tour!

Ask our resident manager and he can arrange everything from snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon to a Bwejuu Seaweed Farming Tour.

In an effort to promote “Direct Impact Tourism” (DIT) a portion of the fees charged for some of the excursions goes directly to the person you have contact with. For example our Seaweed Farming Tour consists of meeting a local lady farming seaweed. She will explain the process and a portion of the fee goes directly to her. In this small way Vanilla Arches is not only promoting Direct Impact Tourism, as a guest you know your money has been shared proportionally.

•Bwejuu Village Seaweed Farming Tour – 1 to 2 hours (Depending on the tide).Vanilla Arches “Direct Impact Tourism” (DIT) Initiative COST: 1-5 people (25 US$) Extra person 5 US$

•Seaweed farming is incredibly important to the village of Bwejuu and with land becoming less available, we are seeing the number of seaweed farms diminish. In an effort to support these people we have initiated for the first time in Bwejuu a seaweed farming tour. With a guide you will walk out to the farm, see the colourful marine life, beautiful coral and meet a local farmer who will explain the process.
Be sure to wear shoes as there is sharp coral and sunscreen should be applied.

•Bwejuu Village Walking Tour – 1 ½ hours. Vanilla Arches “Direct Impact Tourism” (DIT) Initiative
COST: 1-5 people (25 US$) Extra person 5 US$

Vanilla Arches in its aim to encourage “Responsible Travel” within the Bwejuu area is proud to offer Bwejuu Village Walking Tours. We are one of few companies to do this and excited to share this initiative with you.
You will go on a guided tour and visit a local house, Mosque, school and experience the Bwejuu way of life.
If you have spare pens or notebooks, we encourage you to donate this to the local school. Speak to our manager and he can arrange this for you.

•Drumming under the stars – 3 hours (the best drummers on the East Coast). Vanilla Arches “Direct Impact Tourism” (DIT) InitiativeCOST: 15US$ per person (minimum 2 people).
Price includes one free wine, beer, soft drink or water per person.
Spend a magical evening under the stars listening to our local talent perform heritage songs around a fire on the beach. Expect lots of singing and interaction between the band and yourselves. It’s a lot of fun and not to be missed!

•Lemon Grass Oil Deep Tissue Massage – 1 hour. Vanilla Arches “Direct Impact Tourism” (DIT) Initiative
COST: 25 US$
Using a blend of local spices and oils relax with a Zanzibari Massage. Drift away with the sound of the ocean in the background and replenish your energy.

•Henna Tattoo.Vanilla Arches “Direct Impact Tourism” (DIT) Initiative COST: 7 US$ (small) or 12 USS (large)
Henna Tattoo is very important in the local culture. It is often used to decorate the body with elaborate designs to celebrate a wedding or to enhance a woman’s appearance. It’s a fun way to start your holiday!


•Hair Braiding
Vanilla Arches “Direct Impact Tourism” (DIT) Initiative COST: 20 US$
Hair braiding has long been an African tradition. It’s colourful and expressive of your environment and the children love it! It can take up to three hours to complete so please allow time for this.
•Bicycle Hire. Vanilla Arches “Direct Impact Tourism” (DIT) Initiative COST: 15US$ Half day – 20US$ Full day.

•Blue Lagoon – Dhow Sailing Boat – Half day excursion. COST: 25US$ per person (Maximum 5 people).
This includes a 20-minute taxi ride North of Bwejuu, entrance fees and hiring of snorkeling equipment.
Should you require a motorized sailing boat there will be an extra fee of 35US$ (seats up to 14 people)
The Blue Lagoon is a fishing channel North of Bwejuu which the locals call the “river”. It’s a break in the reef where the sea flows into shore. It’s fantastic for snorkeling and fishing and it’s no wonder some of Zanzibar’s finest five star hotels are located here.

•Jozani Monkey Forest Tour- Half day excursion. COST: 1-2 people (28US$ per person) 3 - 8 people (25 US$ per person).
This includes a 30-minute taxi ride to Jozani forest, park entrance fees which include a guided tour within the forest. Jozani forest is part of the “Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park”, a tropical natural reserve forming an important ecosystem. It's home to the famous red Colobus monkey. You will also see other animals including Blue Sykes Monkeys, Elephant Shrews and Bush Babies.
•Interactive Spice Tour – Half Day excursion.COST: 1-2 people (40US$ per person) 3 - 8 people (28US$ per person). This includes a 1-hour taxi ride via Stone Town. Learn how Zanzibar became famous as the "Spice Island", visit the farms, see how Spices are grown, learn about their benefits! The cost includes entrance and guided tour. One soft drink or water per person is included in the price.

A trip to Zanzibar or commonly known as the “Spice Island” would not be complete without a Spice Tour. Zanzibar has been trading spices for centuries. Savor different fresh spices including vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom or ginger. Your guide will explain each unique spice in a tropical setting and you get to see what made Zanzibar so famous.

How to get there

Vanilla Arches, Zanzibar What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

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Zanzibar is an island off the coast of Tanzania, a mere 20min flight over crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

To access Zanzibar, connections can be made via Nairobi or Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
If you're on a tight schedule - you can Fly to Zanzibar Island with Vanilla Arches on a privatly chartered plane!
This can be arranged to suit your schedule, no waiting!
Please note: This service is currently only available from Dar Es Salaam and Rates are available upon request.

Alternately, Book a flight on Precision Air, Coastal Aviation or Zanair. These airlines operate daily schedules between Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar island.

On arrival at Zanzibar Airport guests will be collected by their very own Vanilla Arches transportation Service.
All transfers are managed by our local driver.
Any excursions or shopping can also be arranged and paid directly to the service Provider.

Activities near Bwejuu

Guestbook for Vanilla Arches, Zanzibar

"A small corner of paradise"

After climbing Kilimanjaro me, my wife, my sister and our friend needed somewhere relaxing to recooperate and relax. In Vanilla arches we found that and so much more.

Admittedly, I had my reservations making a large cash payment in advance for somewhere so far away but communicating with Michelle proved extremely straight forward and quickly put my mind as ease.

We were greeted at the airport by manager Hassan and their local driver and barely lifted a finger for the 8 days that followed. They have really developed a small corner of paradise and the fact that they are learning as they go along, and always looking to fine tune and improve, serves well for the future. I only hope we can get a reservation when we try to return one day.

The villa and its facilities are simple yet have some lovely touches. They were a few teething problems but they saught to resolve any issues quickly. The food provided by Mr Obeide is sumptuous and a great reflection of Zanzibarian spice tradtion. Fresh fruit plucked from the trees around you is provided for breakfast and free fish caught locally that day is offered for lunch and dinner.

They offer a range of activities for you to take or leave and some of them are unmissable, such as the tours of the spice farm or Stone Town. There is also a great kite surfing school at the nearby Paje. There are not many bars in the are, which was perfect for us, but they provided ample entertainment for us in their own constructed bar 'Crazy Mazungos'.

I could ramble on for paragraph after paragraph but will finish by saying that the pictures they advertise with only paint half of the picture. It has to be seen to be believed.

A big hello and massive thank you to Matthew, Michelle, Hassan, Sabiha, Mr Obeide and the rest of the team.
Stuart Lorente-Cronin, London. Nov 5, 2010.

"Excellent Holiday"

Vanilla arches is a superb villa.It's ideal for a family vacation. It's private, very clean & the chef is excellent. The staff are incredibly friendly & helpful. Nothing is too much trouble.
Definitely recommend it & would like to go back some day.
Rene De Beer, Cape Town, 28 Oct 2010

"Vanilla arches - Paradise Found"

Our stay at Vanilla arches was truly one that we will never forget! . . . . The idyllic setting, the extremely welcoming and responsive staff and the ample activities organised through the villa made for the most spectacular holiday.
The attention to detail, from the decoration of the rooms to the delectable meals (with a presentation that cannot be descrbed in words) was nothing short of brilliant.
I would, without any hesitation, reccomend Vanilla arches for family holidays and romantic getaways (as was ours) alike.
Matt, Michelle, Hassan, Chef and Sibaya - Thank you!!! We will be back. . . .
Dale & Sian Holder, Wilderness, South Africa,18 Oct, 2010.

"Absolutely fabulous!!!"

I can highly recommend Vanilla arches, the lodge itself, the pool, the staff, the food, and of course the location, was much more than i ever expected!! Thanks to Matthew and Michelle, and the wonderful staff for making our stay so magical, hope to see you guys soon!!!
Hugo Uys, Cape Town, South Africa, 10 Oct, 2010.

"Family holiday zanzibar (Vanilla arches)"

Our stay was excellent and we had a great time. The house was very spacouis and suited all our needs. The island was fantastic.
Jason , Israel, Oct 9, 2010

"Exactly what we needed"
Matt and Michelle have built, much to our surprise (and pleasure), precisely the villa we once wanted to build for ourselves in asia: arches around a courtyard, huge ceilings, huge bedrooms, honesty bar made out of an old pirogue, expansive size, very relaxed. They're great, great fun, the staff are excellent and very welcoming and couldn't be more caring (Hassan's wife even spent hours pulling urchin needles out of our eldest daughter's toe). It was a perfect place for our kids -- and Vanilla arches is one of the few villas on the whole of Zanzibar. It's a new venture for both of them, and as they both recognize, it's more 95% than 100% right now -- a bit more freshness and zinginess to the food, a better view of the incredible beach (now, I gather, under construction -- Matt is building an 8m high deck), and a few, small finishing touches. But I have absolutely no doubt that very soon, this will be one of the places -- if not the -- place to stay in Zanzibar. The combination of value, size, privacy, and homely warmth is already unbeatable.
Alex and Tess, Constantia, South Africa, 7 Oct 2010

"enchanting"

great place, great staff
Sabiha learned us a it of Swahili
Hassan will guide you everywhere you wish.
explain your dinner wishes in the morning and you will find it on your table in the evening
beautifull beach, very little tourists
excellent booking procedure with nice e-mail contact with owners. orientated on whatever you wish.
Mic de Bleyser and family, Holland, 18 Sep, 2010

"Private villa on Zanzibar, great accommodations!"

Our family of five thoroughly enjoyed the villa, the rooms were well appointed and had a modern European flair, huge bathrooms with nicely tiled showers. There were plenty of games, pool table & darts, to keep us engaged right at the house. The beach was a stone's throw and could be seen from our veranda. The tide made it funky for swimming but great for long walks. The little pool is quite refreshing when lounging in the courtyard. The staff was absolutely wonderful, hats off to the chef for all the fine meals he prepared, homemade curries, plenty of fish, fresh squeezed juices (mango with lime and ginger, yum), the food was all marvelous and fresh and clean. We could have stayed right there and been fine but of course we ventured out for kite surfing down the beach, scuba diving at Nemba, snorkeling on Chumbe. Hassan had a friend come to braid our hair and do henna tattoos, she was great and all very classy in the comfort of our own home.
Dena Platis and Family, USA, 18 July 2010


"Simply idillic, a truely wonderful Zanzibarian experience!"

When arriving through the front door of Vanilla Arches, you're greeted with the most beautiful enclosed archway interior with a pool in the center. All sorts of artifacts adorned the walls and 'nook' areas of the villa. The guests rooms are very spacious with huge en suites and are all individual in their decoration with lovely personal touches.
The service was great; fun & personable. Delicious food, fresh fruit for breakfast with aromatic African coffee, traditional Zanzibarian fish curries or indeed any preference of mouth watering cuisine was available to order.
With the loveliest private garden, with it's own bar and only seconds from a white sand beach, which is the view from every guestroom, the location was perfect.
I loved every minute.
A truely wonderful Zanzibarian experience!
Andrew and Elly Stanley, Dubai, 10 May 2010

Rental prices

Prices for group size 2
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
High Season	1 Oct 11	13 Dec 11	3080$ 3080	440440	440440	5 Nights
Peak Season	13 Dec 11	11 Jan 12	3220$ 3220	460460	460460	5 Nights
Low Season	11 Jan 12	1 May 12	2492$ 2492	356356	356356	5 Nights
Promo Season	1 May 12	16 Jun 12	2240$ 2240	320320	320320	5 Nights

Prices for group size 4
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
High Season	1 Oct 11	13 Dec 11	3080$ 3080	440440	440440	5 Nights
Peak Season	13 Dec 11	11 Jan 12	3220$ 3220	460460	460460	5 Nights
Low Season	11 Jan 12	1 May 12	2492$ 2492	356356	356356	5 Nights
Promo Season	1 May 12	16 Jun 12	2240$ 2240	320320	320320	5 Nights

Prices for group size 8
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
High Season	1 Oct 11	20 Dec 11	6160$ 6160	880880	880880	5 Nights
Peak Season	20 Dec 11	11 Jan 12	6440$ 6440	920920	920920	5 Nights
Low Season	11 Jan 12	1 May 12	4984$ 4984	712712	712712	5 Nights
Promo Season	1 May 12	16 Jun 12	4480$ 4480	640640	640640	5 Nights

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday and Saturday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Vanilla Arches is Luxurious with attentive and friendly Staff.

COSTS INCLUDE ALL GROCERY ITEMS,CHEF, HOUSEKEEPER, 2 COOKED MEALS DAILY.

Rates cover 2-8 people sharing on Half Board basis. Larger groups will benefit from discounts.

NO HIDDEN COSTS - Extras are Drinks, Taxis, Excursions.

FULL PAYMENT REQUIRED TO SECURE RESERVATIONS

Payment can be made via Bank Transfer.

Cash payment in U$/Tsh preferred when in Zanzibar for additional services

Strict Cancellation Policy applies.

Terms and Conditions Apply

All facilities and services are at the discretion of the owners.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Contact the owner

* Required fields Please check the following errors: First name * Last name * Email *   Did you mean ""? Yes / No Phone number Arrival date Departure date   Ignore calendar - enquire anway No. of adults No. of children Message * Email me special offers and holiday ideas T&Cs

2 years listed You are contacting Michelle Kearns Landline +255 777 757019 Mobile +255 7722 48569 Languages spoken The owner is based in Tanzania and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2009. This villa has so far received 0 reviews.