Kilindi: Zanzibar, Tanzania

A 1970s Europop star created his own vision of paradise on the northwest coast of Zanzibar. This resulted in white-domed pavilions spread out over tropical gardens in a blend of traditional Middle Eastern architecture meets modern Scandinavian minimalism.

The luxurious property was originally designed for Benny Andersson, a member of the glamrock band ABBA. But you don’t have to be a music legend to stay here. It’s now the high-end hotel Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar, a collection of 15 private suites with plunge pools, ocean views and 50 acres of lush grounds.

Guests seek out this romantic spot for its unique open-air design and comfort, praising the inviting ambiance and personal service. Kilindi’s privacy and beauty — particularly its extensive gardens, spa and seaside — have made it popular for people celebrating their honeymoons or other special occasions.

“This paradise took our breath away: the food was a dream, the atmosphere absolutely magical, and the beach was pure white with turquoise waters,” a reviewer on Google wrote, noting that a housekeeper surprised the guests each morning by decorating their villa with personal touches. “We even joined a cooking class and immersed ourselves in the flavors of Swahili cuisine. The massages were fantastic, too – pure relaxation.”

Find the resort’s highly rated spa tucked away in a hidden corner of Kilindi’s forested estate. Guests said they appreciated the facilities and treatments so much that they returned to the spa multiple times during their stays.

Anyone looking for a bit more adventure can hit the ocean with experienced staff for paddle boarding, snorkeling, diving, cruising or deep-sea fishing, where the waters between Zanzibar and Pemba provide ideal angling conditions.

Stick to dry land for a safari or take a cultural excursion and tour the historic center of Stone Town. Wander bazaars and alleyways or head into the forest to check out Zanzibar’s last remaining indigenous woodland. Participate in a cooking class. Go learn about all of those spices the island is famous for by touring where they grow on a countryside farm.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, there is plenty of delicious food waiting back at the hotel. Guests particularly raved about Kilindi Zanzibar’s more unique dining options, such as the atmospheric private beach dinner or in-room dinner paired with a movie night.

Those seeking a more traditional meal can head over to the hotel’s Old Drift Restaurant and Bar, which overlooks the infinity pool and ocean and serves a fusion of European and indigenous flavors.

Take the all-inclusive option to cover food, drinks and some activities. There are also specials and perks for honeymooners.

Kilindi Zanzibar is a member of the Elewana Collection of luxury lodges and camps in Kenya and Tanzania, and it solely offers 15 private Pavilion Suites (each with one or two bedrooms) on its property. The white domes that make up the bedrooms have wooden-slatted shutters on wide arching windows with Indian Ocean views.

Gentle breezes flow through this open but secluded space to the soundtrack of colorful birdlife tweeting nearby. There’s a separate bathroom pavilion with double vanity basins and a rainfall shower that looks over the garden or sea.

Suites also have private plunge pools and verandas with sun loungers.

While most guests found the hotel’s unusual style delightful, a few said having a bathroom separated from the bedroom was a bit inconvenient. But the majority of the reviews were complimentary, with one on Google calling the Kilindi Zanzibar “the perfect mix of luxury, relaxation and unforgettable experiences” that made “our honeymoon so special we’ll cherish the memories forever.”