Playground in paradise: new mega-resort in Africa promises 5-star luxury in Zanzibar

A massive new luxury property is coming soon to Zanzibar, one that could have a transformative effect on the lush archipelago known for its bright waters and soft sand.

Blue Amber Zanzibar is a tropical resort that, once completed, will cover more than a thousand acres of pristine Indian Ocean coastline. The resort will feature five-star hotels like the Ritz-Carlton as well as residential vacation homes, and world-class amenities like aqua parks, an underwater restaurant, horseback riding, and even east Africa's first Signature Championship golf course, designed by golf legend Ernie Els.

That all sounds amazing, but the question I'm sure we all have is, when will this island paradise be open?

Given the size and scope of the project, Blue Amber will open in phases. The first phase, will include the Shirazi Resort and Villas, a leisure activity center and beach restaurant, and is expected to be finished by 2023. Construction on the remainder of the project, including retail stores and the golf course are slated to begin near the end of 2022, and expected to last three years.

The resort looks to capitalize on Zanzibar's popularity with tourists looking for an exotic tropical getaway. Like almost every other destination, the cluster of 51 islands in the Indian Ocean lost much of its tourism due to the pandemic. But since January, nearly 200,000 visitors have returned.

Zanzibar is also not that difficult a locale to reach. It's just a short flight from Tanzania and there are many connecting flight options from major travel hubs.

In addition, Lufthansa recently announced twice-weekly flights to Zanzibar from Mombasa. Also, Air France in October will debut its first flights to Zanzibar, providing twice-weekly service on a Boeing 787-9 as the continuation of a flight to Nairobi, Kenya.

Along with promises of white-glove service with unblocked views of endless ocean, Blue Amber is trying to appeal to investors looking for oceanfront vacation homes by building hundreds of oceanfront villas. Changes to Zanzibar's tax regulations now allow foreign investors to buy property in the country for the first time and reap the financial benefits, making the resort's 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes, with prices starting at $198,000, particularly attractive.

The developer of the project, Pennyroyal Gibraltar, stated its goal when the project was first announced was to redefine tourism in East Africa.

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"With the commissioning of this luxury tropical resort... the premium hospitality offerings and world-class facilities will benchmark luxury in Africa," the firm said in a statement.

Full details on all the amenities the resort will offer have not been finalized. But we like what we see so far, and will be watching and following the project as it moves closer to its opening.