The new sustainable beachfront lodge in Paje on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar will encompass 25 low-impact villas, some with private pools, all located between palm vegetation and the shores of a pristine beach.

Barefoot luxury

Offering an immersive barefoot luxury experience on a serene and captivating island, Envi Paje will house a main restaurant, lounge, communal deck and a centrally-located infinity pool.

Expected to open in December 2024, ENVI’s debut Africa project is aimed at kickstarting its expansion in a market with strategic significance for the company, with Zanzibar, known for its blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Environmentally conscious

An environmentally conscious development, Envi Paje will prioritise renewable energy sources and incorporate 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 roster of activities and experiences will range from beachfront yoga sessions and bespoke wellness treatments to kite surfing and other adventurous watersports.

Crucial milestone

Chris Nader, Envi’s co-founder, said: “Entering the African continent signifies a crucial milestone for Envi Lodges, so we want to get this right.

“We want to offer our guests a very intimate and laid-back experience, focusing 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.”

Sustainability and wellness

Riad Welly, the project’s investor, added: “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.”

Transformative mission

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

Pipeline projects include two Saudi Arabian sites due for delivery in Q3 2024, the 25-key Envi Lodges Al Nakheel in Al Ahsa and the 40-room Envi Laguna Bay in the King Abdullah Economic City development.