Anantara Zanzibar Resort i rezidencije by Karla Seliman is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Сребрна награда A' Design Award in Дизајн хотелијерства, рекреације, путовања и туризма Competition Category.
СребрнаХотелијерство· 2026
Anantara Zanzibar Resort i rezidencije
Client: Infinity Design and Architecture
Сребрна награда A' Design Award Winner in Хотелијерство Category
- 9,017
- Verified Award Winner
- Verify Award Status for #177335
The Design
About Anantara Zanzibar Resort i rezidencije
Anantara Zanzibar je projekat resorta i rezidencija na obali mora, smešten u Nungviju, na obali Zanzibara, sa pogledom na Indijski okean. Dizajn kombinuje lokalno nasleđe sa savremenim komforom. Zidovi obrađeni krečom, rezbarena drvena vrata, ručno tkani rešetkasti paravani i lokalno nabavljen koralni kamen koriste se u celom prostoru. Dvorišta, paviljoni i verande povezuju unutrašnje i spoljašnje prostore. Vile uključuju privatne bazene, uronjena ognjišta i palube uz lagunu. Prostorni raspored vodi goste od otvorenih društvenih zona do mirnih kutaka za odmor.
The Recognition
About the Сребрна награда A' Design Award
Anantara Zanzibar Resort i rezidencije је добитник Сребрне награде A' Design Award, изузетно престижног признања које се додељује врхунским, предивним и импресивним дизајнима. Добитници Сребрне награде неизмерно су бриљантна и изузетно креативна дела која илуструју изузетну стручност, таленат и оштроумност својих дизајнера. Очекује се да Anantara Zanzibar Resort i rezidencije буде дивно, узорно дело, запажено професионално и дубоко иновативно. Овај дизајн награђен Сребрном наградом A' Design Award веома је запажен, дивљен изум који користи и помера границе уметности, науке, дизајна и технологије. Anantara Zanzibar Resort i rezidencije је творевина којој многи завиде, која буди жеље, доноси позитивна осећања и изазива чуђење и дивљење.
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.
Sponsored
Explore Beyond Designers.org
Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.
More to Explore
Related Designs
Explore more award-winning designs from the same category, selected by merit.
