References.
We pride ourselves on our 5-star reviews by our guests. Scroll down to read a selection of reviews and thoughts of guests from all over the world.
"Nothing but fond memories!"
We had a wonderful stay at the villa! The staff was very accommodating, attentive and kind. I can’t say enough about Donna the manager of the villa. She met with us twice and arranged great outings, food and special surprises.
My granddaughter Everly and the chef baked a cake for my daughters birthday and planned a surprise birthday party with decorations and singing.
We have nothing but fond memories of our stay!
The chef was great with planning and making food to fit all of our dietary needs. We really enjoyed all the different venues for dinning at the villa. Donna arranged for 6 of us girls to go back into Stone Town for a wonderful day at a hammam and shopping with our own private guide.
5 Star Review by Kim Ridenour, USA, August 2025
Contact details available with owner and our agent Zanzibar Retreats (www.zanzibar-retreats.com)
"Wonderful place, wonderful stay!"
Buenos días Bart:
Simplemente quiero informarte de que nuestra estancia en la Villa ha sido realmente maravillosa. No tengo palabras para trasladarte lo felices que hemos sido y las ganas que tenemos de volver. Hay algo en ese lugar que te atrapa.
Pero si la villa, la playa ,el lugar es fantástico, el trato humano que hemos encontrado ha sido maravilloso. Donna es francamente una profesional estupenda y una persona cercana y maravillosa. No podemos ponerle ni un solo detalle negativo. La organización de todas y cada una de las excursiones ha sido maravillosa. Mención especial para Lucky, Ángel, el chef, los jardineros, el personal de seguridad.... todos han sido educadisimos, discretos, y por supuesto tú que desde el primer momento me facilitaste todo con un trato exquisito. Muchísimas gracias por todo porque hemos dejado un lugar maravilloso al que volveremos y unos auténticos amigos. Trasladarles por favor a Donna y a los demás nuestro más profundo agradecimiento.
Un fuerte abrazo, Belén.
Good morning Bart:
I just wanted to let you know that our stay at the villa was truly wonderful. I can't find the words to express how happy we were and how much we want to come back. There's something about that place that really captures your heart. While the villa, the beach, and the location are fantastic, the wonderful human touch we experienced there was truly exceptional. Donna is an incredibly professional and genuinely wonderful person. We couldn't find a single negative thing to say about her. The organization of each and every excursion was superb. Special mention to Lucky, Angel, the chef, the gardeners, the security staff... everyone was extremely polite, discreet, and of course, you, who made everything so easy for us from the very first moment with your exceptional service. Thank you so much for everything. We leave behind a wonderful place that we will definitely return to and some true friends. Please convey our deepest gratitude to Donna and everyone else.
Best regards, Belén
5 Star Review by Belén, Zaragossa, Spain. August 2025.
Contact details available with owner.
"Take me Back!"
What a wonderful time we had here! Where to start... We were looked after before we arrived. The house manager Donna, accomodated our early arrival time after a long journey by arranging for us to be picked up and taken to Stone Town, where we could have breakfast and relax prior to taking us to the villa, allowing us to relax before check in was ready. On arrival at the villa, Donna suggested excursions and helped us plan an itinerary for our stay, organising the transport and excursions, including Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, Sea turtles, Paje, Spice Farm tour, Prision Island/Quarantine Island/Changu Island, Stone Town tour, horse riding and snorkeling. Which worked out cheaper than another site we were looking to book through. The taxi drivers and tour guides were great! We discussed meals with Donna and were provided with the menu for each day, the chef accomodated to dietary requirements to also provide vegan and celiac (gluten free) options. We brought gluten free flour with us, to which the chef used to make gluten free crepes and the most delicious birthday cakes. The meals were delicious! Compliments to the chef who also provided us with a cooking lesson for one of our favourite dishes. My son enjoyed picking his favourite meals from the stay for us to have on his birthday near the end. Lucky, Angel and all the house staff are lovely people, were welcoming and polite. When leaving on excursions and returning, they were there to see of off and welcome us back. The villa had security day and night. The lagoon is as blue as the photos, beautiful and warm. The villa is even more impressive than the photos. I could go on, but I'll stop and conclude with... The villa is amazing! The space garden and views were perfect! The location for us was great, we wanted to relax in villa and at the sea, which we did. We wanted to see parts of Zanzibar, which we did through the excursions. Then to top this all off, Donna, the staff and people we met, made this stay amazing! The birthdays we celebrated and the extra birthday details added to make them special. The excursions and sights we saw. The care we received
5 Star Review September 2024, originally posted on Tripadvisor by Diane R, UK
"Awesome place!"
This property was amazing, one of the best properties we have ever stayed at! It was clean and spacious, exactly as advertised. The staff was great, the chef made amazing meals, the property manager (Donna) was really great - she set up tours, dinner reservations and gave us some great recommendations for activities and things to do. I would highly recommend this place, it was truly special!!
5 Star Review September 2024, originally posted on VRBO by Monic Pratch, Canada
"Wonderful Anniversary Stay!!"
This villa is gorgeous! Beautiful beach front access, great open design and layout. The host Donna is available to assist with all of your needs with just little notice, she can books tours, excursions, dinner plans, rentals etc. The staff at the villa are very sweet, always accommodating and the food was excellent every day! The pictures don’t do this villa justice. The area of the villa is very safe and quiet during the day and evening. It’s very easy to venture out onto the beach and find local places to eat and drink or local people to take you on a reef walk. The people of Zanzibar are very nice, always helpful and nothing is a worry, hence the frequent saying Hakuna Matata! Treat yourself and book this villa, you won’t regret it😍
5 Star Review May 2024, originally posted on VRBO by Ariel Adams, USA
"Comme a la maison!"
2ème séjour à la Villa Turquoise à 2 cette fois dans cette grande maison. A l'arrivée, accueil chaleureux de tout le staff avec le grand plaisir de retrouver le même staff adorable : Lucky, Angel, Khamis....et surtout réellement le sentiment de rentrer à la maison avec des samoussas pour un petit en cas avant de nous coucher. Nous avons passé 10 jours de repos, de tranquillité et de quiétude, dorlotés par le Chef et ses douceurs de l'après-midi, les déjeuners simples mais goûteux avec des produits frais et locaux, dégustés sur la plage avec vue imprenable sur l'océan. Le soir, dîners tranquilles (et plus au frais) au bord de la piscine, 2 fois de la langouste (en supplément mais tellement abordable qu'il serait carrément idiot de s'en priver). En journée bains de soleil limités en raison des morsures du soleil sous ces latitudes, beaucoup de lecture à l'ombre d'un palmier dan sle jardin ou au bord de la piscine, des bains de mer comme un jacuzzi (eau à 35° à plusieurs reprises) en alternance avec la piscine (eau à 33/34°)... de grandes marches sur la plage, du vélo pour mon mari grâce à Donna qui lui a fait venir un VTT pour le séjour. Les menus sont choisis selon les propositions de Donna qui est parfaite : disponible mais jamais intrusive, elle veille à faire du séjour un vrai bonheur en envoyant des petits messages régulièrement. Nous nous sommes régalés sans aucune fausse note ni le moindre accroc y compris au moment de payer les extras qui correspondaient en tout point à ce que nous avions consommé. Une excellente adresse tant pour la maison en elle même, simple mais décorée avec goût que l'emplacement idéal (bonne idée cette nouvelle terrasse surplombant la plage 😉), le staff ou la nourriture. Nous reviendrons assurément ! Le vrai luxe est la tranquillité, nous l'avons trouvé à la Villa Turquoise qui est une perle rare. Blandine & Olivier (France, séjour du 13 au 23 mars 2024).
Our second stay at Villa Turquoise, this time as a couple in this beautiful large house. Upon arrival, we received a warm welcome from all the staff, and were delighted to see the same wonderful team again: Lucky, Angel, Khamis... and above all, we truly felt like we were coming home, with samosas offered as a little snack before bed. We spent 10 days of relaxation, peace and tranquility, pampered by the chef and his delicious afternoon treats, enjoying simple but tasty lunches with fresh, local ingredients, served on the beach with breathtaking ocean views. In the evenings, we had peaceful dinners (and cooler temperatures) by the pool, including lobster twice (extra charge, but so affordable that it would be silly not to indulge!). During the day, we limited our sunbathing due to the strong sun at these latitudes, but enjoyed plenty of reading in the shade of a palm tree in the garden or by the pool, and swimming in the sea (water temperature around 35°C on several occasions) alternating with the pool (33/34°C). We took long walks on the beach, and my husband enjoyed cycling thanks to Donna who arranged for a mountain bike for him during our stay. The menus are chosen based on Donna's suggestions, and she is absolutely perfect: always available but never intrusive, she ensures that our stay is truly wonderful by sending friendly messages regularly. We had an absolutely perfect stay, without any issues whatsoever, including the final bill which was exactly what we expected. This is an excellent place, both for the house itself, simple yet tastefully decorated, and the ideal location (great idea with the new terrace overlooking the beach!), the staff, and the food. We will definitely be back! True luxury is tranquility, and we found it at Villa Turquoise, a true gem. Blandine & Olivier (France, stay from March 13 to 23, 2024).
5 Star Review April 2024, originally posted on Tripadvisor by Blandine R, France
"Treat yourself you will not be disappointed!"
Wow, just wow! We decided to treat ourselves for our 25th anniversary and it was worth every penny! We agree with other reviews, the pictures do not do it justice and we were blown away by the view. We strongly recommend the chef services. We are major foodies and prefer to eat local specialties. It was actually less expensive to focus on seafood and curries which was perfect for us. Our only mistake was requesting they pick up a few snacks (cheese, crackers, nuts). This was a total waste of money as we were so full from all of Chefs incredible meals, we never touched extra snacks! The team at the Villa are fantastic. They manage to be available whenever we had a request and yet disappear when we are relaxing in complete privacy. Our most exhausting decision was deciding where we wanted to eat each meal! We were worried about the ability to swim in the ocean with the extreme tides. However it worked out perfectly when we timed our swims with high tide and spent low tide by the pool or walking along the beach. Swim shoes are a must due to the sea urchins. It was pure heaven. We would awake each morning, walk onto the virtually empty beach for an ocean swim before enjoying a cup of coffee. We ate Breakfast (and often lunch and dinner) bare foot with damp hair overlooking that incredible view. After visiting 40 countries, Zanzibar, Tanzania is near the top of the list and this Villa one of the best places we have ever stayed.
It was magical!
5 Star Review April 2024, originally posted on Tripadvisor by Nancy Langstaff, Canada
"Incredible property!"
We had an amazing time. Everything about the villa was perfect! The staff and cook may have been the best part about the stay. The villa sits on maybe the nicest beach that I have been to. The only problem was we only had a couple of days to enjoy. Next time we will plan for a longer stay. We will definitely tell friends about the Villa. Thank you so much for our experience.
5 Star Review July 2023, originally posted on VRBO by Irving W., VA USA
"Amazing View & Great Location!"
This property is magnificent. The location is steps from a huge beach that goes on for miles and miles. The views from the house are amazing and there are multiple seating areas throughout the property. The pool is an ample size and I would recommend getting the food catered during your stay as it is delicious and convenient.
5 Star Review February 2023, originally posted on VRBO by Tarika M., NJ USA
"Fantastic Place right on the beach!"
We were a group of 6 and agreed this was the best vrbo experience we ever had! The Villa Turquoise house was wonderful. Very clean and bigger than expected with many living spaces. The staff was beyond wonderful, the food prepared by the chef was exceptional. We would highly recommend!
5 Star Review September 2022, originally posted on VRBO by Joy K.
"Family Dream Vacation!"
Villa is amazing, with beautiful design and perfect accommodation for 9 people. We appreciate the quality of service, food and dedication/hospitality of the staff, and Donna being always ready to support, organize and help.
5 Star Review February 2022, originally posted on Tripadvisor by Kon K.
"Zanzibar Matemwe - Beautiful house, beautiful beach."
Wonderful villa, beautifully situated - the pool enters the sea .. Everything in the description was true. Large rooms, 3 eating places, large garden. Excellent service, quiet and professional. Pool cleaned daily, night security and you feel very safe (but on the other side of Zanzibar it is safe ) Amazing cook.
Every day we set the menu ..... for the next day and everything was cooked as we wanted.Lucki the service lady was professional She was helpful to everyoneWe had a great time with my friends in this house. Thank you very much Highly recommended for a large family or group of friends. Best Regards Wieslaw and group from Poland.
5 Star Review October 2021, originally posted on Tripadvisor by Wieslaw, Poland.
"Amazing Luxury Getaway for all ages!"
This property was an amazing, relaxing vacation with a full staff that adheres to covid protocols. It was the perfect vacation with snorkeling, beach and pool swimming, delicious personal chef made meals, beautiful rooms with AC if needed, and a pool table, tv, and WiFi for the kids. We brought family, friends, and kids and everyone had a wonderful time. The staff is friendly and helpful. The amenities are all setup for you so you don’t have to call around if you need anything. Highly recommend!
5 Star Review April 2021, originally posted on VRBO by Charlette B., Springfield.
"This is a very special tropical place you have always dreamed of!"
If you have been dreaming of a colorful, relaxing, luxurious and inspiring getaway, then look no more. This is the place. We fell in love with the Villa Turquoise the moment we set foot in it. The amazing views of the lagoon, the breeze blowing through the house, the beautifully decorated interiors, the generous indoor and outdoor space... everything made it for an unforgettable stay. We were a group of 4 adults and 2 children and the setup was absolutely perfect for us, especially having the house fully serviced every day and a talented chef onsite. All the benefits of staying in a resort without the constraints of schedules, dress codes and social distancing. Donna, the house manager, was extremely helpful in arranging transport, boat trips, and Covid-test requirements.
All the staff onsite was extremely friendly, helpful yet discrete. We agreed on the full-board arrangement and Donna made suggestions for fish/seafood based meals which were prepared onsite by the chef. We even took a cooking class with him and it felt like being at home. Matemwe is a great location on the island as it is only a 20min boat ride to the reef neer Mnemba. It's a tiny village that feels quiet and authentic. In the evening, everyone gathers on the beach for fishing and playing football. Lastly, a big thank you to the house owner, who has been extremely patient and accomodating in rescheduling our trip. Due to Covid, it was postponed by a year but it was definitely worth the wait.
5 Star Review April 2021, originally posted on Tripadvisor by Anne M., Dubai.
"A perfect break!"
Thanks for letting us be in such a beautiful property. Waking up in the morning, while the sun hits the room is marvelous. The staff is very kind and helpful. The chef is so good, that we rarely went out eating… It was a blast to be away of all this strange happenings in Europa these times. We will come back surely - we just have to figure out when...all the very best.
5 Star Review February 2021, originally posted on Tripadvisor by Gnizz, Zurich, Switzerland.
"Super!"
Wir schließen uns den guten Bewertungen an: gepflegte große Villa, mit sauberen Pool und schönem Garten, direkt am Strand. Man kann hier herrlich entspannen und sich verwöhnen lassen.Besonders hervorzuheben sind die Angestellten, die den Aufenthalt unvergesslich machen: ein Koch der alle Wünsche beachtet und spitze kocht, Haushälterinnen, die einem alles abnehmen (putzen etc.), Gärtner, Sicherheitsleute etc. Hier wir perfekt für einen gesorgt und man kann den Urlaub uneingeschränkt genießen.
5 Star Review February 2021, originally posted on Tripadvisor by Akhba, Rtooweil, Germany.
"Absolutely Phenomenal!"
Upon our arrival, we instantly fell in love with the villa, its serene garden and the beautiful view overlooking the Indian Ocean. The staff took great care of us, immediately offering some snacks and beverages, and maintained a level of excellence during the rest of our stay. The rooms and the pool were cleaned on a daily basis and the house manager, Donna, was always available to arrange local activities such as a visit to Stonetown.
We were also able to experience the amazing coral reefs around Zanzibar, both with the Safari Blue trip (recommended!) and with the boat that is shared with the neighbouring villa (the skipper took us to a beautiful reef near Mnemba). Whether we went on a day trip or just chilled at the pool, we could always count on the chef to prepare exceptionally good food using local fresh ingredients. We just could not be more happy with our stay here.