Shah Palace Zanzibar, a heritage-driven boutique resort, will officially open its doors on March 1, 2026, redefining the art of island living through a blend of history, craftsmanship, and intimacy
Zanzibar. On the tranquil northeast coast of Zanzibar, overlooking the shimmering waters of Mnemba Atoll, a new chapter of luxury is set to unfold.
Shah Palace Zanzibar, a heritage-driven boutique resort, will officially open its doors on March 1, 2026, redefining the art of island living through a blend of history, craftsmanship, and intimacy.
Nestled in Matemwe, one of Zanzibar’s most pristine and unspoiled enclaves, Shah Palace is a love letter to East African culture and artistry.
Curated as a living museum of Swahili and Islamic heritage, the 50-suite resort weaves together the architectural influences of Fez, Jaipur, and Stone Town.
From antique Zanzibari doors to Moroccan brass lanterns and handwoven coastal fabrics, every corner tells a story of interconnected cultures and timeless design.
“We haven’t just built a resort. We’ve crafted a story,” says the founding director.
“Shah Palace is an invitation to reconnect with culture, nature, and self, in a setting where serenity meets craftsmanship.”
A cultural sanctuary with a personal soul
Luxury at Shah Palace isn’t measured by extravagance, but by attention, the kind that remembers your name, anticipates your needs, and curates experiences as personal as they are profound.
With over 50 suites, including 36 ocean-facing rooms and 14 enclosed garden sanctuaries, privacy and personalization are at the heart of the experience.
Accommodation highlights include panoramic ocean suites, ocean pool suites, garden pool suites, private beach pool villas, and the Shah Palace penthouse.
Guests can indulge in three distinct dining venues blending Zanzibari, Mediterranean, and Japanese influences, or unwind at the infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The Holistic Spa Sanctuary, inspired by Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian wellness traditions, promises a restorative escape, complemented by a 24-hour gym equipped with Italian-made technogym equipment.
Experiences range from curated dhow cruises and sandbank barbecues to reef safaris and private in-villa dining, each crafted to immerse guests in the spirit of Zanzibar.
Design, location & legacy
Perched along a private stretch of coastline, Shah Palace’s architecture is an ode to Zanzibar’s legacy as a cultural crossroads.
Locally woven fabrics, carved woods, and brass details evoke a sense of place that feels both grand and grounded.
Located just an hour from Stone Town and Zanzibar International Airport, and a short boat ride from Mnemba Atoll’s coral sanctuary, the resort strikes the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility.
As a Zanzibari-owned and operated property, Shah Palace is deeply invested in community and sustainability.
The resort has pledged to eliminate single-use plastics, source 80 percent of its ingredients locally, and support coral restoration near Mnemba Atoll, ensuring that luxury and responsibility coexist in harmony.
Shah Palace Zanzibar is the flagship of what will become the Shah Collection, a series of culturally driven luxury properties across East Africa.
Future destinations will include retreats along Pemba Island’s untouched coastlines and exclusive safari escapes in the Serengeti, all united by the same philosophy: respect for place, intentional design, and personalised service that feels both rare and effortless.
With its grand opening set for March 2026, Shah Palace Zanzibar stands poised to become a resort and a destination where every stay feels like stepping into a story that began centuries ago.
