Zanzibar, TanzaniaShangani
The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town
Restored coral-stone townhouse
Shangani Zanzibar, Tanzania
Opened
2023
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LuxeOutside the door
The house
The Neela CollectionRestored coral-stone townhouse
The restored townhouse runs at an unhurried pace. Guests gather for courtyard coffees by morning and candlelit rooftop drinks at sundown.
“Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town is set within a meticulously restored historical building with just 14 rooms, offering next-level seclusion.”
What it’s good at
Notable
A restored nineteenth-century coral-stone building, once home to the Ministry of Education.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Interior designer Nelly Levin drew on local materials and Zanzibari details to create clean, comfortable spaces that feel rooted without being heavy-handed.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Shangani quarter puts the seafront and Stone Town's maze of pedestrian alleys right outside the door.
The rooms
Bedrooms retain the original architecture with custom bronze fittings. In Superior quarters, a freestanding bathtub sits right beside the bed.
Breadfruit Restaurant & Café
Tables sit in the open courtyard beneath shade sails, serving spiced coastal seafood alongside espresso and slow-brewed coffees.
Views Rooftop Bar & Lounge
The open rooftop terrace looks over Stone Town toward the Indian Ocean, pouring island cocktails and Stellenbosch wines.
How it began
The nineteenth-century building served as Zanzibar's Ministry of Education before founders Steve and Raju Shaulis restored it in 2023.
Zanzibar
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.