There may be plenty of excellent beach lodges to choose from on Zanzibar, but when it comes to quality villa accommodation they’re unfortunately very thin on the ground. But down in the sleepy village of Jambiani in the south-east corner of the island, Norwegian couple Sylvia and Torgeir have created a collection of absolute gems that will have you feeling that you've somehow walked into the middle of Arabian Nights!

After a previous career designing cruise liners (!) Sylvia has applied her considerable talents to creating 4 gorgeous villas: Villa Kikadini (a double storied, 3 bedroomed thatched beauty suitable for 4-6 people ideally); Villa Maroc (a Moroccan styled love nest for 2); and her 2 latest additions, Villa Pwani and the stunning 3 bedroom Villa Palm. They lie nestled right on the beautiful palm-lined stretch of Jambiani, rated by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 Places to Escape on the planet! a collection of absolute gems that will have you feeling that you've somehow walked into the middle of Arabian Nights!

Flexibility is the key here - you can either hire one of the villas on an exclusive basis or, if there are just 2 of you, you can also book just a room in one of them. Unlike most villas, self catering is not an option here. Instead you'll enjoy delicious breakfasts and sensational dinners prepared by your own superb in-house chef. We enjoyed a superb dinner lit by scores of tea lights placed in the magnificent Moroccan lamps spread about the sheltered central courtyard giving wonderful views of the starry night sky.

This really is a place to simply kick back and relax (and to be spoilt by the dedicated and friendly villa staff) It’s not a hotel, so you don’t have a menu list of excursions and entertainment options as long as your arm – snorkelling on the reef is about it. But if you’re looking for a really stylish place to simply chill and recharge your batteries, it’s hard to imagine a better place than these villas at Jambiani. Wonderfully little decor details abound along with quality traditional furniture and art works - you'll leave inspired to re-decorate your own house!

The pace here is unrelentingly relaxed and you’ll find yourself slipping naturally into the natural rhythm of life here, one dictated entirely by the tides. As elsewhere on the east coast of Zanzibar, Jambiani is very tidal - the good news is that a new pool is being built which will service all the villas (as well as a stunning new lounge and bar area where all guests will be able to gather)

Dining under the stars in the gorgeous interior courtyard lit by zillions of candles enjoying a meal prepared by your own private chef has to be one the finest experiences on the island!

Situated overlooking one of the best strips of beach in Zanzibar

Wonderfully spacious upstairs verandah areas perfect for lounging with a book

One of the few villa rental opportunities in Zanzibar, and so stylish too - great for a bunch of friends to share

Being situated in the midst of Jambiani village gives you the chance to see village life relatively close-up

If you are looking for a hotel with all its facilities and formalities, then this is not the place for you

You don't get that blissful sense of isolation you enjoy at some other lodges, as you're surrounded by Jambiani village