Sunset sail on Free Spirit
Our traditional Zanzibari dhow is called Free Spirit with good reason. Cruise the sunset hot spot of the east coast, see the mangroves, swim or snorkel while your butler serves delicacies and keeps the drinks topped up.
Experiences · Xanadu & Zanzibar
A day filled with light.
We assist our guests in arranging any activity on the island — or nothing at all. Our on-site activities manager will help you find your perfect day.
A day in Xanadu
From sunrise to the last breath of day.
What will be your perfect day? Here is what one can look like, from the east coast’s sunrise to the evening sail.
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Sunrise
Good morning sunshine
On the east coast of Zanzibar, every day begins with the sunrise — your favourite early morning drink at hand.
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Breakfast
Wherever you like
Your private butler sets up breakfast where you choose: the beach, the yoga deck, the restaurant or your villa.
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Late morning
A step into your private pool
Every villa has at least one private plunge pool — unheated, ideal to cool off just six degrees south of the equator.
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Lunch
On the rooftop at Kimwondo
When it is available, the famous Xanadu arches of Kimwondo’s rooftop make the perfect table above the gardens.
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Afternoon
Kiota Spa
In the couples treatment room or on the private balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean.
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Sunset
Aboard Free Spirit
A private sunset sail in our traditional dhow, delicacies served by your butler.
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Evening
Take a deep breath
Breathe in all the good as the day draws to a close.
Awaken your adventurous spirit
Beyond our oasis of calm.
Zanzibar is a melting pot of African traditions, Arabic and European history, wild nature and the clearest of waters. Our team will happily arrange any of the following.
Private helicopter flights
With Tropic Air Tanzania, from Xanadu’s own landing site: transfers to Zanzibar Airport in about 15 minutes, to Dar es Salaam in about 40, scenic flights of 30 or 60 minutes, or a day trip to Emerald Bay on Pemba Island. On request, subject to availability and weather.
Jozani Forest
Zanzibar’s only national park, home of the indigenous red colobus monkey and a protective mangrove ecosystem — nature’s pharmacy. Guided tour of about two hours, transfers included.
Kuza Caves
A sacred limestone cave of clear fresh water in the heart of Kibigija village, twenty minutes from Xanadu — a dip in turquoise water after a lesson in Swahili history and traditions.
Stone Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating maze of alleys, each corner telling another chapter of its Arabic and European history. Easily combined with a spice farm tour and Prison Island.
Prison Island
Once a quarantine station, now a picturesque island home to a colony of giant tortoises — with snorkelling in gin-clear water and the Nakupenda sandbank nearby.
Safari Blue
A full day in a traditional dhow to small islands and sandbanks: snorkelling, Zanzibari seafood, and for the lucky ones, dolphins swimming alongside.
From Xanadu’s beach
Kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and snorkelling equipment are yours to borrow; the gentle, clear waters of the bay reveal fish, corals and starfish.
Scuba diving
With our partner Buccaneers Diving: dive directly in front of Xanadu, further north around Mnemba Island, or in the south at Kizimkazi.
Kite surfing
Paje and Jambiani, just south of Xanadu, are among the island’s most popular kite spots, with reputable schools for every level.
SUP in the mangroves
A guided paddle through the calm mangroves of Chwaka Bay, depending on the tide — or simply from Xanadu’s own beach, in the gentle bay.
Yoga by the sea
Mats are provided for your own practice on the beach decks, in the sand or in your villa; a private session with our instructor can be arranged on request.
Private helicopter experiences
The island. The ocean. The arrival. Elevated.
In partnership with Tropic Air Tanzania, guests enjoy private helicopter transfers, scenic flights and bespoke aerial adventures from Xanadu’s own landing site — arranged discreetly, according to your plans and the possibilities of the day.
- Zanzibar Airport ↔ Xanadu — about 15 minutes
- Dar es Salaam Airport ↔ Xanadu — about 40 minutes
- Scenic flights over Zanzibar — 30 or 60 minutes
- A private day trip to Emerald Bay, Pemba Island, with return flights, snorkelling, paddle boarding and picnic lunch
Flights are subject to availability, weather conditions, passenger weights and operational clearance.
Plan your flightIn any regard the best vacation experience you can imagine.Julia · guest of Xanadu
Book a package
Stone Town, the spice farm & Prison Island.
These three excursions follow the same route and can be combined in one day. Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island; the spice farms, 60 to 70 minutes’ drive from Xanadu, offer a taste of Swahili cuisine and its spices in their natural habitat.
Get in contactPlan your experience
What will be your perfect day?
Choose your dates to see every available villa with live rates — or write to us, and we will shape your stay together.
