Breaking barriers and shifting generational attitudes towards women in the workforce, LUX* Marijani and the Seaweed Mamas are working together to go beyond the surface of beauty. Sumit Bhardwaj, General Manager, tells us more.
A BEAUTY-FILLED FORCE OF NATURE
Set on the iconic beach of Zanzibar’s east coast and inspired by the Spice Island’s storied past, LUX* Marijani is a chic, spirited resort that evokes nirvana whilst working towards a regenerative blue economy that puts local women at the heart of this change.
“LUX* Marijani is a luxury boutique resort overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. We have been part of The Lux Collective since June 2023, offering guests a refined yet relaxed island experience rooted in the beauty and culture of Zanzibar,” introduces Sumit Bhardwaj, General Manager.
The resort is an invitation to celebrate the undeniable lure of the archipelago in a calming yet invigorating atmosphere. With swaying coconut palms, lush tropical gardens, and refreshingly salty sea breeze, it’s no wonder Zanzibar is one of the most sought-after destinations for those looking to reconnect with the natural world – and LUX* Marijani is here to provide just that.
“What makes our resort stand out is the balance between luxury, authenticity, and personalised service. Our boutique setting allows us to create meaningful connections with guests whilst offering thoughtfully curated experiences that highlight Zanzibar’s culture, cuisine, and beauty,” Bhardwaj details.
The design of LUX* Marijani speaks to the archipelago’s history, drawing on Arabic architecture with a coastal Swahili influence.
“Our design is inspired by Zanzibar’s Omani influences, with elegant arches, carved wood details, and locally crafted decorative elements throughout the resort. The architectural touches are complemented by natural materials and soft coastal tones, creating a timeless aesthetic that reflects the island’s heritage whilst seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape,” he explains.
With white-washed walls and arches adorned with fuchsia bougainvillaea contrasted against locally-crafted terrazzo tiles, each suite is purposefully crafted to showcase the archipelago’s eclectic past whilst encouraging a truly extraordinary experience.
PARADISE DEFINED
For LUX* Marijani, caring for the planet and its people is an utmost priority. The resort works towards its sustainability goals by participating in seaweed farming for community development, offering local employment initiatives, utilising the craftsmanship of traditional artisans in its design elements, and implementing solar energy, water reuse, and recycling in its everyday activities.
Specifically, the resort prides itself on highlighting the beauty of both Zanzibar and the women who help make the archipelago thrive.
“At LUX* Marijani, we celebrate Zanzibar by embracing its culture, traditions, and people. Women play a vital role in many of the island’s communities and traditions, and we are proud to highlight their contributions through local partnerships, storytelling, and experiences that bring guests closer to the island’s heritage,” Bhardwaj insights.
One of the most prominent groups the resort works with is a collective of Zanzibar women who make seaweed a beauty-filled force of nature, nourishing people and the planet. These powerful individuals are called the Seaweed Mamas.
These women use natural, indigenous, and wild-harvested seaweed, blending age-old African botanical wisdom with skilled artisanal craftsmanship.
The seaweed that surrounds Zanzibar has a reputation for its anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties, having earned the nickname ‘miracle of the ocean’ for its superlative abilities. For the Seaweed Mamas, however, this seaweed has evolved into something else entirely – a route to a better, more secure life through the creation of something uniquely Zanzibar in nature.
“At LUX* Marijani, we celebrate Zanzibar by embracing its culture, traditions, and people. Women play a vital role in many of the island’s communities and traditions, and we are proud to highlight their contributions through local partnerships, storytelling, and experiences that bring guests closer to the island’s heritage”
Sumit Bhardwaj, General Manager, LUX* Marijani
PIONEERING MARINE BEAUTY
Whilst Zanzibar’s nickname of the Spice Island stems from its proliferation of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon, recent years have seen seaweed surpass these spices to become the archipelago’s largest export.
“Seaweed farming has long been a source of livelihood for many coastal communities here, particularly for women who have practised this tradition for generations,” Bhardwaj informs.
“The Seaweed Mamas cultivate and harvest seaweed along the shallow shores, sustaining their families whilst preserving a practice deeply rooted in the archipelago’s culture.”
LUX* Marijani works with these talented women to ensure they can maintain financial independence whilst safeguarding the surrounding fragile marine ecosystems. The majority of the region’s approximately 23,000 seaweed farmers, nearly all of whom are women, only earn around USD$35 per month – substantially less than minimum wage.
The powerful women have become some of the first in the archipelago to reach financial independence through their involvement, and due to their hard work, they have become respected leaders within their communities.
“Through guest experiences and community engagement, LUX* Marijani helps highlight the work of local seaweed farmers whilst encouraging responsible tourism and awareness around sustainable marine practices. By sharing these stories with our guests, we support greater appreciation for the role these women play in both the local economy and the protection of coastal ecosystems,” prides Bhardwaj.
“We are in the process of obtaining Green Key certification, and we aim to become the first resort in Zanzibar to achieve this recognition, which will further demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, responsible tourism, and meaningful community engagement”
Sumit Bhardwaj, General Manager, LUX* Marijani
BUILDING A BLUE ECONOMY
LUX* Marijani’s spa – LUX* Me Spa – uses nutrient-rich products in its rituals to connect guests to the island’s natural bounty whilst recognising the women whose work makes it possible.
“At LUX* Me Spa, the island’s natural resources are thoughtfully incorporated into wellness rituals, including treatments using the nutrient-rich seaweed harvested locally. Guests begin with a traditional foot-bathing ritual that creates a moment of grounding and connection to the ocean, whilst also honouring the women who provide this remarkable natural ingredient,” details Bhardwaj.
Every day, the Seaweed Mamas tend their crops in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, harvesting in tune with the moon and the tides of the waves. The seaweed is more than a form of livelihood; it is viewed as a gift from the ocean itself.
Artfully handcrafting skincare that provides, renews, and restores, the women are actively creating a legacy of sustainable beauty, supported by the passion and dedication of the LUX* Marijani hotel and community.
“Looking ahead, we remain focused on strengthening our connection with the local community and the environment. One of our key priorities is to source 70 percent of our operational needs locally, creating greater opportunities for local suppliers and supporting sustainable livelihoods,” concludes Bhardwaj.
“We are in the process of obtaining Green Key certification, and we aim to become the first resort in Zanzibar to achieve this recognition, which will further demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, responsible tourism, and meaningful community engagement.”