RIU opens adults-only property in Zanzibar

RIU Hotels & Resorts has opened Riu Palace Swahili, its third property in Tanzania and the latest addition in the Nungwi area of Zanzibar.

The new 5-star, adults-only hotel joins Riu Jambo and Riu Palace Zanzibar and marks two firsts for the chain in the destination: the launch of its Elite Club category and the introduction of its RIU Party entertainment concept in the archipelago.

Riu Palace Swahili has 505 rooms, designed in a modern, elegant style and built to align with the standards of its Riu Palace brand.

RIU is introducing Elite Club at the hotel, a category made up of 76 rooms. 

Of those, 52 are villas with private swimming pools and 24 offer sea views.

Elite Club guests receive access to an Elite Club Restaurant, a reserved beach area with Balinese beds, drinks service, and an Elite Club Lounge with branded drinks. 

The offering also includes a separate check-in area and aromatherapy items in-room.

With the opening, RIU is bringing its RIU Party concept to Tanzania. 

These events will take place every Friday at Riu Jambo and will be available to guests staying at RIU’s three hotels on the island.

The resort offers 24-hour all-inclusive service and includes the main Karibu restaurant plus specialty venues: Krystal (fusion cuisine), Duomo (Italian), Helios (Mediterranean), and a steakhouse. 

There’s also Pepe’s Food fast-food kiosk.

Riu Palace Swahili has six bars: Lounge Bar, Daiquiri bar, Masai Plaza bar, Konyagi pool bar, Madafu (aquatic), and Capuchino cake/ice cream shop. The property also has two infinity pools.

Programming includes daytime activities and evening shows, with live music daily. The hotel’s Renova Spa includes a swimming pool, steam bath, and treatments.

Guests can also access water sports at neighbouring Riu Jambo, including kayaking and stand-up paddle surfing.

RIU has operated in Zanzibar since 2018 and now has three properties in the destination: Riu Palace Swahili, Riu Palace Zanzibar and Riu Jambo.

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