kizikula

For those of us in Europe and North America, Zanzibar is impossibly exotic, not to mention far away. But kizikula, a boutique hotel on the Tanzanian island’s south coast, is as cosmopolitan as they come. It’s the work of a couple of friends from Dubai, one of whom has roots here on the island, and who, inspired by a lifetime of globe-trotting experience, brought in a Mumbai-based architecture studio and an Auckland-based landscape architect to help them realize a totally unique and totally unforgettable boutique hotel.

The architecture is both inventive and site-specific, the buildings’ distinctive forms constructed from locally sourced coral limestone, which, in combination with expanses of raw concrete, creates an extraordinary richness of texture. It’s complemented by wooden furniture and local textiles, resulting in a visual simplicity and a tactile warmth that’s reminiscent of our favorite Sri Lankan hotels.

It’s set on a rocky shoreline, with elevated sea views from its lovely infinity pool, and a dramatic wooden stairway that descends into the impossibly clear waters. A poolside bar and a restaurant serve as the social heart of the hotel, while the rooms offer as much privacy and seclusion as you can handle.