The Zuri Zanzibar hotel resort was designed by Czech architects

The recently opened hotel resort Zuri Zanzibar, designed by Czech architects from Jestico + Whiles, has received the world's first gold EarthCheck certification for sustainable design. This stylish complex, located on a thirteen-hectare plot directly on a beach washed by the Indian Ocean, lies in the Kendwa area on the northwest coast of the Zanzibar island of Unguja. Zuri Zanzibar stands out with its authentic "African Chic" architecture, top-notch gastronomy, and wellness services. From an ecological perspective, it guarantees sustainable development and responsible tourism. It respects the given location and environment and supports local residents.

EarthCheck is an international certification system in tourism that considers not only environmental impact but also ecological, sociocultural, and economic aspects. It uses a benchmarking method for its assessment: comparing the quality and performance of the hotel with the best comparable operations in practice, holding the largest database in the world in this regard. The process also includes an assessment by an independent auditor. According to the final report by EarthCheck, the Zuri Zanzibar hotel resort has applied the principles of sustainable design from the outset. These principles are reflected in the building designs that respect the original terrain complexity and utilize local materials and architectural traditions. Among other environmental elements and CSR activities, EarthCheck highlighted:

• Ecological energy use: at Zuri Zanzibar, energy consumption per guest per night is 52% lower than that of similar buildings monitored by EarthCheck. This is achieved through self-sufficient energy sources and the installation of less energy-intensive technologies, including automatic lighting and the Evening Breeze system, which creates a microclimate around the bed that supports healthy sleep. Most importantly, it uses 75% less energy than standard air conditioning.
• Independent water sources: Zuri Zanzibar is self-sufficient in terms of water consumption, as it is not connected to the island's engineering network in any way. Drinking and irrigation water for the entire complex is sourced from its own wells on the premises and through the desalination of seawater. The architects deliberately avoided lawns in their design to prevent the need for relatively large and regular irrigation.
• Sustainable materials and protection of local resources: the project primarily utilized local materials, such as sand, cement, steel, and wood, available within a 500 km radius of the site.
• Social, cultural, and economic benefits: Zuri Zanzibar focuses on supporting the local community: it improves basic living conditions in the village of Kendwa through education, retraining, and personal development. One of the community programs is the "Pack to Give" project, which allows guests to bring items such as books, glasses, or towels in their luggage and donate them directly to local residents. Zuri Zanzibar also collaborates closely with Zanrec to establish the "Keep Kendwa Clean" initiative aimed at addressing the serious waste management issue on the island. Other projects include the implementation of potable water wells in the vicinity of Kendwa, the construction of local schools, and leading an educational tourism project that provides local residents with the opportunity to find work in the hospitality sector after training.

About Zuri Zanzibar

The Zuri Zanzibar hotel resort opened in July 2018. The complex consists of 55 stylish bungalows, villas, and apartments with spacious private terraces offering breathtaking views of the westward-facing, 300-meter long hotel beach washed by the Indian Ocean. Zuri Zanzibar is part of the global network of Design Hotels, distinguished by its stunning interiors created from a combination of modern elements and traditional African influences.

The resort features five stylish bars or restaurants, offering the best of African, Arab, and Asian cuisines with European and Indian influences. It also includes a 32-meter "infinity pool" evoking an endless surface flowing into the landscape. Additionally, the complex has a peaceful garden with spices, ideal for meditation or private cooking lessons with the hotel chef.

Lastly, Zuri Zanzibar provides top-notch wellness services. Right on the beach are the Maua Spa, with three treatment rooms for mindfulness and body regeneration. The name Maua was deliberately chosen as it means "flowers" in Swahili. The local spices, plants, and oils are heavily utilized in the treatments.

Accommodation prices at Zuri Zanzibar start at £331 per night for half board in a garden bungalow.