ENVI Lodges, a UAE-based luxury ecolodge brand and management company, has announced its debut in Africa with the signing of a management agreement for a beachfront lodge, ENVI Paje.

Situated in Paje village on Zanzibar Island, Tanzania and set to open in December 2024, the luxury lodge will offer 25 villas with private pools surrounded by palm trees and a beach.

ENVI Paje will also feature a main restaurant, lounge, communal deck and an infinity pool at the centre.

ENVI Lodges co-founder Chris Nader 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."

ENVI Paje’s construction will see the use of locally sourced materials and once operational, the resort aims to prioritise renewable energy.

The chef’s garden on site will provide fresh, sustainable, farm-to-table dining experiences.

The World Travel and Tourism Council expects Africa's travel and tourism GDP to increase by an average of 6.8% per year between 2022 and 2023, which is more than double the growth rate of the overall economy of the region.

Guests at the lodge will be able to enjoy a wide range of activities, including yoga sessions, wellness treatments and water sports such as kite surfing.