Anantara Zanzibar Nechializcalli ihuan Chanyotl by Karla Seliman is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl in Tecialiliztli, Ahuiltiliztli, Nehnemiztli ihuan Tlanextiliztlanemiztli Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.
IztacteocuitlatlTecialiliztli· 2026
Anantara Zanzibar Nechializcalli ihuan Chanyotl
Client: Infinity Design and Architecture
Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl Winner in Tecialiliztli Category
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The Design
About Anantara Zanzibar Nechializcalli ihuan Chanyotl
Anantara Zanzibar ce nechializcalli ihuan chanyotl in mocahua itech atentli, ompa Nungwi, itech iatentli Zanzibar, in quitta Hueyi Atl Indico. In tlatlaliliztli quicentlalia in huehuecayotl in altepetl ihuan yancuic paquiliztli. Nohuiyan motequitiltia tepamitl in tenextica tlapalolli, cuauhtlatzacuilotl in tlacuicuitl, tlaquittli tlatzacuilotl in imatica tlachihchiuhtli, ihuan tapachtetl in ompa mocuia. Ithualtin, calnepantin, ihuan calixpantin quinnelhuayotia in calitic ihuan quiahuac cancahtin. In caltin quipiah incelti amanaltin, tlecuiltin in tlaltzintlan cateh, ihuan huapaltlapechtin in atezcatl itech. In tlatecpanaliztli quinyacana in cochianime in tlacpac cancahtin in campa mocentlaliah ixquichca in cactimani netlacahuilcan.
The Recognition
About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl
Anantara Zanzibar Nechializcalli ihuan Chanyotl ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl, hueyi tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in huel yectli, tlanextic ihuan mahuiztic tlachihualli. In quicuicah Iztacteocuitlatl ca cenca cualli ihuan cenca yancuic tlachihualli in quinextia in tlamatiliztli, toltecayotl ihuan ixtlamatiliztli intlachihuanime. Ca quinequi in Anantara Zanzibar Nechializcalli ihuan Chanyotl ca cenca cualli, cenca motequiuhtia ihuan yancuic. Ni dizayno in quicuic Iztacteocuitlatl quihuelitia in toltecayotl, tlamatiliztli, dizayno ihuan teknolohia. Anantara Zanzibar Nechializcalli ihuan Chanyotl quiyolchicahua in tlacah, quipaquiltia ihuan quitlamahuiztiltia.
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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