Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa (Relais & Chateaux)

It's immediately clear upon arriving at the pristine and understated entrance to the Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa that guests are in for a property that's a little more than special. Gently undulating white-stone walls are echoed in similarly rippling roofs to creating an almost organic fluidity to the property. Conceived by award-winning architect and conceptual designer Neil Rocher, the architecture is designed around the site's existing flora, with aged trees supporting overhangs and the natural landscape integrated into the resort's nine-acre tropical gardens. The resort opened in 2014, and its interiors are fresh, minimalist, and contemporary, with a fashionable, high-end vibe. Everything is open and breezy, with eye-catching contemporary and African art -- ranging from masks to black-on-black woven tapestries -- taking the decor up a notch. This is an eco-conscious resort that relies on solar and wind energy, and has its own water source and recycling policies. The complex is made up mostly villas connected by meandering, palm-tree-lined footpaths that wind down to one of the widest and most picturesque private white-sand beaches on the island. It's a perfect honeymoon destination, with couples making up the bulk of guests, though plenty of families and groups of friends also pass through. 

The resort is set in a secluded spot on the southeast coast of Zanzibar's Unguja island -- the main island in the archipelago -- just outside the sleepy fishing village of Paje -- known for its breezy coastline that's particularly popular for kite-surfing. There's little within walking distance -- though guests can take pleasant strolls on the beach, and a few restaurants are a short five-minute drive away in Paje. A car will be helpful to explore the sights. The island's capital, Zanzibar City (and its historic Stone Town district), are a little less than an hour away by car, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is about the same distance. The resort is well-located for those wanting to explore the natural side of Zanzibar, and the Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park -- home to several endangered species -- is only a 20-minute drive away. 

It's hard to find a fault with the resort's beautiful mix of rooms and villas, all of which are done in a chic minimalist style with modern woods and details like polished plaster walls. Four classic hotel-style rooms are available in a separate building. These are more affordable than the villas, but are done in the same breezy, beachy, up-market style (though they lack the luxe extras like private pools). Most villas have at least two separate sections -- light and airy living and dining rooms on one side, and bedrooms and bathrooms on the other -- and the structures are set in walled gardens with private pools. Certain villas have more than one bedroom, and there's even a five-bedroom villa available. Expect to see bright neutral color schemes with lots of sand tones, white, and subtle shades like light purple making these units some of the nicest examples of rustic-chic style that we've seen in recent memory.

Most units are spacious, though the smallest of the traditional rooms has just 22 square meters of space (237 square feet), which makes it comparably compact when stacked up against the villas. Stairs lead to sea-view balconies or panoramic roof terraces in the villas, and some are set right on the sand looking out on the beach. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, safes, tea- and coffee-making facilities (villas have espresso machines), and flat-screen TVs with movies on demand. The Presidential Five-Bedroom Villa can accommodate up to 10 people and has a full kitchen plus a movie projector and proper sound system. Bathrooms feature rainfall showerheads and open-air tubs. While insect repellent is available and used during turndown, guests have complained that some are prone to ants.

This is a small resort, but it lives up to its luxury status by complementing all of its chic, minimalist style with plenty of features. Of course, the beach is a highlight, with stunning white powdery sand and a few palapas spread out generously far from each other. There's also kite- and wind-surfing equipment available, as well as lessons on how to master the sport.

An excellent breakfast (included in the room rate) is served in guests' villas or in the hotel's artsy and airy restaurant -- there's a wide selection of dishes on offer. For lunch and dinner, the menu includes Tanzanian and international fare -- its alfresco terrace overlooks the hotel's main swimming pool. The restaurant building also includes three bars: a lounge bar, a beach bar, and a rooftop Champagne-cigar bar with sea views. Half-board options are available. 

The hotel's pool is fine enough. It's pair of two free-form pools (one shallower and fine for children), though there's only a few lounge chairs on the wooden deck and it doesn't take advantage of the seaside location and has no views. A tranquil spa with waterfalls, a steam room and a sauna offers treatments using local products, such as spices and coconuts. The hotel can also book various tours and excursions, including snorkeling, spice tours, and fishing expeditions. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.