THE TASTES OF ZANZIBAR
-Zanzibar, Tanzania-
From August 24th to the 29th 2026
From August 13th to the 18th 2026 Sold Out
A Journey Through the Flavors, Islamic History, and Sacred Heritage of Zanzibar.
Our Sanctuary
Our first retreat and first sanctuary on Muslim land.
Our home for this retreat is a stunning 500-square-meter beach villa set on 2,500 square meters of land on the serene southern coast of the island. Nestled on a small private beach within a lush tropical landscape, the villa offers a sanctuary that is both intimate and deeply attuned to the beauty of Allah’s creation.
Inside, the spaces are airy, open, and flooded with light, framing panoramic views that stretch from the endless turquoise of the Indian Ocean to the verdant, whispering tropical forest beyond. On our tranquil beach, the only footsteps you may see belong to local fishermen and women harvesting seaweed, quiet, living reminders of the divine rhythm and bounty of life that surrounds us.
Rising from a wild coastline shaped by millions-year-old coral reefs, the villa offers a front-row seat to a shoreline that is ever-changing and alive. As the tides shift, the beach reveals hidden coral rocks, sandbars, and lunar-like sandbanks, inviting quiet wandering and mindful exploration.
The lagoon along Zanzibar’s southeast coast glows with spectacular turquoise hues and is known as one of the most beautiful in the world. Inland, the landscape transforms into lush greenery alive with exotic birds, and you may even spot monkeys moving through the trees.
Despite its peaceful seclusion, the villa is just a short taxi ride from the vibrant villages of Jambiani and Paje,rich with Islamic history, and the more traditional Makunduchi and Kizimkazi to the south, home to sailing adventures among pristine sandbanks, untouched islands, and playful dolphins.
The Retreat’s Essence
A Journey Through the Flavors, Islamic History, and Spiritual Realm of Zanzibar
The air in Zanzibar is heavy with history and the scent of cloves. For centuries, this tropical soil has yielded cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemongrass These spices traveled far and wide across the Indian Ocean trade routes, carried by Muslim seafaring merchants whose dhows connected East Africa to Arabia, India, and beyond. Through these networks, Islam spread alongside knowledge, culture, and commerce, leaving an indelible imprint on the Swahili coast. Today, these fragrant treasures remain at the heart of Swahili cuisine, a living legacy of the region’s Islamic and mercantile history.
Throughout the retreat, we’ll walk among the fragrant spice farms, uncover their sacred stories and feast on the fresh bounty of the sea. Your guide is the award-winning author and chef Dina Macki. As a native of the island she will guide us through bustling food markets and create the most delectable meals, sharing her love and knowledge of the island’s flavors.
We will explore the island’s rich Islamic heritage, visiting its historic mosques, wandering the ancient stone streets, and learning about the Swahili culture that blossomed along these shores. We will sail across turquoise waters, island-hop between hidden coves, and wander along sun-kissed beaches, experiencing the beauty of Allah’s creation in every moment.
As with all of our retreats, we will rise with the Fajr prayer, as dawn gently brushes the ocean and the waves shimmer in praise of the Creator. Each day, we will gather for guided meditation and dhikr by the sea, allowing the rhythm of the waves to draw our hearts ever closer to The Source, cultivating stillness, reflection, and gratitude in every moment.
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Shared Deluxe Room with a king size bed, ensuite bathroom and sea views:
€3,400
Each master bedroom has a Swahili inspired en-suite bathroom, hand carved king size four-poster bed, walk-in wardrobe (apart from one), private patio with outdoor seating and uninterrupted ocean views. All rooms are air-conditioned and have ceiling fans.
Private Studio / Villa Extension with private ensuite bathroom and tropical garden views:
SOLD OUT
Facing the tropical garden is the Studio. A serene hideaway bathed in soft, natural light. A queen-sized bed and cozy sofa create a warm, restful atmosphere, while two elegant French doors open directly into the greenery, inviting gentle breezes and the sounds of nature inside. With its private ensuite bathroom, this space is an intimate sanctuary for deep rest and quiet reflection.
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Abundant Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Savor meals each day prepared by our local Zanzibari chefs, with award-winning author and chef Dina Macki creating abundant lunches each day. Drawing from her Zanzibari and Omani heritage, Dina will share the stories and recipes from her book, guiding us through the island’s rich bounty. -
Expect many outings to uncover the island’s gems, guided meditation at sea, lectures on the sacred heritage of the island and shared communal prayers.
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Set sail on a traditional Zanzibar dhow and explore secluded waters and a private Conservation Area. Snorkel among some of the most beautiful and vibrant coral reefs, discovering an underwater paradise teeming with marine life. Enjoy an exclusive fine dining experience on a remote island with pristine sandbank, featuring a Swahili-inspired seafood barbecue followed by a tasting of exotic tropical fruits, a truly unforgettable journey of adventure and indulgence.
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Embark on a guided tour of a lush Zanzibar spice farm. See the vibrant green leaves, inhale the aromas of cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, and taste the spices fresh from the source. Learn how these plants are nurtured in the island’s tropical soil and discover the traditional ways they are used in cooking, medicine, and more.
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Join a guided tour with award-winning author and chef Dina Macki as she leads us through the city’s vibrant markets, revealing the rich flavors and spices that define the island’s cuisine.
Along the way, we will explore Zanzibar’s Islamic heritage with esteemed author Medina Tenour, who has lived on the island and brings its stories, traditions, and culture vividly to life.
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Our Founder and Host lovingly handpicks welcoming gifts for you. Each present carries her care, her inspiration, and a piece of her heart, and she delights in sharing these spiritual treasures with you.
Offerings & Investments
Beyond the structured sessions, ample time will be offered for personal reflection, meditation, and prayer. Attendees can relax on the beach, unwind by our luxurious pools, and immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings. These quiet moments allow each individual to internalize the teachings, rest deeply, and connect with the earth beneath their feet, and through it, with their Creator.
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Abeid Amani Karume (ZNZ)
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To enter Zanzibar, all visitors need a valid Tanzanian tourist visa. You can apply online (e-visa here: https://visa.immigration.go.tz) or obtain a visa on arrival. You passport must be valid for at least six months.
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Zanzibar requires all travelers to purchase Zanzibar Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. This mandatory policy costs USD 44 and is valid for up to 92 days. After purchase, you’ll receive a QR code that must be shown upon arrival.
You can purchase it here:
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We’ll have a taxi ready to meet you at the airport and bring you straight to the retreat, included in the retreat’s fee.
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Embracing the diversity of all women, our retreat extends a heartfelt invitation to those of various faiths or those who choose a non-religious path. The common threads that weave our shared experience are woven from respect, good manners, politeness and savoir-vivre. In this sanctuary, none of the workshops are obligatory; every guest is free to mold their retreat journey as they see fit, although shared activities beckon the beauty of communal connection.