The Escape: Stone Town, Zanzibar

The birthplace of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury gives off some wonderfully eccentric vibes: A dash of Havana here and a sprinkle of Marrakech there, all glazed with a distinctive African twist, but it is along the island’s Northern Coast where a real Bohemian rhapsody rings true…

Thanks to the power of social media, the once-sleepy island of Zanzibar has risen to the upper echelons of alluring destinations. Captivated by the clear waters, powdery sand beaches and palm trees gently swaying to the rhythms and light breezes of the island, a new breed of more discerning tourists has come forward and with it, a more elevated and sustainable hotel infrastructure to match the demands of Insta-savvy guests.

Exterior views of Zuri Zanzibar

‘Zuri’, named after the Swahili word for beautiful, is the island’s latest addition for Boho-chic crowds and design-conscious globetrotters in search of a swanky holiday experience. The 56 thatched villas and bungalows influenced by traditional local architecture are arranged like an African village, immersed in metre-high banana trees, hibiscus and frangipani trees, which were planted two years before the start of construction and now thrive in full tropical splendour.

Throughout the rooms and common areas, natural materials such as wood and wicker are paired with furniture and décor elements made by local artisans. The rooms spill out effortlessly onto spacious wooden terraces with seating areas and hammocks surrounded by lush greenery.

And while there’s no shortage of style around, Zuri Zanzibar is the first hotel in the world to have been awarded EarthCheck’s Prestigious Sustainable Design Gold Certification. With sustainability at its core, this refined eco-chic resort features uncomplicated luxury, celebrating both contemporary design and traditional African craftsmanship.

Getting there: Flydubai operates direct flights from Dubai to Zanzibar from Dhs1,600. flydubai.com, zurizanzibar.com

Images courtesy of Zuri Zanzibar and The Author

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s November 2020 issue