RIU Opens Riu Palace Swahili in Zanzibar’s Nungwi Area

RIU Hotels & Resorts has opened Riu Palace Swahili, a 505-room adults-only hotel in Nungwi, Zanzibar, introducing the brand’s Elite Club service and weekly RIU Party events in the region.

RIU Hotels & Resorts has opened Riu Palace Swahili in the Nungwi area of northern Zanzibar. The property is the company’s third hotel in Tanzania and the first in the region to offer the Elite Club service. The hotel is adults-only and has 505 rooms.

The Elite Club service at Riu Palace Swahili includes 76 rooms, with 52 featuring private swimming pools and 24 offering sea views. Elite Club guests have access to an exclusive restaurant, a reserved beach area with Balinese beds, a drinks service, the Elite Club Lounge with branded drinks, a separate check-in area, and aromatherapy items in their rooms.

The opening of Riu Palace Swahili also marks the launch of RIU Party in Tanzania. These events will be held every Friday at Riu Jambo and will be accessible to guests from all three RIU hotels on the island.

Dining options at Riu Palace Swahili include the main Karibu restaurant and several specialty venues: Krystal for fusion cuisine, Duomo for Italian dishes, Helios for Mediterranean fare, and a Steakhouse. There is also a Pepe’s Food fast-food kiosk. The hotel features six bars: Lounge Bar, Daiquiri bar, Masai Plaza bar, Konyagi pool bar, Madafu aquatic bar, and Capuchino cake and ice cream shop.

The property has two infinity pools designed to visually merge with the surrounding waters of Nungwi. Additional amenities include a full daytime activity program, evening shows featuring live music, and Renova Spa, which offers a swimming pool, steam bath, and a range of treatments. Guests also have access to water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddle surf at the neighboring Riu Jambo.

RIU Hotels & Resorts now operates three properties in Zanzibar: Riu Palace Swahili, Riu Palace Zanzibar, and Riu Jambo.