Anantara Zanzibar Complexe hôtelier et résidences by Karla Seliman is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award d'Argent in Hôtellerie Competition Category.
ArgentHôtellerie· 2026
Anantara Zanzibar Complexe hôtelier et résidences
Client: Infinity Design and Architecture
A' Design Award d'Argent Winner in Hôtellerie Category
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The Design
About Anantara Zanzibar Complexe hôtelier et résidences
Anantara Zanzibar est un projet de complexe hôtelier et de résidences en bord de mer situé à Nungwi, sur la côte de Zanzibar, face à l'océan Indien. Le design allie le patrimoine local au confort contemporain. Des murs badigeonnés à la chaux, des portes en bois sculpté, des claustras tissés à la main et de la pierre de corail d'origine locale sont utilisés dans l'ensemble du projet. Cours intérieures, pavillons et vérandas relient les espaces intérieurs et extérieurs. Les villas comprennent des piscines privées, des foyers encastrés et des terrasses sur lagon. L'agencement guide les hôtes depuis les espaces conviviaux ouverts jusqu'aux retraites paisibles.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award d'Argent
Anantara Zanzibar Complexe hôtelier et résidences est lauréat de l'A' Design Award d'Argent, une reconnaissance énormément prestigieuse décernée à des designs haut de gamme, superbes et impressionnants. Les lauréats Argent sont des œuvres tout à fait brillantes et extrêmement créatives qui illustrent l'expertise, le talent et la perspicacité remarquables de leurs concepteurs. Anantara Zanzibar Complexe hôtelier et résidences est censé être une œuvre merveilleuse, une vitrine de savoir-faire, remarquablement professionnelle et profondément innovante. Ce design lauréat de l'A' Design Award d'Argent est une invention très notable et admirée, qui sert l'art, la science, le design et la technologie et en repousse les limites. Anantara Zanzibar Complexe hôtelier et résidences est une création très enviée qui éveille les désirs, apporte des sentiments positifs et suscite émerveillement et étonnement.
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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