Anantara Zanzibar Erresorta eta Egoitzak by Karla Seliman is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award in Ostalaritza, Aisialdi, Bidaia eta Turismo Diseinua Competition Category.
ZilarOstalaritza· 2026
Anantara Zanzibar Erresorta eta Egoitzak
Client: Infinity Design and Architecture
Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Ostalaritza Category
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The Design
About Anantara Zanzibar Erresorta eta Egoitzak
Anantara Zanzibar hondartza ertzeko erresorta eta egoitza proiektu bat da, Nungwin kokatua, Zanzibarko kostaldean, Indiako Ozeanora begira. Diseinuak tokiko ondarea eta erosotasun modernoa uztartzen ditu. Kare-zurizko hormak, zurezko ate landuak, eskuz ehundutako sareta-pantailak eta bertako koral harria erabiltzen dira proiektu osoan zehar. Patioek, pabiloiek eta terrazek barruko eta kanpoko espazioak lotzen dituzte. Villek igerileku pribatuak, lurperatutako su-guneak eta aintzira gaineko plataformak dituzte. Antolamenduak gonbidatuak eremu sozial irekietatik aterpe lasaietara gidatzen ditu.
The Recognition
About the Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award
Anantara Zanzibar Erresorta eta Egoitzak Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, goi-mailako, zoragarriak eta liluragarriak diren diseinuei ematen zaien ezohiko aitorpen prestijiotsua. Zilar-mailako irabazleak lan oso distiratsuak eta sormen biziko lanak dira, beren diseinatzaileen aditutasun, talentu eta zorroztasun nabarmenak erakusten dituztenak. Anantara Zanzibar Erresorta eta Egoitzak erakusleiho-lan zoragarria, nabarmenki profesionala eta sakonki berritzailea izatea espero da. Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu hau asmakizun oso nabarmena eta miretsia da, onura ekartzen duena eta artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren mugak zabaltzen dituena. Anantara Zanzibar Erresorta eta Egoitzak jende askok inbidia duen sorkuntza da, desirak pizten dituena, sentimendu positiboak ekartzen dituena eta harridura eta txunditzea pizten dituena.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- The Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences is a five-star beachfront development blending contemporary elegance with Zanzibar’s heritage. Architectural details such as limewashed walls, carved doors, lattice screens, and coral stone are paired with modern comfort. Spacious villas with private pools, sunken firepits, and saltwater lagoons highlight cultural authenticity while setting a new benchmark for luxury design in East Africa.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Hotel suites range from 57.5–62 sqm, one-bedroom villas at 240 sqm, two-bedroom villas at 360 sqm, and three-bedroom residences at 485 sqm across two levels. The penthouse spans 175 sqm, while royal suites measure 115 sqm. All layouts prioritize ergonomic flows, generous indoor–outdoor connections, and Anantara’s global spatial planning standards.
- Tags
- Zanzibar, Luxury Resort, Branded Residences, Beachfront Villas, Swahili Architecture, Coastal Design, Tropical Retreat, Contemporary Elegance, Anantara, East Africa
- Production Technology
- The design employs locally sourced coral stone, mangrove poles, carved timber doors, and handwoven lattice screens, paired with modern construction methods. Finishes include limewashed walls, fluted wood detailing, brushed metal, veined marble, and weathered stone, all selected for authenticity, durability, and timeless appeal.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was balancing local craftsmanship and heritage expression with international five-star hospitality standards. Constraints included sourcing authentic materials, ensuring environmental integration, and adapting vernacular motifs to modern construction techniques. Overcoming these created a design that is both culturally grounded and globally aspirational.
- Research
- Architectural research combined contextual analysis, vernacular studies, and market demand assessments. Objectives were to fuse Swahili heritage with modern hospitality. Methods included site surveys, material sourcing, and cultural consultations with local artisans. Insights revealed demand for authentic ultra-luxury resorts in Zanzibar, shaping a design that bridges heritage and contemporary global standards.
- Inspiration
- The project is inspired by Zanzibar’s raw natural beauty and cultural heritage, reinterpreted through a lens of modern luxury. As design director Karla Seliman explains, the vision was “born from standing alone on the island of Zanzibar, as if it were deserted, imagining how I would build an entire city from its raw, natural beauty.” Guided by this approach, the resort was crafted as an extension of nature itself, with open, flowing spaces that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
- Project Duration
- The project is located in Nungwi, on the northeastern coastline of Zanzibar, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Development commenced with design studies in Dubai and Zanzibar and continues toward phased realization, supported by Minor Hotels and Infinity Developments.
- Operation Flow
- Spaces are designed as a sequence of sensory journeys, moving from open social areas to quiet retreats. Courtyards, pavilions, and verandas create natural transitions, while water features and native flora encourage exploration. Villas offer private pools, firepits, and lagoon decks, ensuring immersive and intuitive guest experiences.
- Patents
- Copyrights belong to Infinity Design and Architecture, 2025
- Team Members
- Karla Seliman (Design Director), Osama Al-Hajjar (Principal Architect), Rohit Al Manzalji, Isa Ahmed Isa, Bisher Alatiah, Yazan Zaem, Ian Iglesias
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Infinity Design and Architecture, Anantara Zanzibar Master Plan, 2025.
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