Imani Beach Villa

The Imani--with only eight rooms is a boutique hotel with small private beach run by a young English couple in the midst of a tropical garden with palms, banana trees, fragrant flowering plants, and passion fruit, where man and nature join in harmony.

Imani Beach Hotel

If you are looking for a big tourist resort, then you will definitely not be interested in our place!
But if you are a seasoned traveler or ex-pat hoping to rub elbows with African fishermen, an ex-backpacker who has grown to need comfort yet doesn’t want unnecessary luxury on this beautiful tropical island - (no TVs or swimming pool) - if you savor life and fresh seafood simmered in coconut sauce, whether you want a lifetime of memories or just to relax for a few days, then read on...

Located 6 degrees south of the Equator on the Indian Ocean, the Imani Beach Villa is a refreshing oasis of tranquility for your holidays, where you can discover Swahili fisherman at work sailing their traditional wooden outrigger trimarans, while you taste seafood and other local dishes made with coconut, and cocktails with fresh fruits and spices from our garden and the surrounding area.

The Imani--with only eight rooms--is a boutique hotel in the midst of a tropical garden with palms, banana trees, fragrant flowering plants, and passion fruit, where man and nature join in harmony.

Just listen to the sound of waves gently brushing up against the shore, while you wait for another splendid Equatorial sunset, and the African night. Relax... everything comes to those who wait.

After a long day by the sea, or exploring the Island, you may want to request a relaxing massage done by expert hands to the aroma of local spice oils at a spa close by.

The Restaurant

The Imani's restaurant has been designed respecting traditional Moorish style, with low tables made out of coconut wood and decorated with veils and colorful cushions... the exotic charm of 1001 Nights.

Try some of our unique Island dishes: barracuda capriccio, kingfish ravioli, or octopus stewed in coconut sauce.

Every morning, breakfast includes fresh fruit straight from our garden: it's always the right season for papayas and mangos!

For your convenience, free wifi is available in the restaurant and the reception area, so bring your own laptop or you can use our public laptop, available in the reception.

The Beach

The Imani has its own beach, equipped with large beach umbrellas, sun shades and chaise lounges.

The beach is an ideal spot for having a drink while admiring a magnificent view of the Ocean, or watching herons fly overhead to reach a little nearby island for the night. Or just kick back with a good book or the right company...

You don't even have to put your shoes on to walk a few feet from your room to the white sands of our beach.

We can also help you arrange any tours and are happy to give advice on any aspect of your stay. See you soon!

Accommodation Information

The Rooms

Every room has air conditioning, mosquito netting, and a private bathroom.

Furnished in traditional Zanzibar style, each room has a different character thanks to its antiques (the owners are collectors). Poster beds give a special touch, and the Sultan Suite has one so wide it could sleep three, worthy of any harem!

Each bathroom and room is cleaned every day to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Location Information

Imani Beach Villa is a fifteen minute drive to Stone Town, whilst being on the closest beach to Stone Town where you can swim. We are very close to the spice plantations, Prison Island (with giant tortoises) is directly in front of our beach, a 25 minute boat ride with our Imani boat, and other islands such as Bawe Island are also seen from our beach and easily accessible for great snorkelling. Next door, is the old country house where the Sultans daughter lived, Princess Salome. It is currently empty but the gardener can show you around for a small tip.

The local fishermen are happy to take guests on a traditional, authentic dhow, to Stone Town, or for a sunset cruise or fishing trip. It provides a good extra income for them, and they are very friendly.

Meanwhile, with our Imani engine boat and Imani car, we can organise trips all over the island for you. Popular trips include Jozani forest, with red colobus monkeys and mangrove eco-system, swimming with dolphins at Kizimkazi, visits to other beaches and of course the spice tour which everyone raves about!