Sneak peek inside The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town in Zanzibar

Excitement is building as the latest hotel in The Neela Collection, The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town, is preparing to open the doors to Zanzibar’s historic city this July…

natural colours of concrete, stone, linen in the guestroom at The Neela Stone Town

The Neela Collection was born from the desire to offer beautiful locations for families to spend quality time together while enjoying the freshest seasonal food surrounded by stunning natural beauty and the rich culture of Zanzibar. Each of the properties in the portfolio, can be found either in restored landmark heritage buildings or architecturally designed and built using local craftsmanship and international experts, have their distinct personality rooted in and authentic to their location.

street view with a cat and woman in Stone Town Zanzibar

Image credit: The Neela Collection

The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town has prioritised comfort and relaxation in 14 Deluxe and Superior rooms conceptualised by interior designer Nelly Levin. Seamlessly marrying vintage and new elements, the hotel draws from Stone Town’s rich cultural history and African, Arab, Indian, Persian and European influences to offer guests a warm and welcoming experience that is both contemporary and steeped in tradition.

round mirror and brass shower in the ensuite bathroom at The Neela Stonetown

Image credit: The Neela Collection

All Superior rooms have King Size beds, a luxurious standalone bath in the room, as well as a separate ensuite bathroom and large shower. The Deluxe Rooms are comfort epitomised, offering a choice of King Size or Twin beds and an ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower. High thread count linen makes resting that much more heavenly. All units in the beautifully restored building, which sits in one of Stone Town’s most desirable areas, offer luxurious room amenities one would expect from a high-end boutique hotel, but with the added touch of the Neela experience. Guests can look forward to unique room layouts that only a refurbished heritage building can offer.

guestroom in cream and brown with traditional wooden door in The Neela Stone Town Zanzibar

Image credit: The Neela Collection

Aside from its bespoke interiors and service, The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town will shelter some unique food and beverage options. The in-house Breadfruit Restaurant & Café will offer a fantasy of flavour embracing Stone Town’s myriad influences. a case in point being the Lobster Brekkie Bun, with butter poached lobster, scrambled eggs, kewpie mayo and black sesame, while The Benedict is like no other iteration of the breakfast classic: Mahamri muffins, pulled goat, poached eggs, semi-dried tomatoes, Zafarani hollandaise, and herb shoots.

For the outdoors inclined, guests have a range of options to choose from thanks to the Neela Collection’s partnership with a local tour operator. From sunset cruises on a traditional dhow to swimming with dolphins and kitesurfing, the hotel will ensure that every visitor comes away with memories that last forever.

In The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town, developed by husband and wife, Steve and Raju Shaulis, in collaboration with a local partner, the trio have created an urban masterpiece that addresses an undersupply of high-end luxury hotels in Stone Town and which will now cater to the thousands of visitors who pass through its streets each year to marvel at breath-taking architecture and its famous homogenised character.

With several major projects across Africa, Asia and the Middle East in its portfolio, The Neela Collection is developing another oceanside boutique hotel in Fumba scheduled for opening in 2024, further cementing its position as the hotel group of choice in Zanzibar’s vibrant cultural heart.

Main image credit: The Neela Collection