PAID CONTENT FOR EMERSON’S ON HURUMZI
PAID CONTENT FOR EMERSON’S ON HURUMZI
PAID CONTENT FOR EMERSON’S ON HURUMZI
Emerson’s On Hurumzi ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA
DESIGNED FOR CONNECTION AND CULTURAL IMMERSION, EMERSON’S ON HURUMZI IS A LIVING CHAPTER OF STONE TOWN’S HISTORY
The old town of Zanzibar — Stone Town — is like a poem carved in stone. Its winding alleys, lined with time-worn houses, draw travellers ever deeper into its charm. Carved wooden balconies catch the sunlight, while grand, brass-studded doors hide stories that are centuries old. The scent of spices drifts through the air, awakening the senses as it leads guests towards the vibrant Darajani market. Shaped by sultans, sailors, merchants and explorers, Stone Town moves to a rhythm of different cultures, offering moments of quiet magic at every turn, where the past and present intertwine with effortless grace.
A stay steeped in history Located in the heart of Stone Town’s historic district, Emerson’s On Hurumzi is an intimate retreat just a short walk from Forodhani Gardens and the Portuguese Fort, sitting directly beside both the House of Wonders and the Sultan’s Palace. The hotel is formed from four restored 19th-century buildings, the largest of which once belonged
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to the Sultan’s Minister of Finance. Its original owner insisted on having the highest rooftop in the city — a remarkable vantage point from which to watch the sun set over ‘the city of stone’ and the Indian Ocean. From this rooftop, or from one of the hotel’s more intimate private terraces, guests can admire the skyline of minarets, the towers of the Catholic cathedral, the columns of the House of Wonders, the spire of the Hindu temple and the bell tower of the Anglican church, as well as the many other landmarks that make Zanzibar’s old town a Unesco World Heritage Site. In the late 1980s, American psychiatrist
Dr Emerson Dewey Skeens arrived in Zanzibar, then in a state of disrepair, and set about breathing new life into its historic buildings. He transformed them into a hotel and a vibrant meeting place dedicated to culture and the arts. After his passing in 2014, Emerson’s friends continued to preserve the property and uphold his vision, ensuring that his legacy — and the spirit of the hotel — endures.
Distinctive touches that tell a story Today, the hotel offers 23 uniquely designed rooms, each infused with historical character and original architectural details, as well as two atmospheric restaurants that celebrate Zanzibar’s culinary heritage. Its serene spa provides a sanctuary from the heat of the city, featuring a hammam, cold bath, hydromassage pool, steam room, dedicated relaxation and massage areas, and a tranquil swimming pool tucked into a lush, tree-lined courtyard. The property also houses the Princess Salme Museum — a tribute to the extraordinary life of Zanzibar’s pioneering princess and memoirist — along with an exhibition space curated by the Emerson Foundation, where rotating displays highlight local artists, heritage crafts and themes connected to Stone Town and the wider island. Guests can also visit Farouk’s fashion design workshop, an intimate studio belonging to one of Zanzibar’s most influential cultural and fashion figures. Known for his vibrant textiles and refined tailoring, Farouk is said to have caught the eye of
Princess Diana during his years in England, adding a touch of legend to his already remarkable career.
Unique activities & excursions From rooftop dinners with sweeping views over Stone Town, the port of Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean, complete with traditional island cuisine and a live Taarab orchestra, to enjoying a leisurely evening cocktail or refreshing lemonade as the sun sets, the hotel off ers a whole host of unforgettable moments. It’s the ideal starting point for exploring the city’s narrow streets on a guided walking tour through the labyrinth of Stone Town, which includes a visit to the bustling central market fi lled with fruit, vegetables, fi sh and spices. Just outside the city, spice farms welcome visitors on guided tours with botanists who reveal the many spices and fruits that have made Zanzibar famous. For time on the water, guests can venture to
the pristine sandbanks that emerge at low tide, accessible by motorboat or sailboat, or join the celebrated Safari Blue excursion, a day of sailing on traditional boats through a protected marine
area, with lunch on a sandbank, snorkelling and swimming. As daylight fades, a sunset cruise aboard a traditional dhow off ers a serene way to admire the city’s waterfront, its historic buildings, minarets and church steeples glowing softly in the evening light. The experience is enriched by encounters with
Zanzibar’s layered history and culture, from Unesco-listed architecture and carved wooden doors to the rhythms of daily life along the waterfront. Between days spent exploring, the hotel remains a calm retreat, off ering space to pause, refl ect and absorb the atmosphere of the island.
A legacy that lives on Emerson’s vision for the hotel remains as compelling today as when he fi rst imagined it — a one-of-a-kind retreat that captures the best of Stone Town and the island beyond. “The whole city was falling into ruins,” Emerson said. “Sitting on that rooftop, the buildings seemed to call out to me that evening. It was then I knew I had to stay” — and stay he did, leaving behind a legacy that continues to enchant every guest.
DON’T MISS Enjoy dinner at the rooftop restaurant and watch the sun set from a unique vantage point over ‘the city of stone’ and the Indian Ocean
85 Need to know
KEY FACILITIES • Iconic building • Fully refurbished hotel rooms • Rooftop restaurant • Spa with hammam, cold bath, hydromassage pool, steam room, massage areas & swimming pool
KEY ACTIVITIES • City tour • Sunset cruise • Spice tour • Safari Blue
GET IN TOUCH
emersonzanzibar.com/emerson-on- hurumzi-hotel +255 24 22 32 784 +255 779 854 225
reservations@emersonzanzibar.com
instagram.com/emersonzanzibar
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