RIU opened its third Zanzibar property, Riu Palace Swahili, in Nungwi in early February 2026. The 505-room, five-star, adults-only, all-inclusive resort joins the existing Riu Palace Zanzibar and Riu Jambo, which have operated on the island since 2018, and it’s the brand’s first hotel in Zanzibar to include an “Elite Club” section — a 76-room premium wing, some rooms with private pools.
How it fits into Nungwi’s resort scene
Nungwi has been Zanzibar’s busiest beach town for years, and a third large all-inclusive from a brand already established there is a sign of how much the north coast’s resort capacity keeps growing. If you’re deciding between the energy of Nungwi and the comparatively quieter beach next door, our Nungwi vs. Kendwa comparison lays out the trade-offs — a new adults-only, all-inclusive giant tips that balance a little further toward Nungwi’s resort-heavy identity.
Good to know
Adults-only. Riu Palace Swahili is not a family pick — if you’re traveling with kids, the Riu Jambo next door or other family-friendly options are the better fit.