Dubai World to partner with One&Only in luxury Zanzibar resort
Dubai World, which is owned by the Government of Dubai, today announced it is to partner with One&Only Resorts in the development and management of its new $150m luxury resort in Zanzibar, which is scheduled to open in 2009.
One&Only Zanzibar will feature a 150-room luxury hotel, a 50-room residence and a spa retreat on a 76-hectare site at Muyuni Beach in Zanzibar. The project was announced on 20 September following a strategic agreement between Dubai World and the Zanzibar Government with construction of the resort starting soon.
One&Only Resorts is one of the world’s premier luxury hotel brands with six resorts in the Bahamas, Dubai, the Maldives, Mauritius and Mexico. The award-winning group is owned by Kerzner International, in which Istithmar, a Dubai World company, holds a share.
Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, said: ‘Our Zanzibar resort aims to be one of the most beautiful and luxurious resort destinations in the world. Our choice of partner was therefore critical. One&Only resorts are conceived as hallmarks of excellence and One&Only Zanzibar will be a truly spectacular property. I am delighted we have been able to extend our relationship with One&Only and its parent company Kerzner International.’
Sol Kerzner, Chairman and CEO of Kerzner International, said: ‘We are already working on a number of exciting projects with companies in the Dubai World portfolio. Zanzibar is an exotic destination for the discerning traveller and I know we are going to develop and operate an outstanding resort.’
Muyuni Beach is situated on an exclusive part of Zanzibar overlooking an atoll of coral reefs boasting some of Africa’s leading dive sites. The resort is a 45-minute drive to Stone Town, the island’s famous world heritage site, and only a 15-minute flight from Dar Es Salam as well as within easy flight access from Dubai and Nairobi.
