OceanView Villa and Bungalows
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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Sleeps | 10 |
| Villa | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| Pet Friendly |
| Smoking Allowed |
| Suitable for Children |
| Suitable for Elderly |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 23 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Villa |
| Minimum Stay | 3 nights |
| Living space | 3993 square feet |
| Bedrooms |
4 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Bathrooms |
2 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Sleeps | 10 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyYes Smoking allowedYes Suitable for childrenYes Suitable for the elderlyYes Wheelchair accessibleNo |
| Theme | Budget, Romantic, Beach, Ocean, Tropical |
Description from the owner
Have your own slice of paradise at this spacious and exotic, private villa. Set in a lush tropical garden overlooking the Indian Ocean. Enjoy the natural splendor of the magnificent beach and the exhilarating architectural interior of the villa.
Capacity 8-10 people
Total floor size of 371 sq. m. /3993 sq. ft.
4 bedrooms & 2 baths
The OceanView Villa is a private villa for rent suitable for family vacationers, family reunions, small groups of friends, and couples seeking privacy and tranquility. The rooms are designed and decorated to capture the local Swahili style of Zanzibar and blend flawlessly with the environmen...Read more
Amenities
Location
OceanView Villa and Bungalows
Pwani Mchangani Mdogo, Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
The villa is located near the village of Pwani Mchangani.
Within walking distance on the beach there are many hotels, restaurants and bars.
Available transportation to Stone Town is by car service (50 min) or public transport Dala-dala.
Location Type Beach, Ocean, Tropical
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $75 - $120 | $75 - $120 | $450 - $650 | $0 | 3 nights |
| Jul. 23 2012 - Mar. 31 2013 high season |
$120 | $120 | $650 | - | 3 nights |
| Aug. 4 2012 - Aug. 4 2013 low season |
$75 | $75 | $450 | - | 3 nights |
| All Other Dates | $75 | $75 | $450 | - | 3 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Additional notes from owner
Price may vary according to number of guests.
Holidays: 5-7 days minimum stay
Holiday rates higher
Rates include continental breakfast and housekeeping service
Deposit is required for confirmed reservations
Currency accepted: US dollar & Euros
Payment method: Western Union, Bank transfer, PayPal
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: April 02, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
ExcellentVery Good
Average
Below Average
Poor
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Tony
NYCExcellent for vacation, wonderful staff, and lovely beach
Left on 05/09/2013 for a stay in February 2013
We stayed in this beautiful bungalow, right on the beach and had a great time! The accommodation was spotless and the staff was so friendly and accommodating, we felt so well taken care of and spoiled to the bones.
We enjoyed the lovely beach and the tranquility of the surroundings. Great for relaxation! We loved lounging under the cool shades of the makuti beach umbrellas, and most of all the privacy. Swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean was a delight.
We certainly intend to go back!
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Erik
Antwerp,Belgium3 wonderfull weeks
Left on 01/30/2013 for a stay in January 2013
After a return with some obstacles we safely arrived back in Belgium.
We had a fantastic three weeks in Zanzibar that we will not forget soon thanks to the stay at the Ocean view Villa.
On this way we want once again emphasize how good Futari and her team have contributed to this exceptional 3 weeks.
The farewell was very difficult for us to take from people we love and who have done everything to help us those 3 wonderful weeks.
Futari spoiled us with her cooking, her jokes, the maintenance of the rooms and the table which they decorated with flowers for our dinner.
She gave every day all of her.
It is incomprehensible for us that someone gives bad critique about Ocean view villa.
Some people will never be satisfied and they would better stay home instead of destroying someone's reputation.
For us it was the 2nd time we made use of Ocean view villa, we would never come back if the first time was not good.
The first time wen I was in Zanzibar, was in November 2009 and I was invited by the Gen.manager of Waikiki, Roekia, the former girlfriend of my friend Raphael.
She died there in august 2010.
We also know Ingrid very good, better known as "mama Jua" who has a house a little further than your place and we can us it for free if we want.
But my wife and I we still prefer staying at Ocean view villa.
If we once return to Zanzibar, we will definitely stay in Ocean view villa.
The quietness and the location is very important for us.
I like big game fishing and was many times fishing there and with success as you can see on the pictures.
While my wife was quietly enjoying a good book surrounded by manicured garden of the villa with Rambo as her personal bodyguard.
What could be better than to eat your own cached fresh fish, prepared with love by Futari and her team?
What is nicer than to swim in the Indian Ocean at 7am just only 20 meters away? We will never stay in an impersonal all in hotel
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Dargirl5
Plymouth, United KingdomNot as described... not what I wanted.. I like swimming in clean
Left on 01/18/2013 for a stay in December 2012
Although Futari and the staff did their best, My friend and I made the best of what turned out to be a huge disappointment with regards the accomadation and location. Much has already been said about the extreme tides and the human excrement and rubbish on the beach in the fishing village right next to Ocean Villa.
There were many features named in the 'ammenaties' section e.g. airconditioning that just didn't exist.. to name but one... however fair enough there was no mention of this but there were no safes in the room. I now see why my question about security pre-holiday was ill received...
for me the biggest disappointment was the very very poor swimming outside the villa... I was dreaming of crystal clear clean water... and what I got was a soup of seaweed.. village rubbish burried in the sand for me to walk on.. and village extcrement a hop skip and a jump away from the villa, despite the gardners constant efforts to keep the patch infront of the villa clear... perhaps if the hotel/villa owners got together they could help solve this problem... I am not sure how the issue of the seaweed farm could be resolved.. but it does impede on the holiday experience..
I won't go on as much has been said about standards... I do hope the owners take on board thier guests comments and work towards improving thier fascility so that people get what they are expecting..
I liked the staff they did their best.. but it was not the holiday I expected and not as described on the package.. I am affraid Kevins review and Jusaja (Finland) were the closest to the truth from all the reveiws I read. The potential is there if things improve.
Good luck as Zanzibar is a beautiful island with lovely people.. so you have all the magic ingrediants to put things right.Response from Lilia & Alex - 01/20/2013
Owner
Dear Brenda & Sarah
How shameful of you to write bad stories that do not exists. We do not advertise air conditioning system anywhere, neither in Trip Advisor or on our website. Everywhere in the “Amenities’ section we have “ceiling fans”. We are totally puzzled about your inventions. The same goes about the village beach, please address your complains to the sheha of the village. We have nothing to do with it. Our property is sparkling clean and too bad you missed to see the beauty of our tropical garden and the gorgeous beach in front of our property. How utterly ungrateful you are! Obviously, it makes you happy to ruin other people’s livelihood. One day, if you loose your job, remember what you did to us.
Lilia
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BrendaBo
Kalkan, TurkeyExtremely disappointing
Left on 01/17/2013 for a stay in December 2012
Ocean View Villa and Bungalows should be renamed "Ocean Glimpse". The property is set back behind gardens with trees and shrubs, a wall and two fences so that it is only possible to glimpse the ocean.
The amenities described suggested that self catering would be possible but all the cooking facilities are for the use of staff only. The air conditioning does not exist other than in the imagination of the owner!
We stayed for a month and a major concern for us was keeping money and valuables on the property since there is no safe and we often arrived back at the villa in the middle of the afternoon to find the front door open but nobody about. The guard dog, Rambo, was very alert at night but we rarely saw him during the heat of the day. A trip to Stone Town to use an aTM costs 50 USD so regular trips would have been a costly option. Lilia refused to accept weekly Paypal payments for food despite our explanation of the difficulties.
Turn right from the property onto the beach and you are immediately faced by a long stretch of beach used by the the villagers as a rubbish dump and toilet. Furthermore, we were advised not to walk along the beach after dark because of the danger of being robbed. This meant that if we wanted to go out at night we had to use taxis. During the day we were pestered by hordes of begging children and adults trying to sell various good and tours. They would not take no for an answer and were a real problem.
We didn't swim in the area immediately in front of the villa because of its proximity to the filth deposited by the villagers. Instead we walked for 15 minutes in either direction to Waikiki and Villa Dida where the beach was clean. At both places we could swim, eat and drink, use their sunbeds and wifi. Without these places the holiday would have been a disaster. We checked out the cost of staying at Waikiki which was far superior to Ocean View and found that it was comparable.
The saving grace of Ocean View Villa and Bungalows was the staff who are lovely people and did their best to please. Our thanks go to Futari, Sofia, Salama and Babu.Response from Lilia & Alex - 01/20/2013
Owner
Dear Brenda & Sarah
How shameful of you to write bad stories that do not exists. We do not advertise air conditioning system anywhere, neither in Trip Advisor or on our website. Everywhere in the “Amenities’ section we have “ceiling fans”. We are totally puzzled about your inventions. The same goes about the village beach, please address your complains to the sheha of the village. We have nothing to do with it. Our property is sparkling clean and too bad you missed to see the beauty of our tropical garden and the gorgeous beach in front of our property. How utterly ungrateful you are! Obviously, it makes you happy to ruin other people’s livelihood. One day, if you loose your job, remember what you did to us.
Lilia
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KevinS13
MinneapolisAvoid OceanView Bungalows - there are many better options for a
Left on 01/07/2013 for a stay in December 2012
My wife and I stayed in one of the bungalow rooms on the OceanView villa property. We went to Zanzibar seeking relaxation and rest following a trek and safari in late December. We decided to stay at OceanView Villa and Bungalows primarily because of the positive reviews posted here.
My primary advice: take the other reviews with a grain of salt and spend a few more minutes searching for another resort/hotel/bungalow. There are many, many better options in this same price range. We spent most of our days using the amenities and beaches of other resorts nearby. We also ate most of our meals at other resorts.
Pros -
Clean, large rooms.
Friendly local staff
Wholesome homemade food. Futari's food is wholesome, if not especially flavorful. We only ate 2 meals at OceanView because the atmosphere was not especially inviting and there was only 1 vegetarian option for my wife.
Cons -
Amenities are blatantly misrepresented - no airCon, soap and shampoo were not provided, no real ocean views from the bungalow.
The bungalow rooms are absolutely stifling. There is no cross-ventilation and we had only one small circulating fan to complement the weak overhead fan. While the owner, Lilia, clearly lists "Air Conditioning" on the amenities list, this is simply not true. She is misrepresenting the amenities in the bungalow.
It is not possible to swim in front of villa. The local villagers cultivate seaweed and there is a very large (200 feet) tide. You would have to wade through knee-deep seaweed for 10 minutes to walk out to the ocean during the day.
You cannot see the ocean from the bungalow. There are two large gates and many trees blocking the view of the ocean.
There are only 2 beach chairs, shared between 4-5 people staying the villa and the 3-4 people staying in the bungalow rooms. We were never able to use a beach chair during our stay.
There are many other options nearby. We spent much of our time at the Waikiki Beach resort, about a 15 minute walk from OceanView. They have good food, friendly staff and an inviting atmosphere.
It is dangerous to walk along beach at night. Children from the village blatantly tried to pick our pockets and attempted to surround us while we were walking at dusk. In addition, the beach in front of the village is covered with human excrement and garbage.
The friendly dog referenced in the other reviews barked loudly and for extended times 4 out of 5 nights we were there. We found it very difficult to sleep at night given the loud dog and stifling heat.
It is very expensive to take taxis from here. This is more of a fact of life in Zanzibar, but the standard price is $45-50 to go to Stonetown, which is the only place with atms and the only place to buy most provisions.
The owner, Lillia, lives in the us and I had to speak with her once to clear up a misunderstanding about payment. She was aggressive to the point of being rude.Response from Lilia & Alex - 01/10/2013
Owner
Dear Kevin
You didn’t have to stay with us if there were “many better options in this same price range”, you only paid $55 per person for your holiday stay. You were free to walk out and stay wherever you are happy. On the opposite you cannot find as low rate as ours in the area for a bungalow on the beach. Our food prices are also competitively the lowest.
The dog is guard dog to keep our guests save and I know that he doesn’t bark for no reason or often.
We have one of the most spectacular beaches with a choice to swim at low or high tide which you have obviously failed to notice. Instead, you used all the untrue stories in your review as an excuse to sneak out on your departure day without paying gratuities to our very accommodating staff, well, to you, they are just African slaves aren’t they?!
You really tried your best to ruin our livelihood. Your mission is ruining other people’s lives?! How utterly selfish, inconsiderate and down right low life!
Lilia
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granga2
Orcas Island, WashThis was a near-perfect place for us; we'd go back!
Left on 12/20/2012 for a stay in November 2012
This very nicely furnished home right on the beach was a wonderful interlude for us after traveling on a safari and working in an orphanage. One of us had broken her leg on the last day of the safari, and simply needed to lay around with her leg elevated; the lounge chairs on the veranda were the perfect solution to that dilemma. Futari made most of our meals, as we really couldn't go anywhere, and that was a real treat! Cooling breezes from the ocean were helpful in the hot and humid weather, something we were not used to. A small pool would be nice... The beach, while beautiful, is not swimmable. The tide goes out about half a mile, and you can never get past your knees. Gardens were beautiful.
It should be noted that the 4th bedroom is very small, and is not ideal for a guest. But the large master bedroom with its ensuite bath was luxurious. A very good value.Response from Lilia & Alex - 12/22/2012
Owner
Dear Sally
Thank you for the review. However, I have to disagree with you about the swimming.
My husband and I were there for our vacation and I went swimming everyday for all the 5 weeks we were there. The Indian Ocean is just like any other sea or oceans, it has low and high tides and they change twice per day. Everyday I was swimming during the high tides and also during the low tide, when the water starts to withdraw slowly, it’s like a swimming pool, I love to float so I would enjoy floating for hours. Children also love it because they can choose the level of water they want for swimming. I’m flabbergasted that you never saw the high tides?????!!!!!!
There was no reason for you to review the 4th bedroom. This bedroom we use for extra person just like in hotels they would give you an extra bed but here is a room instead. Sometimes our guests have placed a small child there or a teenager. We are very upset by your review. After our staff carried you around due to your broken leg and did everything to make your stay comfortable, you write such a bad review.
Where is the appreciation? And if you didn’t like it why would you want to go back?
Lilia
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SofianDXB
Dubai, United Arab EmiratesGreat house, great location but far from youth destination
Left on 09/02/2012 for a stay in August 2012
The place is very nice, the house is very big, clean and well maintained. The welcoming is warm and we really enjoyed spending time there. However I would recommend it to family or to older couples as the attractive places for youth are Ningwi and Stonetown which are both at least Usd20 away by taxi.
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french family
grenoblebien mais...
Left on 08/24/2012 for a stay in August 2012
Nous avons passées de très bonnes vacances à Zanzibar et Ocean view villa. Le village est tranquille et typique, la plage privée est très belle et propre, le jardin également. Tout le personnel est charmant et accueillant.
Un gros bémol toutefois, que nous n'avions pas compris avant d'y être, il faut payer 30 USD par jours en plus de la location si l'on veut se servir de la cuisine...On est pas seul dans la maison, il y a du personnel qui passe régulièrement, les enfants ne sont pas les bienvenus dans la cuisine...On se sent presque obligé de commander à manger et ça coûte bien plus cher que de se faire à manger sois même...On ne se sent pas complètement libre...
Nous sommes passés outre ce petit imprévu et nous avons passé de super vacances quand même.
Merci -
Frances Parry
CardiffFantastic
Left on 07/06/2012 for a stay in July 2012
The villa was so homely and comfortable, incredibly clean and tasteful. Futari and the staff was very welcoming and really made our stay special. The surrounding beach was beautiful and very quiet. We all loved our week here, thank you very much!
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New York Travelers
New YorkAmazing stay in Zanzibar!
Left on 06/22/2012 for a stay in May 2012
We loved our stay at OceanView Villa. The staff were so caring and friendly. Futari was like a second mother to us the entire stay and we will definitely miss her and the others. If we ever come back to Zanzibar we would stay here again for sure!
Response from Lilia & Alex - 07/01/2012
Owner
Dear Enakshi
We truly appreciate your wonderful review and we are so happy to hear that our staff treated you with lots of attention and care. Futari loved you staying there and is still missing you. You are always welcome!
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licinio anton
elche, spainAn amazing place
Left on 06/06/2012 for a stay in May 2012
The house is located in Pwani Mchanngani, a small town at east coast of Zanzibar. If you like calm, quiet and relaxed places, you shoud go to Ocean View Villa.
The beach, that was cleaned every morning for us, is so beautiful, and the people who work there so friendly and helpful.
They have a nice dog, Rambo, who likes people and looks for friends.
The house was always clean and the food was delicious and ready always on time.
We really liked our stay at Ocean View Villa.Response from Lilia & Alex - 06/08/2012
Owner
Dear Licinio
We are out of words to express our gratitude to you for writing a review that is quintessential to OceanView Villa property, environment and our kindly staff; and our dog Rambo who loves a kind mzungo.
Our true appreciation and best wishes to you and your family
Lilia& Alex
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Woodydeb63
255103could be so much more
Left on 05/21/2012 for a stay in October 2011
As a family with 4 children ages 15,14,12,and 9 plus my mother was travelling with us. We spent 10 nights at Oceanview villa. The staff were OK. The beach and garden were nice. The gardener did a nice job with that. The house could do with a good clean. Not a lot of that was going on while we where there.
The power was constantly going off and the generator didn't work. We had to ask for lamps/candles and matches. Which seemed to be put away in a safe place every night. So we bought our own.
There is bottled water to buy. But at the end of our stay I think the water bottles were being refilled from the well. When we asked the staff to show us the sealed water bottles. There were none in the house. Plus the kids were feeling a little off.
We were hoping for some fresh fish and seafood but only received frozen. The cooking after awhile tasted all the same. Some dishes were nice but I thought very expensive. One large bowl of pasta with meat sauce for 3 adults and 4 children was us$75.00. I think that is a lot for a ordinary home cooked meal. In saying that the untensils/ appliances in the kitchen are very limited. The breakfast of pancakes which were really crepes every morning became a bit much. They were always served half an hour before we asked. So very cold gluppy crepes and rock hard toast for 10 days become frustrating. The fresh fruit was nice and the table set on the patio every morning was lovely.
It was a very relaxing place to stay. We as a family love to read and play board games all day . The front patio was prefect for that. But to read and play games at night was nearly impossible. Even if the power was on the lighting was very dim. Thanks goodness we had head torchs.
We ended up washing our towels as they smelled awful. The pillows on the beds need to be replaced. They stunk of stale sweat and you wouldn't want to put your head on them. No soap in the bathrooms.
Lots of little things that could be easily rectified could make this a very enjoyable stay. -
Karen Guzman
New JerseyTropical paradise
Left on 02/10/2012 for a stay in February 2012
Arriving at this fantastic villa and gorgeous garden took us by surprise.
The OceanView Villa is an absolutely fabulous place to stay in Zanzibar. It's located right on the beach, surrounded by a beautiful tropical garden.
Beyond our expectations, the beach was spectacular and immaculately clean.
We really liked the privacy of the beach in front of the villa. There, under the thatched umbrellas, relaxing on the beach beds, we were afforded total privacy and relaxation, undisturbed by anyone. The views from our bedroom and the ocean front veranda were stunning!
Another pleasant surprise was how pampered we were by Futari and the rest of the staff.
The food at the Villa is fresh, delicious and low in price, compare to other places around. The coconut rice and spicy rice were out of this world and all the other Swahili dishes on the menu.
If you have your laptop/notebook with you, Futari has the USB Internet stick for you to connect to Internet for a very low user fee. We enjoyed our WiFi connection all through- out our stay.
Finally, thanks for making our vacation so very special and unforgettable.
Karen and family
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jusaja
FinlandVilla on local village beach
Left on 12/03/2011 for a stay in November 2011
The villa is located on beach well swimmable when high tide. In front is a seaweed cultivation, to left an exclusive Italian resort (no walk-in!) and to right the poor village of Pwani Mchangani. The beach is less appealing than those in south-east (Jambiani, Paje), north (Kendwa) or even near-by (Matemwe, Kiwengwa) Zanzibar though so far much less crowded. However, many new resorts are being constructed near-by, including new bungalows for this villa. On the beach one is continuously faced with souvenir and excursion selling maasai and the village kids begging for money. If you do not speak Italian, most but not all leave you alone.
The village families carry their daily rubbish and excrements to the beach to be flushed by high tide. Fortunately, the villa staff keeps promptly the upper beach front clean from seaweed and other rubbish. Unfortunately, just after the territory one enters into large informal garbage sites filled with plastic rubbish, cans, broken bottles, worn-out clothing, used tires, empty coconut shells, etc. During a two weeks stay we found every day pieces of broken glass on the beach just outside the villa and once even a machete – so you better watch your step.
The villa is fenced from all sites. There is a guardian dog barking (perhaps for reason but need to put something in one's ears) the beach people after sunset as well as responding to the regular calls of the near-by mosque. The villa has a large tidy garden with flowers and trees (watch out for fallen coconuts!) that provide shelter from mid-day sun.
The spacious interior of villa has an interesting collection of beautiful wooden furniture but more maintenance is needed. Not all windows close properly leaving free access to mosquito, mosquito nets have holes, during heavy showers water falls in here and there (through dries with sun), and the kitchen utensils are a bit worn-out. A charge of 35 USD/day is for the use of kitchen! If needed, the staff makes tasty home-made food with prices similar to near-by restaurants. The villa has a power generator that helps with the frequent electricity cuts in Zanzibar. No wireless, the nearest is about 1 km south by the flag of Poland. -
Vikvandamme
Bruges, Belgiumbetter then a dream
Left on 08/25/2011 for a stay in August 2011
After a very nice safari in Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengti, we came to Zanzibar to stay 6 nights in the Ocean villa. This place is really great. Fantasic villa with very good confort and very nicely decorated. Its location at the beachside in a small village is so beautiful.
And absolutely above all expectations is the staff with Futari on top. Only one evening we tried a restaurant nearby, just to have an idea. All the others meals we took in the villa, where Futari, Lucy en Salama cooked deliciuous plates at low prices. We were so delighted, that we even invited friends living in a luxurous resort not so far away, to come and eat with us and also they confirmed that the (swahili) cooking and the place are outstanding.
Futari also helped us in providing transport (nice driver and good prices) to all the destinations we wanted to. There is far more to do in Zanzibar than we had expected. Being in this villa also allows a very good and friendly contact with the local people.
The dog Rambo is also a great attraction. He is very nice and easily becomes a very good friend. Our children went very often out walking with him.
After our stay in the villa, we stayed 3 nights in Stone Town in a hotel. This was ok and very practical to see Stone Town by day and evening. We think a stay with 2/3 in the Ocean Villa an 1/3 in a residence in Stone Town is an excellent combination.Response from Lilia & Alex - 09/09/2011
Owner
Dear Katrien
Our many thanks for the lovely review you wrote on the OceanView Villa and the staff.
We truly appreciate your time to take to write this wonderful review which make us very proud of our efforts to give our best to our guests.
We are so happy to know that you enjoyed your stay in the villa and Zanzibar. We miss Rambo tremendously.
Our best wishes to you and your family.
Lilia & Alex
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Sophie & Derek
NiceFantastic
Left on 03/07/2011 for a stay in February 2011
Starting 4th Feb 2011.
Our stay has been exactly what we wanted.
-The whole place to ourselves.
-Lots of safe swimming.
-Quiet and sandy beach.
-A night sky to die for.
-Really good weather.
-6am every morning out of the gate onto the beach to watch the sun rise.
-Long walks and short runs.
-Good food with lots of fish.
-Good service and helpful staff.
We did a few trips and were impressed by the Spice farm, Stone town, and the coral reef snorkling.
All trips including airport transfers were well organised.
We would recommend it to anyone.
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Judy
Cape Towna villa on the beach
Left on 01/03/2011 for a stay in December 2010
We really enjoyed our stay here. Everything was well organised from start to finish, with pick ups from the ferry and help with booking diving trips etc. Futari runs the villa extremely efficiently and we really enjoyed getting to know her and the staff of the villa who were all very kind and helpful and did their jobs really well. Don't bother with eating out when you stay here. Futari's food is better and cheaper than anywhere else. We were there at the hottest time of the year and a stand up fan in each of the bedrooms would have helped to get a cool draft on the beds. The ceiling fans are not strong enough for this. We though the price was fair for the facilities and it is really right on the beach, just like in the photos.
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Hendrik & Friends
Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South AfricaGreat
Left on 09/13/2010 for a stay in July 2010
We booked with Lillia through the internet. Very helpfull. The Villa is very spacious and right on the beach. The employees were very helpfull in getting us around the Island and various other excursions by telling us where to go, how to get there and what to do. The house and beach were always spotless. We walked long distances on the beach with no worries. Sitting outside the Villa on the beach "as if it belongs to you" was stunning! Most amaizing sunrises.
Response from Lilia & Alex - 09/14/2010
Owner
Dear Hendrik
Thank you for taking the time to write a review on your stay in OceanView Villa.
We truly appreciate it and we are so happy you have enjoyed the villa and the service.
Our best wishes
Lilia & Alex
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Magnifica vacanza, da consigliare a tutti
Kampala/ TrentoWonderful
Left on 09/02/2010 for a stay in July 2010
Salve, siamo stati a Ocean view Villa a Zanzibar per una decina di giorni nel mese di luglio.
Il posto è magnifico, la cucina ottima, i proprietari bravissimi, la casa veramente accogliente e il prezzo è ottimo.
Più di questo non saprei, abbiamo passato delle ottime vacaze tra mare, spiaggia , pesce appena pescato (in varie salse: alla griglia, masala, curry, coconut ) riso speziato e altre varie prelibatezze (Futari è un eccellente cuoca che apprezza anche i consigli e fa quello che gli si chiede), turisti in zona pochissimi a meno che non si cammini per un pò in direzione sud verso i villaggi italiani, letteralmente appena girato l'angolo si cambia mondo!!
Possibilità di varie gite tra cui lo snorkeling che consiglio vivamente. Anche le scimmiette sono carine...Buone vacanze a tutti e se scegliete questo posto non rimarrete delusi!Response from Lilia & Alex - 09/02/2010
Owner
Dear Katia
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this wonderful review. Your description of the place and the food is very characteristic. We wish Futari could read it.
With deep appreciation
Lilia, Futari & Alex
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Nick and Shama
UKFantastic fun in the sun!
Left on 03/21/2010 for a stay in February 2010
We spent a wonderful week in this perfect holiday villa.
The villa was in a quiet village, away from the touristy resorts. We had the beach on our doorstep and to ourselves.
The villa is within 45mins drive of Stone Town. We travelled to places all over the island. A car is really useful. We used www.zanzibarcarhire.com and had no problems. We recommend taking an International License as we were stopped a few times when driving around the island
The villa is fantastic, very spacious and authentic with 2 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms and a large lounge to go with the dining room and kitchen area. We had dinner every night out on the decking looking out over the beach, under the stars.
Futari's cooking was amazing, with lots of choice. We were able to experience some great local dishes.
Futari recommended a local guide, Ali, who took us out on many trips including snorkelling on the reefs, swimming with the dolphins, Jozari Forest to see the monkeys and a visit to the Spice Plantations, all for reasonable prices which included boat hire and equipment.
A big thank you to all the staff at the villa, who looked after us - Futari, Vicki and the boys. And we are all missing Rambo!
It was a great place to spend a week relaxing in the sun.
Response from Lilia & Alex - 03/26/2010
Owner
Dear Nick & Shama
Our many thanks for the lovely review you wrote on the OceanView Villa and the staff.
We are so happy to know that you enjoyed your stay. We also miss Rambo tremendously.
Best wishes
Lilia & Alex
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serres yolande montauban france
aout 2005jambo !!!!
Left on 02/03/2010 for a stay in August 2005
Après Nairobi,un petit avion ...petit aéroport, dehors la foule,nous sommes heureux d'ètre là, mais un peu perdus...Une adorable petite femme du pays , Futary , nous prends en charge.Nous nous retrouvons assis dans un 4\4 , la route puis la piste,des villages ,des avenues de baobas gigantesques, des cocotiers et devant nous l'ocean indien , splendide !!!!! La terre est rouge , le sable blanc.....Futary parle,rigole de bon coeur,et nous lance des "hé , hé " Nous arrétons devant une maison africaine magnifique,un toit incroyable,des murs blancs un jardin tout autour , des vérandas face à l'ocean qui est de toutes les nuances du bleu au vert ,au blanc...Un chien,Rambo nous accueille, puis des gens souriants viennent à notre descente du véhicule: le gardien,le jardinier, la cuisinière, la dame qui fait le ménage, et la lessive, le chauffeur, et si vous avez de la chance comme nous Lili et Alex (si ils sont la).Ils nous installent dans leur maison profondément africaine, avec une décoration et, un aménagement raffiné, une chambre spacieuse, un lit incroyable. Devant , l'ocan ,la barrière de corail tout au loin,de magestueux cocotiers,le village autour, la vie des gens ,la pèche ,les bateaux,le travail de la culture des algues( de véritables jardins à marée basse).On peut imaginer , et Futary organise pour nous (pèche, plongée , voir les tortues, des singes découvrir la végétation). Nous avons adoré ces gens ,ce paysage, cet endroit.J'ai pleuré à notre départ,en prenant dans mes bras Futary ,Lili,Alex,Hour....les gens du village qui venaient faire mes tresses, parler, rire, danser le soir avec nous....un endroit unique . yolande France
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AW
SwitzerlandRelaxation pure
Left on 01/25/2010 for a stay in August 2009
very friendly staff and generous property. We liked staying there a lot and getting spoiled by the great kitchen. Only thing was that swimming at the beach was most of the time not inviting enough - big tides and lots of seaweed.
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theduke37
Boston, MAFantastic
Left on 01/24/2010 for a stay in January 2009
Great hospitality and food in an amazing location at an extremely fair price. Futari is the best, definitely enjoy her cooking!