Hotels in Zanzibar such as LUX* Marijani are paying homage to the Arab history of the island through architecture and food.
Photograph by Andrew Morgan
Forward-thinking hotels on Tanzania’s ‘spice island’ are putting locals first.
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Zanzibar has long been popular among travellers in need of respite, with the Tanzanian island’s turquoise waters and palm-fringed beaches providing the ideal environment for weary adventurers to recover from safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs. But with an increase in international flight routes making it more accessible than ever, Zanzibar is starting to be seen as more than just a stopover destination. Now, new and established hotels alike are working to support the island’s tight-knit communities and celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
1. LUX* Marijani
Zanzibar has long been popular among travellers returning from safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs. But with an increase in international flight routes making it more accessible than ever, the Tanzanian island is coming to be seen as more than just a fly-and-flop destination. Now, new hotels like LUX* Marijani — opened in July 2023 on the island’s palm-fringed northeast coast — are working to support the island’s tight-knit communities and celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
The property’s whitewashed facade is a reminder of the Arabic influence so prominent throughout Zanzibar; the sultans of Oman ruled over the island for almost 200 years, and in the hotel’s two restaurants, Middle Eastern spices such as clove, cinnamon and nutmeg are given pride of place. There’s The Beach — with dishes such as a rich, aromatic octopus curry — and Samāa, a new, open-air Levantine restaurant specialising in vegetarian sharing plates. Drinks are local, too: there’s even a weekly pop-up bar featuring craft konyagi, a Tanzanian spirit distilled from sugarcane.
Marijani’s 82 rooms feature hand-carved wooden furniture and brass accents. Locally crafted terrazzo tiles lead to solar-powered rainfall showers, while balconies overlook the sea or the surrounding gardens — kept lush with recycled grey water. Approximately 80% of staff members are local, and the hotel provides beach space for seaweed drying racks, used to prepare the ocean crop for use in everything from soaps to herbal remedies. From US$312 (£248), B&B.
2. Emerson Spice
This restored merchant’s house is well situated for travellers looking to explore the teahouses and bazaars of Zanzibar City’s historic Stone Town. The hotel is decorated with works by local artists, while the rooftop restaurant highlights indigenous ingredients and hosts performances by local musicians. From US$225 (£179), B&B.
3. Blue Oyster Hotel
This family-run hotel is a mainstay of Jambiani Beach, on the island’s southwest coast. The rooms are quietly luxurious, with canopied beds and sea or garden views. Prices are affordable and Blue Oyster redirects funding back into the community, providing space on-property for local masseuses and craftswomen. From US$125 (£100), B&B.
4. Zuri Zanzibar
Dotted along Kendwa Beach, on Zanzibar’s northwest coast, Zuri Zanzibar’s thatch-roofed suites and villas open onto terraces surrounded by tropical gardens, merging with the surrounding environment thanks to carefully integrated, minimal-impact design. The hotel also provides local schoolchildren with reliable access to education, including lessons in English and computer skills. From US$468 (£372), half board.
Published in the March 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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