Luis Riu: My visit to the Riu Palace Swahili construction site reaffirms the potential of Zanzibar as a destination

12 December, 2025 Share

Index

I have just returned from Zanzibar where I was able to see firsthand the construction progress for the Riu Palace Swahili Hotel. And I return with the peace of mind that everything is going according to plan. That we will open on January 30th, fully ready to offer the Riu Palace service that our guests expect. Our hotels in Zanzibar have one of the best beaches I’ve ever visited, and this new hotel will be an elegant and modern option that will allow you to take full advantage of it. We touched down in this destination in 2018 and our commitment to it has grown increasingly stronger: we are now about to launch our third property. And our intense activity contrasts so starkly with the absolute tranquillity and calm of the destination itself.

A strategic decision: the power of synergies between our three hotels in Zanzibar

Many people ask me why we have three hotels together in Nungwi. The answer is simple and it reflects our business model, which is based on efficiency. Placing the Riu Palace Swahili next to the Riu Jambo and the Riu Palace Zanzibar generates tremendous operational synergies. We share logistics, optimise resources and, most importantly, we have a strong presence in a prime location with an offering that caters to every segment and covers our guests’ every need. As of January, this area will have:

• A hotel that is great for the whole family
• A more sophisticated—yet still family-friendly—Riu Palace property
• And our newest addition, the Riu Palace Swahili, an adults-only Riu Palace

The first hotel we opened in this location was the Riu Palace Zanzibar, which we inaugurated after buying and renovating the Hideaway of Nungwi hotel. We closed the deal in April 2018 and became the first Spanish hotel company to own an establishment in the country. Shortly afterwards, in August 2019, we were given the perfect opportunity to create the three-hotel complex we have today. That was when we were able to buy La Gemma dell’Est, the beautiful next-door property that came with a huge plot of land with the potential to house two further hotels. So the operation was designed with the future Riu Jambo and Riu Palace Swahili already in mind.

Jambo and Swahili: two local terms used as the names of our hotels

The hotel names also have their own story. The Riu Palace Zanzibar was a no-brainer, because we always try to name the first Riu Palace hotel in an area after the country or destination; but when I chose the name Riu Jambo everyone was very surprised. Jambo in Swahili means ‘hello’ and is also a common way to politely reply that you are doing well. So it’s constantly in use. It seemed to me an obvious choice to name the business ‘Jambo’, but nobody in the area had ever done this, and it took people a while to get used to it. The funny thing is that they’ve become so accustomed to it that now there are local businesses that have also started calling themselves Jambo.

The same thing has happened with the Riu Palace Swahili. The name of the language is not used to name things or businesses. I wonder how long it will take for a Swahili shop, bar or restaurant to appear, just like with Jambo.

Zanzibar: a desirable destination for tourists and industry

Our commitment to the destination did not go unnoticed by our competitors. As I’ve said before, from an investor’s point of view, Africa offers many opportunities, as well as many advantages. It is very close to the main European source markets, the time difference is minimal—which is a benefit both for operations and for travellers—and its beauty and appeal are undeniable. In recent years many brands have announced investments and new openings in Zanzibar, and there will certainly be more to come.

From the very beginning, our guests’ reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Our most traditional European markets have responded with enthusiasm to RIU’s offering in Zanzibar, and today our German guests are by far our most important clientele. They are followed by travellers from Poland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, all of which regularly operate direct flights to the island. We also see demand from markets that were previously minor for us, such as South Africa, and naturally, the local market as well. We should also mention the surprising fact that we are seeing interest from U.S. clients, a phenomenon Zanzibar shares with the Maldives.

Construction progress on the Riu Palace Swahili: the final stretch

I’ve come home very satisfied. I’ve said many times that I like to be on the ground. Looking at the plans in the office in Palma is fine, but it is on the construction site where you truly see the reality of the projects. And this allows me to make the final important decisions. I toured the structures with the Construction and Operations team, and it is clear that everything is completely under control.

We are now at the stage where the building stops being just concrete and begins to show its personality. Interiors are being finished and work is being done on the fine details. Building on an island is never simple, there are constant logistical challenges, but the team has them completely under control.

500 rooms facing the sea, with views of the Indian Ocean

What I value most about this land is its size. We have almost 600 metres of beachfront that is shared by the three hotels. That is difficult to find nowadays, and it has allowed us to allocate around 200 metres of frontage to the new building. This has enabled us to design a very open hotel, where the 505 rooms breathe and look out onto the Indian Ocean.

We wanted to go a step further in terms of sophistication. That is why we have put so much effort into the Elite Club area. There will be 52 villas with private pools and 24 rooms with the best sea views. A total of 76 rooms are dedicated to Elite clients, who also have their own exclusive restaurant and bar, as well as a special selection of amenities, all designed for those clients who demand extra privacy and service

At the same time, we are maintaining our classic approach: a 24-hour All-Inclusive resort, with 7 restaurants and 5 bars. No expense is spared here; from the Steakhouse to the snacks at Pepe’s Food, the offering is designed so that the customer can have a different gastronomic experience every day if they so wish.

The value of the team at the Riu Palace Swahili

Opening a hotel far from home, coordinating local and expatriate teams, and maintaining RIU standards requires an effort that is sometimes unseen. That is also why I wanted to write this article, to take the opportunity to thank the entire local team in Zanzibar as well as the construction team for their dedication and professionalism.

Zanzibar is a paradise that continues to grow, and we grow with it. The Riu Palace Swahili will undoubtedly be a new source of pride for both the family and the company.

Signed Luis Riu

Fdo. Luis Riu