The Origins
Barbara & Giampaolo
The Story Behind Villa Peace and Color
Everything began with a special trip.
Our very first holiday outside Europe, celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary, was to Zanzibar. A place that, without us knowing it, would change our lives forever.
Every unforgettable journey begins with a dream. Ours began with a trip to Zanzibar.
To celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, we chose Zanzibar for our first journey beyond Europe. We had no idea that this beautiful island would forever change the course of our lives.
When we returned home, a part of us had stayed behind. Our hearts remained among the vibrant colors, genuine smiles, and extraordinary spirit of Zanzibar. We had fallen in love with the island, and what many call the "African longing" became impossible to ignore. From that moment on, we found ourselves returning year after year.
Over time, our visits became much more than holidays. They became an opportunity to give back. Every year, we set aside part of our savings to support local villages, bringing practical help to the community alongside our dear friend Nipotino, who has shared this journey with us from the very beginning.
In 2020, a new dream took shape: creating a place we could truly call our own. We began searching for the perfect piece of land where we could build a welcoming guest house in Zanzibar, a place designed to make every guest feel at home.
Then the world came to a standstill. The pandemic forced us to pause our plans, and for a while, our dream seemed farther away than ever.
But some dreams are simply meant to be.
In 2023, we discovered that the very same plot of land was still waiting for us. Although it had already been promised to someone else, the owner chose us because he understood something that meant everything to us: our commitment to preserving the magnificent ancient baobab tree standing at its heart, a timeless symbol of life, strength, and memory.
Construction finally began in December 2023.
On June 22, 2024, our dream became reality.
Villa Peace and Color Guest House was born, not simply as a place to stay in Zanzibar, but as the result of years of passion, dedication, meaningful encounters, and unwavering determination.