Latest news with #Zanzibari
Hospitality Net
27-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Hyatt's Brand Footprint in Africa Set for 50% Rooms Growth by End of 2030
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Hyatt ( announced that Hyatt expects around 50% rooms growth across new and existing markets in Africa by the end of 2030. In the past two years, Hyatt saw 51% rooms growth in Africa, fueled by the addition of several milestone properties and first-time brand entries. These included Park Hyatt Marrakech, introducing the luxury brand to Morocco; Hyatt Centric Cairo West, the brand's debut on the continent; Hyatt Regency Harare – The Meikles, Hyatt's first hotel in Zimbabwe; and Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, its first hotel in Kenya. Most recently, in March 2025, Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands and Hyatt House Nairobi Westlands opened along Lower Kabete Road. This marks Hyatt's first dual-branded development in Africa, offering guests two distinct stay experiences under one roof, just minutes from Westgate Mall, the Nairobi National Museum, and Karura Forest. Last year marked a breakthrough year for Hyatt in Africa, and we're just getting started. Our growth across key leisure and business hubs reflects a strategic focus on having hotels where our guests and World of Hyatt members want to travel most. As we expand, we remain committed to delivering high-quality hospitality experiences that resonate with both global travelers and local communities. Stephen Ansell, Managing Director, Hyatt, Middle East and Africa In the next two years, Hyatt hotels are set to debut in new markets within the region, including the anticipated opening of Hyatt Regency Lagos Ikeja in Nigeria. Additionally, the launch of Park Hyatt Johannesburg is set for later this year, following an extensive renovation of The Winston Hotel. The luxury property will include 31 guestrooms and is expected to be popular with business and leisure guests alike, offering understated luxury and an elevated home away from home experience with highly personalized, intuitive, and fully engaged service. This is an exciting chapter in the growth of Hyatt's portfolio across Africa, as we add hotels with intent in high-demand destinations. We are proud to collaborate with our trusted owners to thoughtfully introduce Hyatt's diverse brands to both new and established markets across the region. Felicity Black-Roberts, Senior Vice President Development, Hyatt, EAME The upcoming properties are expected to join the Hyatt brand portfolio in Africa, with Hyatt hotels currently present in South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Egypt. Some of the Hyatt branded hotels in the region include: Park Hyatt Zanzibar – Located in Stone Town, the luxury hotel holds 62 rooms and provides the ultimate haven amongst the area's winding alleys, bustling markets, mosques, and famed Zanzibari doors, featuring magnificent ornate wooden carvings. Located in Stone Town, the luxury hotel holds 62 rooms and provides the ultimate haven amongst the area's winding alleys, bustling markets, mosques, and famed Zanzibari doors, featuring magnificent ornate wooden carvings. Park Hyatt Marrakech – Opened in 2024, this luxury resort is ideally located, with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and next to Al Maaden Golf course. – Opened in 2024, this luxury resort is ideally located, with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and next to Al Maaden Golf course. Hyatt Regency Harare – The Meikles – Marking the first Hyatt branded hotel in Zimbabwe, this hotel offers iconic architecture, charm, luxury, and easy access to major attractions in Harare. Marking the first Hyatt branded hotel in Zimbabwe, this hotel offers iconic architecture, charm, luxury, and easy access to major attractions in Harare. Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro – A modern oasis in the heart of Tanzania's largest city, this hotel boasts a superb waterfront location and spectacular views of the harbour. A modern oasis in the heart of Tanzania's largest city, this hotel boasts a superb waterfront location and spectacular views of the harbour. Hyatt Centric Cairo West – Opened in October 2024, this art-focused hotel offers travellers a convenient location near iconic landmarks such as the Giza Pyramids and The Grand Egyptian Museum. Opened in October 2024, this art-focused hotel offers travellers a convenient location near iconic landmarks such as the Giza Pyramids and The Grand Egyptian Museum. Hyatt Regency Cape Town – located in one of Cape Town's most vibrant neighborhoods, Bo-Kaap, this property offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture while enjoying views of Table Mountain. located in one of Cape Town's most vibrant neighborhoods, Bo-Kaap, this property offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture while enjoying views of Table Mountain. Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands – Nestled in the heart of Nairobi's bustling city centre, travellers can enjoy sophisticated lodgings, diverse dining options, and a contemporary selection of amenities and services. For additional information on the Hyatt brand portfolio, visit The term 'Hyatt' is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Hyatt. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of June 30, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Dream® Hotels, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt®; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt®, and JdV by Hyatt®; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith™, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable when made, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Kiraku, Inc. or Hyatt's control, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date of their initial publication and neither party undertakes an obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements as actual events unfold, except to the extent required by applicable law. If one or more forward-looking statements is updated, no inference should be drawn that any additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. Chloe Duncan Hyatt – Middle East & Africa Hyatt
Hospitality Net
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Kerten Hospitality and Azure Announce The House Residence Azure Zanzibar — A Landmark All-Villa Resort in One of Africa's Fastest-Growing Destinations
Kerten Hospitality, a global lifestyle hospitality operator, and Azure United Properties have unveiled their newest project: The House Residence Azure Zanzibar—a luxury, all-villa resort and residential community on the pristine Michamvi Peninsula. The announcement was made during Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Mudrick Ramadhan Soragha, Minister of Tourism of Zanzibar, underscoring the government's support for high-impact, sustainable tourism and lifestyle developments. Poised to become a new benchmark for contemporary, conscious living in East Africa, The House Residence Azure Zanzibar is not only a resort—it is a unique real estate investment opportunity, with a curated collection of 93 ocean-view villas available for sale, of which 16 stunning over water villas. Each residence offers investors and buyers a rare chance to own property in a market experiencing rapid economic and tourism growth, with Zanzibar emerging as one of the continent's top lifestyle and hospitality destinations. The resort, scheduled for handover by Q4 2026, spans 60.000 sqm of lush coastal terrain within a protected mangrove reserve. Each villa is thoughtfully designed to blend modern architectural lines with Swahili design influences and locally sourced materials, including traditional Makuti roofing. Villas feature panoramic sunset views over the Indian Ocean and are crafted with sustainability at their core—powered by solar energy, equipped with biodigesters, and landscaped to support microclimate development. Lifestyle Investment with a Local Soul The House Residence not only offers strong Return on Investment through capital appreciation, rental income potential and operational efficiency, but also through a clear 'Return on Community' by supporting local artisans, suppliers and businesses, contributing to social impact programmes in education, sustainability and heritage preservation, and operating with responsible, low-footprint practices. Owners will benefit from hospitality driven real estate, where ownership comes with access to a managed lifestyle with boutique -style services and tailored amenities focused on wellbeing, creativity and cultural immersion. Exclusive amenties include: Two destination dining venues including a speciality over water restaurant A wellness center An outdoor cinema, adult and family pool, kids club, retail outlets, and event and co-working spaces A vegetable and spice garden for locally grown fresh produce Community-driven immersion events and experiences designed to create meaningful connections between residents, guests, and locals Key cultural programming includes: Brazaa Square - A modern interpretation of the Zanzibari baraza , where locals and guests gather to play games, share tea, and connect in a vibrant, village-style square - A modern interpretation of the Zanzibari , where locals and guests gather to play games, share tea, and connect in a vibrant, village-style square Mama Moves - Dance classes led by local women, featuring traditional ceremonial dances - Dance classes led by local women, featuring traditional ceremonial dances Earth-to-Table Picnic - Guests handpick ingredients with local farmers and prepare fresh meals in serene natural settings Zanzibar's strategic development plans, improved infrastructure, and pro-investment policies continue to attract international attention. As such, The House Residence Azure Zanzibar represents a powerful blend of lifestyle, legacy, and long-term value for global investors. This latest venture by Kerten Hospitality and Azure United Properties will provide lifestyle living with a contempory aesthetic and local soul and contribute to the thriving community of Zanzibar. Hotel website
Muscat Daily
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Celebrate Eid with At Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort
Indulge in a Week Filled with a Vibrant Array of Gastronomy, Entertainment, and Memorable Moments Muscat – The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort presents a celebration that blends Omani heritage with international flair this Eid Al Fitr. The resort invites family, friends, and travelers to an immersive experience in a world of refined flavors and cherished traditions, from lively music to exquisite dining, each moment crafted with the signature St. Regis style of refined luxury and thoughtful service. In the welcoming ambiance of Karibu, guests are greeted by an enchanting fusion of Omani and Zanzibari flavors showcased in a dinner buffet, complete with live stations ranging from appetizers to aromatic rice. From March 31 to April 4, the soothing melodies of an Oud performance enhance the ambiance, creating the perfect setting for cherished gatherings with loved ones. Just steps away at Zorba, indulge in an a-la-carte menu that harmonizes authentic regional influences with modern culinary artistry. In the evening, Zorba comes alive with its spirited Panigiri Night—a celebration of music, flavors, and togetherness. From March 31 to April 4 daily, live band performances infuse the venue with festive energy, creating the perfect backdrop for memorable moments. Whether reuniting with family or celebrating with friends, Zorba's vibrant ambiance sets a joyful tone for an unforgettable Eid celebration. Those seeking a cosmopolitan vibe can turn to The Stage Bar & Lounge, where daily themed events infuse each evening with fresh excitement. The week kicks off stylishly in a culinary adventure with Sushi Night, followed by a Wagyu Night. The entertainment continues with live performances, a musical journey with Mia Haddad takes the stage on April 4. The Lobby Lounge, introduces a jewelry-themed afternoon tea on April 1, treating guests to sweet delicacies inspired by sparkling gems. This experience is available throughout April in both the lounge and its airy terrace. Live oud performances fill the lounge with soothing melodies that echo the region's rich musical tradition. An exclusive Eid set menu, featuring the beloved Mama Halima's Manakish, further elevates the celebration, while those seeking a quieter moment can relax with fragrant coffee or cake pairing in the lounge's elegant comfort. Launching on the first day of Eid Al Fitr at Hakkasan, guests can experience a journey through flavor and elegance with 'Taste of Hakkasan' new menu, featuring a starter, main course, dessert and a signature beverage. This specially curated dining experience masterfully blends signature Cantonese aromas with refined craftsmanship, served daily from 6PM to 8PM. This Eid Al Fitr, The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort extends an invitation to celebrate in style—one that honors tradition, welcomes modern influences, and rejoices in the spirit of togetherness. Whether enchanted by live music, tempted by gourmet creations, or drawn to a peaceful retreat, every corner of the resort embodies the St. Regis legacy of impeccable service, personalized luxury, and a seamless blend of heritage and innovation. For reservations, please contact +968 2271 1111 or visit
The Guardian
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Theft by Abdulrazak Gurnah review – love and betrayal from the Nobel laureate
A storyteller of understated brilliance, Abdulrazak Gurnah was awarded the 2021 Nobel prize in literature for his 'uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents'. Born in Zanzibar, Gurnah, now 76, moved to Britain in 1968 as a refugee of the Zanzibar revolution. His books often feature people who leave what they know and arrive 'in strange places, carrying little bits of jumbled luggage and suppressing secret and garbled ambitions', to use the words of a character from his 2001 novel By the Sea. Theft, Gurnah's first book since his Nobel win, is in part a continued inquiry into familiar themes of exile and memory, home, longing and loneliness. It is also a poignant portrait of love, friendship and betrayal, set against Tanzania's tourism boom during the 1990s. The novel follows Karim, Fauzia and Badar, chronicling their uneasy passage into adulthood. Karim's story begins on Pemba Island, where his mother, Raya, leaves her joyless marriage while he's a toddler, first returning with him to her parents in Unguja and later relocating without him to Dar es Salaam, where she remarries. When Karim enrols for university in the city, he stays with her and her husband, Haji Othman. He returns to Zanzibar once he finishes his studies to take up a position in development. There, Karim crosses paths with Fauzia – once a sickly, epileptic child, now a confident young woman training to become a teacher. The two fall helplessly in love. Sometime during Karim's second year of university, 13-year-old Badar arrives at the Othmans' house, sent by his adopted parents as a servant ('There was to be no more school for him. There was no money'). Homesick and haunted by his abandonment, Badar gradually learns to adjust to his new life. While Raya, Haji and Karim are all kind to him, Haji's father appears to resent him. Badar senses that the hostility isn't exactly directed at him, but rather at his real father, 'a restless troublemaker', as he's often been told. It isn't until several years later, when he is accused of theft by the old man, that the reader is finally let in on the truth about Badar's father and his ties to the Othman family. The revelation is a modest development, only confirming Badar's suspicion that 'there was something degrading about his circumstances'. True intrigue begins when Karim, now married to Fauzia, invites Badar to start anew with them in Zanzibar, arranging a job for him at a boutique hotel: a gesture that leaves Badar profoundly, almost existentially, indebted to him. Debt, both as a real monetary burden and a symbolic relational pact, has been a recurring feature of Gurnah's writing. In his 1987 debut novel, Memory of Departure, impoverished Hassan Omar invites himself into his wealthy uncle's home in Nairobi, on the basis of an inheritance that is owed to his mother. By the Sea featured two Zanzibari migrants who reunite in an English seaside town, years after a loan gone awry had led one to lose his family home to the other. Paradise, shortlisted for the Booker prize, told the story of young Yusuf's quest for freedom after he is pawned to an ivory merchant by his parents. It is set in what is now Tanzania; then, at the turn of the 20th century, a beleaguered place on the verge of German colonisation. Theft is in dialogue with these books, with the motif of debt grounding wider ruminations: on hospitality, autonomy and servitude as well as the nuanced distinction between obligation and generosity. For Gurnah, the record-keeping principle underlying a ledger is also one that animates human exchange more broadly, corrupting even the most innocent of bonds. As the tale progresses, Karim increasingly hectors and dominates Badar, demanding gratitude, deference and eventually even subordination and silence, convinced that without his help, Badar 'would have ended up living on the streets as some kind of a criminal'. The final third is the novel's most compelling section. Karim's testiness with Badar takes a toll on their friendship, while his relationship with Fauzia is complicated by the arrival of a difficult baby and Karim's domineering mien. The island, meanwhile, is in the throes of profound change. Foreign exchange rules have been relaxed. More and more hotels dot the coast; houses once belonging to Omani sultans and Indian-owned buildings abandoned amid the post-independence exodus have been transformed into heritage retreats, while old premises, now in the hands of foreign investors, are 'gilded fantasies of oriental luxury'. Everywhere, European tourists with no Kiswahili and little regard for the locals 'went about their pleasures with frowning intensity'. The same holds for the EU-marshalled aid workers Badar encounters, volunteer tourists who journey 'all this way to do their good deeds', bringing condescension, 'such ill humour' and an insensitive spirit of adventure. Gurnah's sly pairing of volunteer tourism and the colonial enterprise, as when Badar muses on the kind of work one hotel guest, the director of an international relief exchange programme, would be doing if she was around 'during the old good times of the empire', hints at harms glossed over in the name of 'goodwill'. The idea of poisoned benevolence is picked up again when Karim becomes involved with a British volunteer, a software engineer bent on a local affair. 'Does beauty like hers make its own rules, disregarding responsibilities and duties?' Badar wonders. 'Or was it that coming to a place like theirs she felt entitled to please herself because in the end it was she that mattered?' Powerful, affecting and provocative, Theft is a vital addition to Gurnah's remarkable body of work; a novel steeped in heartbreak and loss but one that ultimately refuses despair. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Theft by Abdulrazak Gurnah review is published by Bloomsbury (£18.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy at Delivery charges may apply.
Listly
16-03-2025
- Listly
Reasons Why Zanzibar is the Perfect African Getaway - "Exploring options in Zanzibar "
Spice Tours As the "Spice Island," Zanzibar is known for its production of spices like cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom. One of the most popular activities for visitors is taking a spice tour, where you can visit local farms to see how these spices are grown and harvested. The tours offer a sensory journey through the island's spice history, with opportunities to smell, taste, and learn about the role of spices in Zanzibari cuisine. Swahili Cuisine Zanzibar's cuisine is a reflection of its history as a cultural crossroads. The flavours of Swahili cooking are a blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences, resulting in a rich culinary tradition. Traditional dishes like biryani, ugali, and seafood curries are often flavoured with locally sourced spices, offering a true taste of the island.
