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9/4/2023

Luxury ecolodge brand and management company ENVI Lodges has marked a major development milestone by signing a management agreement for its first property in Africa – a sustainable beachfront lodge in Paje, Zanzibar.

Offering an immersive barefoot luxury experience on a serene and captivating island, ENVI Paje will encompass 25 low-impact villas, some with private pools, all nestled between lush palm vegetation and the shores of a pristine beach. A main restaurant, lounge, communal deck and infinity pool will be located in the centre, providing a gathering place for like-minded guests.

 Expected to open in December 2024, ENVI’s debut Africa project will kickstart its expansion in a market with strategic significance for the company, with Zanzibar, known for its unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, a rising star in the global tourism industry and named top travel destination for 2023 by Travelers Worldwide.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Africa’s travel and tourism GDP will grow at an average rate of 6.8% annually between 2022 and 2023, more than twice the rate of the region’s economy to reach US$279 billion (7.2% of the total economy).

“Entering the African continent signifies a crucial milestone for ENVI Lodges, so we want to get this right,” said Chris Nader, ENVI’s co-founder. “We want to offer our guests a very intimate and laid-back experience, focussing on wellbeing, slow food and fitness. We want to respect the environment on which this lodge will be developed and are working closely with the various stakeholders to minimise our footprint on the land, to preserve the majestic palm trees, and to protect the white-sandy beach for which Paje is known."

An environmentally conscious development, ENVI Paje prioritises renewable energy sources and incorporates locally sourced materials in its construction. The onsite chef’s garden will ensure fresh, farm-to-table dining experiences, further enhancing the lodge's sustainability footprint.

The ecolodge’s extensive roster of activities and experiences will range from tranquil beachfront yoga sessions and bespoke wellness treatments to kite surfing and other adventurous water sports.

Riad Welly, the project’s investor, with a personal passion for Zanzibar, said: “This partnership with ENVI Lodges perfectly aligns with my vision to redefine luxury hospitality through sustainability and wellness. I am a huge fan of Zanzibar and travel there frequently for kite surfing. I fell in love with this plot of land in Paje, so I decided to develop a lodge that I hope will inspire others to build resorts with a more conscious approach.”

Having already announced properties in the Middle East and South America, this new ecolodge in Africa further bolsters ENVI Lodges' mission to transform the accommodation sector by forging a more sustainable path that takes responsibility for the wellbeing of people and the planet.