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


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