Four Seasons and global investment firm Albwardy Investment have partnered to open a luxury resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania’s Spice Island.

Set along the white sand beaches and blue waters of Pongwe, Four Seasons Resort Zanzibar will be just 23 miles (32 kilometers) off the coast of Tanzania and a short flight from Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. In addition to providing easy access to mainland destinations in Tanzania, including Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport has daily flights from international carriers with direct flights to African, European and Middle Eastern destinations and beyond.

“It’s an honor to partner with Albwardy Investment on this exceptional project in Zanzibar. Together, our shared vision for creating best-in-class experiences will soon introduce a new Four Seasons resort to a destination that luxury travelers already know and love,” says Bart Carnahan, president, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. “With this incredible island’s dynamic character and beauty on display, we look forward to welcoming guests as they discover a new side of Tanzania alongside the commitment to genuine care and service of Four Seasons.”

“In partnership with Four Seasons, we have successfully curated a portfolio of unique travel experiences around the world, always honoring the distinct spirit of every location and the legendary service that has earned its longstanding global reputation in luxury hospitality,” explains Mr. Ali Saeed Juma Albwardy, Chairman of the Board, Albwardy Investment. “There is a tremendous opportunity to do the same in Zanzibar, and our new resort will highlight the island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage while enriching the region’s vibrant hospitality landscape.”

About Four Seasons Resort Zanzibar

With architecture by the internationally renowned firm eco.id, the new-build Four Seasons Resort Zanzibar will include 60 private villas with one- to three-bedroom configurations. Accommodations will feature interior design by MOMA and eco.id, each with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean across the 126-acre (50-hectare) beachfront property.

The resort will bring five new original-concept dining outlets to Zanzibar. It will feature a signature seafood restaurant inspired by the local fish market, serving the very best “catch of the day” with beachside views, as well as a Levantine grill with specialty wood-fire cuisine. The resort will also offer a Mediterranean all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar and grill, and lobby lounge and bar for expertly crafted morning coffees and evening beverages.

Other amenities at Four Seasons Resort Zanibar will include:

• an oceanfront pool with cabana service;
• an array of water sports and excursions to discover the surrounding locale;
• extensive fitness facilities;
• dynamic meeting and event space;
• and a spa featuring five private treatment rooms as well as an outdoor cabana for bespoke open-air spa experiences.

To ensure that the destination’s incredible natural habitat is respected and protected, Four Seasons Resort Zanzibar will have a Discovery Centre staffed with a dedicated team of on-site conservationists. With a mandate to advance responsible tourism throughout Zanzibar and beyond, the Discovery Centre will promote wildlife protection, sustainability, environmental preservation and community partnerships to support guests and the surrounding community’s ability to leave an enduring, positive impact on their natural environment.

This latest venture builds on Four Seasons and Albwardy Investment’s longstanding partnership, together bringing luxury hotels and resorts to life in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Johannesburg (South Africa), Hoi An (Vietnam),  Serengeti (Tanzania) and two resorts in the Seychelles at Mahé and Desroches Island.