Anantara Zanzibar 度假村及住宅 by Karla Seliman

Anantara Zanzibar 度假村及住宅 by Karla Seliman is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 銀獎 in 款待設計 Competition Category.

銀款待· 2026

Anantara Zanzibar 度假村及住宅

by Karla Seliman

Client: Infinity Design and Architecture

A' Design Award 銀獎 Winner in 款待 Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #177335

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The Design

About Anantara Zanzibar 度假村及住宅

Anantara桑給巴爾係一個海濱度假村及住宅項目,位於桑給巴爾海岸嘅Nungwi,俯瞰印度洋。設計將本地傳統文化同現代舒適融合一齊。項目全面採用石灰水粉刷牆身、雕花木門、手織格柵屏風,以及本地採購嘅珊瑚石。庭院、涼亭同露台將室內外空間連繫起嚟。別墅設有私人泳池、下沉式火爐同潟湖甲板。整體布局引領住客由開放嘅社交空間過渡到寧靜嘅休憩處。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銀獎

Anantara Zanzibar 度假村及住宅是 A' Design Award 銀獎得主，這是授予頂級、華美而令人印象深刻的設計的極為崇高的認可。銀獎得主是極其卓越、極具創造力的作品，展現出其設計師傑出的專業技能、才華與敏銳。預計Anantara Zanzibar 度假村及住宅將成為一件出色的典範之作，兼具非凡的專業性與深刻的創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銀獎的設計是一項備受矚目、令人欽佩的發明，造福並拓展藝術、科學、設計和技術的界限。Anantara Zanzibar 度假村及住宅是一件令人羨慕的創作，它喚起渴望，帶來積極的情感，並激發驚嘆與讚嘆。

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.