RIU Palace Swahili Elevates Zanzibar’s Luxury Hospitality with Elite Club and RIU Party Launch
RIU Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its latest masterpiece in the Indian Ocean: Riu Palace Swahili, a stunning 5-star Adults Only resort nestled in the coveted Nungwi area in northern Zanzibar. This new property marks RIU’s third hotel in Tanzania and introduces innovative luxury elements to the region’s hospitality landscape. Notably, it debuts the exclusive Elite Club service and inaugurates the highly anticipated RIU Party, a vibrant weekly event hosted at the nearby Riu Jambo, designed to energize the island’s tourism scene.
The expansive resort features 505 elegantly styled rooms that blend modern sophistication with comfort, ensuring guests experience the pinnacle of the Riu Palace brand’s premium standards. Among these, the Elite Club section raises the bar on exclusivity with 76 rooms, including 52 with private pools and 24 offering panoramic sea views. Elite Club guests benefit from a range of bespoke privileges such as a dedicated Elite Club Restaurant, private beach zones furnished with Balinese beds and personalized drink service, exclusive access to the Elite Club Lounge featuring branded beverages, and a streamlined check-in process enhanced by aromatherapy amenities in their rooms.
A fresh highlight accompanying this opening is the introduction of the RIU Party in Tanzania, a lively weekly celebration set for Fridays at Riu Jambo. This event is open to visitors from all three RIU hotels on the island, fostering a dynamic social atmosphere that complements Zanzibar's vibrant tourism offerings.
True to the Riu Palace reputation, the resort delivers a comprehensive 24-hour All Inclusive experience that places culinary excellence at its core. Guests can indulge in diverse dining options while enjoying the resort’s expansive terraces that connect them with the tropical outdoors. The main Karibu restaurant anchors the gastronomic offerings, supported by specialty venues including the upscale Krystal fusion cuisine restaurant, the Italian-inspired Duomo, the Mediterranean Helios, and a classic Steakhouse. For quick bites, Pepe’s Food kiosk provides fast-food options.
The hotel’s six bars each present unique atmospheres: from the sophisticated Lounge Bar and the lively Daiquiri Bar to the social Masai Plaza Bar, the poolside Konyagi Bar, the refreshing aquatic Madafu, and the charming Capuchino cake and ice cream shop. Two breathtaking infinity pools have been designed to visually blend with the turquoise waters of Nungwi, providing a seamless connection between luxury and nature.
Riu Palace Swahili also offers an engaging day-to-night itinerary for guests. Daily live music performances and entertainment enliven evenings, while a full slate of daytime activities ensures a balanced holiday experience. Wellness enthusiasts can retreat to the Renova Spa, featuring a tranquil swimming pool, steam bath, and an extensive menu of treatments. Additionally, the resort’s prime location allows guests easy access to water sports at the neighboring Riu Jambo, such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, ensuring a stimulating and active stay.
This launch further cements RIU Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to Zanzibar, a market they have cultivated since 2018. With three properties now operating in the region—Riu Palace Swahili, Riu Palace Zanzibar, and Riu Jambo—the brand significantly enhances its portfolio in Nungwi, one of Africa’s most sought-after tourism hotspots. This expansion underlines RIU’s commitment to delivering complementary and high-quality hospitality experiences that resonate with discerning travellers seeking luxury, relaxation, and vibrant social scenes on the continent.
