The hype
Guests are obsessed with the staff and the private pools, often calling it a 'home away from home' that offers way more space than a hotel room.
Shivo Paje Villas
$180-350/ noche
Reserva esto si You want a private, self-catering sanctuary with your own pool, away from the backpacker chaos of the main beach strip.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- Private plunge pools in every villa (rare at this price point)
- The staff—specifically Abdul and Joshua—who act more like fixers than concierges
- Serene, gated privacy that feels like a residential neighborhood, not a resort
Resumen rápido: A fantastic value for groups who want to play house in Zanzibar, provided you can handle the 15-minute walk to the beach and the occasional power/wifi hiccup.
Reseñado por @PermanentVacationers: I stayed in this villa for a few days and it felt like my own private sanctuary. The way the light hits the living room in the morning is unreal, and having a pool right outside the glass doors was a game changer. Totally worth the splurge.
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
The 'outdoor living' concept means you will battle ants, flies, and mosquitoes, especially in the ground-floor rooms.
- You are a family or group of friends who want a private compound
- You prefer cooking your own breakfast or hiring a private chef over a buffet line
- You value silence and privacy over being in the center of the party
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
9
- Housekeeping: Daily service is thorough and praised by almost every guest. They wash dishes and tidy the entire villa.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally spotless, though outdoor bathrooms struggle with nature (leaves, bugs) by design.
- Maintenance: High standard for Zanzibar, though some guests noted peeling paint or worn outdoor cushions.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and clean, but don't expect 1000-thread count Egyptian cotton. Functional and comfortable.
- Odors & scents: Neutral and fresh indoors; outdoors can smell of burning leaves or local cooking (part of the charm).
Sleepability™
8SILENCIOSO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Morning call to prayer (distant)
- Local village sounds (roosters, dogs)
- AC hum
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- The hotel offers a private chef service which is highly rated and reasonably priced—often better than eating out.
- Electricity outages happen in Zanzibar; the generator kicks in quickly, but expect brief flickers.
- You will need cash (Shillings or USD) for local tuk-tuks and small shops nearby.
Qué llevar
- High-strength DEET mosquito repellent (absolute necessity)
- A portable wifi hotspot if you need to work
- Slip-on shoes for the walk to the beach
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- Upper-level bedrooms for better breezes and fewer bugs
- 3-Bedroom Villas for the best value-to-space ratio for groups
Habitaciones a evitar
- Ground floor rooms with outdoor bathrooms if you are sensitive to mosquitoes
- Villas closest to the entrance gate if you are a light sleeper (minor foot traffic noise)
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I would love to request a villa with an indoor bathroom if possible, or an upper-level bedroom to minimize mosquito exposure. We prefer a quiet location away from the main gate.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is it really walkable to the beach?
Yes, it's a flat 10-15 minute walk. It's safe during the day, but take a tuk-tuk (boda boda) at night.
Is there a restaurant on site?
No. They offer breakfast and a private chef service upon request, but there is no sit-down restaurant.
How is the internet?
Mediocre. Reviews consistently cite it as a weak point (6.7/10). Good for WhatsApp, bad for video calls.
Is there AC?
Yes, all bedrooms have air conditioning, which is crucial for Paje's humidity.
Can I buy alcohol nearby?
Yes, there is a spirits store within walking distance, and you can stock your villa's fridge.
Is the pool private?
Yes, each villa has its own small plunge pool. It's not huge, but it's exclusively yours.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
Ask for 'Mr. Kombo' or 'Abdul' immediately upon arrival—they are the fixers who can arrange anything from scooters to fresh seafood delivery.
- ✨
The 'Bento' food court nearby is a great spot for cheap, varied eats when you don't want to cook.
- ✨
Order the private chef for at least one dinner; it's cheaper than a tourist restaurant and they cook in your villa.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The white cushions on the outdoor furniture often show wear and stains due to the dust and humidity.
💡The 'outdoor bathroom' sounds romantic until you are showering with moths at 9 PM.
💡The kitchen appliances in the larger villas are sometimes newer/better than in the smaller ones.
💡You are in a local neighborhood, so you will see real Zanzibari life (and poverty) on your walk to the beach.
💡The generator is reliable, but the switch-over can reset the AC units, so you might wake up hot if it happens at night.
Guía Local
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