Location: Jambiani, East Coast of Zanzibar | Tanzania
On a beachfront overlooking the Indian Ocean, Joud by the Sea occupies one of the most dramatic sites on Zanzibar's eastern coastline.
The opportunity was clear from the outset. Expansive ocean views, cooling sea breezes and an immediate connection to the landscape offered the foundations for an exceptional hospitality experience. The challenge was not how to compete with this setting, but how to frame it.
Commissioned by Joud Collection, Aces of Space was entrusted with creating the destination in its entirety, delivering the masterplan, architecture and interiors for a new 40-key retreat. The design is grounded in the textures, traditions and rhythms of Zanzibar, from indigenous materials and local craft practices to the enduring influence of the ocean on everyday life.
Every decision was guided by a singular ambition: to create a destination that feels inseparable from its surroundings.
The masterplan is organised around a central axis running from the entrance gate towards the Indian Ocean beyond.
From the moment guests arrive, the horizon becomes visible, establishing an immediate connection to the landscape and creating a powerful sense of orientation. This relationship between arrival and ocean informs the organisation of the entire destination, shaping movement, views and the overall guest experience.
A monumental timber gateway marks the beginning of the journey. Beyond it, a sequence of landscaped courtyards, gardens and gathering spaces unfolds towards the coastline. At the centre of the arrival experience, an open-air pavilion is organised around an existing tree retained on site, allowing its canopy to rise through a circular opening in the roof.
Conceived as a place of pause rather than a conventional reception, the pavilion creates a seamless transition between architecture, landscape and sea.
In Zanzibar, the phrase pole pole — "slowly, slowly" — reflects a way of life.
This philosophy informed the guest journey throughout the resort.
Rather than concentrating accommodation within a single structure, guestrooms, suites and villas are dispersed across the site, creating a more intimate rhythm of movement and discovery. Pathways weave between gardens, courtyards and shared spaces, revealing experiences gradually rather than all at once.
The approach encourages guests to engage with the destination at a slower pace, creating moments of anticipation, immersion and connection throughout their stay.
At the water’s edge, an infinity pool overlooks the Indian Ocean, while wellness experiences are integrated discreetly into the landscape. A future phase will introduce The Bird's Nest, an elevated dining destination positioned above the tree canopy with panoramic views across the coastline.
Across the resort, architecture and interiors draw from Zanzibar's coastal environment and Swahili heritage.
Rounded forms, deep arches and softened edges are paired with textured renders, natural stone, timber and makuti-inspired detailing. Large openings maximise natural ventilation while dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, allowing the landscape to remain a constant presence throughout the guest experience.
The resort's main restaurant takes inspiration from the geometry of a star anise pod, referencing Zanzibar's historic role in the spice trade. Positioned alongside the ocean-facing bar, it forms the social heart of the destination.
Local craftsmanship informed the project at every scale. Many finishes were realised by local artisans using traditional techniques, bringing texture, warmth and individuality to the built environment. Rather than pursuing polished uniformity, the design embraces the subtle irregularities that come with making things by hand.
The brand was developed alongside the architecture and interiors, creating a seamless relationship between space, story and experience.
Inspired by Zanzibar's maritime history, craft traditions and spirit of exploration, the identity is built around a bespoke graphic language derived from hand-drawn kanga-inspired motifs. References to dhow sails, ocean waves, native flora, framed views and navigation create a visual system that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its setting.
Applied across signage, uniforms, printed materials and guest touchpoints, the identity reinforces a consistent sense of place throughout every stage of the guest journey.
Luxury today is increasingly defined by experience rather than excess.
Travellers are seeking destinations that feel authentic, immersive and connected to their surroundings — places that offer a deeper understanding of where they are rather than an escape from it.
Joud by the Sea responds to this shift through an integrated approach that brings together masterplanning, architecture, interiors and branding within a single vision. The result is a destination shaped by its landscape, informed by its culture and designed around the experiences that matter most.
A contemporary expression of Zanzibar hospitality, grounded in place and created for a new generation of travellers.
SCOPE
Masterplanning, Placemaking, Architecture and Interior Design
Project Size: approximately 5,500 sqm on 1.87 hectares beachfront
Accommodation: 40 keys (32 guest rooms and 8 two-bedroom villas)
Status: Opened February 2026
CLIENT
Ahmed Baki, Kaio Hospitality (Joud Collection)
PROJECT PARTNERS
Contractor: Sasplan
Kitchen Supplier & Installer: Ineo
Decor & Procurement: vintage studio eg
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