Our story
Every design choice embodies a commitment to harmony, simplicity and connection with the surrounding environment. The villas are not just structures: they are a testament to care, creativity and emotion.
Eileen’s journey
“Xanadu is a place to rest, peace and run away from the craziness of the whole world.”
Born in the Congo, raised in Zambia, and later moved to Norway as a teenager, Eileen drew from these diverse cultural landscapes a unique perspective and a passion for design. Without formal architectural training, her keen eye for shape, height and spatial harmony guided the creation of Xanadu from the ground up.
Her vision was born from a deep-seated desire to create a space that breathes with nature and embodies the essence of tranquillity. She also gives back, working closely with the people of her area.
Natural architecture · full of life and energy
Every element of Xanadu was crafted with locally available products, to achieve a harmonious blend of energy and serenity.
“The stonework at Xanadu, created by Mersons, took years to perfect. My main handyman, with the patience, serenity and looks of a Buddha, chipped away at the stones day after day, week after week, for months and years.”
Eileen, creator & owner of Xanadu
All the woodwork was done by hand, without machines: old dhow boats were bought and dismantled to create arched window frames that follow the natural curves of the boats. The restaurant floors were hand-cut and laid with the same care.
The furniture blends Arab, British and African influences — the melting pot Zanzibar is famous for — mixing hard and soft elements in the vibrant, eclectic colours Africa is celebrated for.
Local, environmentally friendly materials and traditional manual building techniques reduce the carbon footprint, while creating jobs and developing skills.
Watch
A film by FMD Productions, in which founder Eileen Smith shares the vision and inspiration behind the design. The video loads from YouTube only when you press play.
The people of Xanadu
Every guest is assigned a personal butler, attentive to your wishes — and respectful of your desire for peace. Our butlers: Ismail, Jesca, Rashid, Abel, Abubakar and Muambo.
Sustainability
Preserving the nature of Zanzibar for future generations: small steps, shared honestly.
Organic herbs, fruits and vegetables harvested seasonally — expanded in 2020 — and a modest farm of chickens, ducks, goats, pigs and a cow for milk.
If the fishermen come, there is fish. Supporting fishermen who fish sustainably, observing breeding seasons and never buying endangered or slow-breeding species.
Plastic bottles replaced by Chako’s locally made recycled glass bottles; waste sorted into glass, plastic and organic with Zanrec, for recycling and upcycling.
The vast majority of our team is Tanzanian, and training and career development are an ongoing process.
Press & reviews
Xanadu is beyond peaceful, its architecture and setting make you feel like you’re the only people there.
Hidden gem, perfect to relax, incredible service, beautiful villas, probably the most luxurious experience in Zanzibar.
The food was phenomenal, both healthy and delicious; we continuously looked forward to the next meal.
Concept · Burel Agency
