Zanzibar’s property landscape is attracting growing international attention, and Vela Breeze is bringing a distinctly sustainability-focused perspective to the island’s luxury residential market. Developed by SPECTRAL INVEST LTD, the project was selected by Luxury Lifestyle Awards as Best Luxury Sustainable Beachfront Development for Vela Breeze in Zanzibar, 2026. Located in Paje, Vela Breeze comprises 108 residences just 300 meters from the shoreline, with a collection ranging from studios and one-bedroom apartments to private-pool residences and duplex penthouses.

At the forefront of the client experience is Roelene Nell, Sales Manager for Vela Breeze, whose expertise spans sales, marketing, hospitality, and client relations within the luxury property sector. Based in Zanzibar after 12 years in hospitality sales in Mauritius, Roelene works closely with South African and international buyers, helping them navigate opportunities across the island’s property market. In this exclusive interview, she discusses the changing profile of Zanzibar’s property buyer, the thinking behind Vela Breeze, sustainable development, and what prospective owners should understand before investing on the island.

Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, leads our exclusive interview with Roelene. Drawing on more than 18 years of experience recognizing the globe’s most distinguished luxury brands through the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, he offers rich expertise and discerning insight into the dynamic landscape of luxury.

Alexander Chetchikov: Congratulations on your LLA victory, Roelene! You have extensive experience in luxury property, sales, and client relations. What drew you personally to Zanzibar, and what convinced you that the island represented an exciting next chapter in your career?

Roelene Nell: Having lived and worked in Mauritius for 12 years, I developed a deep appreciation for island living, international hospitality, and the evolution of luxury tourism destinations. I witnessed firsthand how an island can transform into a globally recognized lifestyle and investment destination through tourism growth, infrastructure, development, and increasing international interest.

When I began exploring Zanzibar, I immediately recognized many of the characteristics that had contributed to Mauritius’s success, but at a considerably earlier stage of market development. What particularly attracted me was Zanzibar’s extraordinary natural beauty, cultural authenticity, expanding tourism sector, and the immense untapped potential of its real estate market.

I believe Zanzibar is entering a particularly exciting phase. Over the next five to ten years, I anticipate substantial growth in the luxury residential sector, with attractive opportunities for rental returns and long-term capital appreciation as the destination matures.

Joining SPECTRAL INVEST LTD and representing Vela Breeze was an opportunity to become part of that transformation, introducing international buyers to a destination that offers both an exceptional lifestyle and a compelling investment proposition. I have always been passionate about recognizing opportunities before they become mainstream, and Zanzibar represents exactly that.

AC: International interest in Zanzibar real estate has grown considerably. From your conversations with buyers, what are they looking for today, and how have their expectations of luxury island property changed?

RN: Today’s international property buyer is considerably more informed and discerning. Luxury is no longer defined solely by beautiful architecture, premium finishes, or an exceptional location. Buyers increasingly expect a property to deliver lifestyle benefits, financial value, and long-term sustainability.

One of the most noticeable changes I have observed is growing demand for properties that serve a dual purpose: a beautiful holiday residence and an income-generating investment. Many clients are international professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking to diversify their portfolios while securing a personal retreat in a tropical destination.

They are particularly interested in professionally managed properties that allow them to enjoy ownership without overseeing day-to-day operations from abroad. Rental income potential, capital appreciation, transparent ownership structures, and reliable property management have become fundamental considerations.

Zanzibar combines the exclusivity and natural beauty of established island destinations with a property market that is still developing. True luxury is not simply about what a property offers today, but the lifestyle, flexibility, and long-term value it may provide in the future.

AC: Vela Breeze combines residential ownership, resort-style amenities, professional management, and an investment proposition. What do you believe sets the project apart for someone comparing opportunities in Zanzibar or other island destinations?

RN: What distinguishes Vela Breeze is that it has been conceived as more than a residential development. It brings together luxury island living, thoughtful sustainability, professional hospitality management, and an attractive investment proposition within one integrated concept.

Situated in Paje, one of Zanzibar’s most desirable coastal destinations, Vela Breeze offers 108 residences, ranging from beautifully designed studios to spacious three-bedroom penthouses. Crucially, Vela Breeze also offers direct beach access — a key differentiator that enhances the everyday island lifestyle and distinguishes the development in an increasingly competitive luxury property market. It caters to a diverse international market, from first-time overseas investors to buyers seeking premium holiday residences.

An important differentiator is the opportunity to combine personal ownership with professionally managed rental operations. Buyers can enjoy their property while generating income when they are not using it. Zanzibar’s tourism growth creates an encouraging environment for hospitality-oriented real estate, although actual rental returns depend on occupancy, operating costs, and market conditions.

Equally important is our commitment to clarity throughout the purchasing process, including the legal framework, payment structures, and long-term management arrangements. Vela Breeze offers a compelling balance between entry into a developing luxury market and the quality, lifestyle, and professional management expected of established international destinations.

AC: Sustainability is central to Vela Breeze and was a defining aspect of its Luxury Lifestyle Awards recognition. How are features such as solar energy, responsible water management, natural ventilation, and locally sourced materials translated into tangible benefits for owners and residents?

RN: For us, sustainability is not simply a design philosophy or an architectural statement. It is about creating a development that responds responsibly to Zanzibar’s natural environment while delivering meaningful long-term benefits to owners and residents.

In a tropical island environment, thoughtful energy and water management are particularly important. Solar energy solutions, responsible water management, and natural ventilation principles are intended to improve resource efficiency, reduce reliance on conventional utilities, and create more comfortable living environments.

Where possible, locally sourced materials support the surrounding economy while allowing the development to reflect Zanzibar’s character and natural beauty. We utilized locally sourced Tanga Stone and coral, for instance. International buyers are increasingly conscious of environmental responsibility, operating efficiency, and the long-term resilience of their properties.

A development designed with these considerations in mind can potentially benefit from improved operating efficiency and greater appeal among environmentally conscious travelers. Recognition from Luxury Lifestyle Awards reinforces our belief that luxury and environmental responsibility should complement one another. We want Vela Breeze to demonstrate that exceptional island living can coexist with protecting the environment that makes Zanzibar so special.

AC: Vela Breeze offers everything from studios and one-bedroom apartments to private-pool residences and penthouses. How do you guide a client toward the property that best matches their goals, whether they are buying for personal use, rental income, long-term investment, or a combination of these?

RN: Successful property investment begins with understanding the individual buyer rather than simply presenting available residences. Some clients seek a holiday home for family time, others focus on rental income and capital appreciation, and many want a combination of lifestyle and investment benefits.

I start by understanding their budget, intended usage, investment horizon, and expectations regarding rental performance. For investors entering the Zanzibar market, studios and one-bedroom residences can offer an attractive entry point, particularly for short-term holiday rentals. For clients prioritizing personal enjoyment, space, and exclusivity, larger residences, private-pool apartments, and penthouses offer a different lifestyle experience.

My 13 years in Mauritius taught me the importance of matching a property not only to financial objectives but also to the expectations of international holidaymakers. I encourage clients to consider the bigger picture: Zanzibar’s property market is still relatively young compared with established island destinations, and its long-term growth potential is one of its most exciting characteristics.

Ultimately, my role is to help buyers make informed decisions aligned with their aspirations and financial goals, while building relationships founded on trust and transparency.

AC: For an international buyer, purchasing property on an island can raise questions around ownership, management, maintenance, and being thousands of kilometers away. How does the Vela team make that process more transparent and manageable from the first enquiry through to post-handover?

RN: Purchasing property internationally is a significant decision, and buyers need confidence, particularly when they may not be physically present throughout the process. At Vela Breeze, we emphasize transparency, communication, and a clear understanding of every stage of the investment journey.

From the first enquiry, we guide clients through available residences, pricing, construction milestones, payment schedules, and legal considerations associated with purchasing in Zanzibar. Vela Breeze operates within Zanzibar’s investment and condominium ownership framework, which provides a structured route for eligible international buyers to acquire registered property rights. We encourage appropriate independent legal due diligence so buyers fully understand their contractual documentation and ownership arrangements.

During construction, open communication and progress updates help build confidence. After handover, the planned professional management structure is designed to assist with rental operations and ongoing maintenance. For owners living thousands of kilometers away, this support is especially valuable.

Selling a property is only the beginning of the relationship. Our responsibility is to create a positive ownership experience extending well beyond the transaction.

AC: Paje has transformed from a traditional coastal community into an internationally recognized destination while retaining much of its local identity. What makes this particular part of Zanzibar so compelling for Vela Breeze, both from a lifestyle perspective and for the long-term development of the area?

RN: Paje is one of the most exciting locations on Zanzibar’s southeast coast. It shows how an emerging destination can evolve while retaining its natural charm and cultural identity. Its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, vibrant international energy, and authentic island atmosphere make it particularly special. For Vela Breeze owners, direct beach access brings this coastal lifestyle even closer, offering the freedom to enjoy Paje’s spectacular shoreline as a natural extension of their residence.

Paje has built a strong reputation among international travelers drawn to water sports, boutique hospitality, wellness experiences, and relaxed tropical living. Its growing visibility and developing hospitality infrastructure also make it an interesting investment location.

One lesson from my years in Mauritius is that location is fundamental to long-term property performance. Areas combining natural beauty, tourism demand, accessibility, and quality development can become highly desirable residential and investment destinations. I see similar characteristics emerging in Paje.

As Zanzibar attracts further international attention and investment, well-positioned developments in tourism areas such as Paje could benefit from increasing demand and long-term capital appreciation. Vela Breeze offers buyers a chance to participate in this evolution while enjoying the lifestyle that makes Zanzibar extraordinary. For me, Paje represents an ideal balance between lifestyle appeal and future investment potential.

AC: Being selected by Luxury Lifestyle Awards as Best Luxury Sustainable Beachfront Development for Vela Breeze in Zanzibar, 2026 is an important milestone for SPECTRAL INVEST LTD. What does this international recognition mean to the team, and what would you most like Vela Breeze to contribute to the future of luxury real estate in Zanzibar?

RN: Receiving recognition from Luxury Lifestyle Awards as the Best Luxury Sustainable Beachfront Development in Zanzibar for 2026 is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with SPECTRAL INVEST LTD and Vela Breeze. It acknowledges the vision, dedication, and attention to detail behind a development intended to offer something distinctive in Zanzibar’s evolving luxury property market.

This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates both luxury and our commitment to incorporating sustainable principles. Zanzibar is at an important turning point in its real estate evolution. As international demand grows, developers have an opportunity and responsibility to raise standards in design, environmental awareness, professional management, and investor confidence.

My personal vision is to see Zanzibar develop into one of the Indian Ocean’s most sought-after luxury lifestyle and property investment destinations over the next five to ten years. Having experienced the maturity of Mauritius’s hospitality market, I see enormous potential for Zanzibar to establish its own international identity, embracing its culture, extraordinary natural environment, and investment appeal.

I would like Vela Breeze to be recognized not simply as a successful development but as a project that helped raise the standard of luxury residential living on the island. The future of luxury real estate lies in creating developments that offer lasting value for owners, meaningful benefits for local communities, and a responsible approach to the environment. That is the legacy I would be proud to see Vela Breeze establish in Zanzibar.

Thank you, Roelene, for sharing your perspective on Vela Breeze, the changing Zanzibar property market, and the ideas guiding SPECTRAL INVEST LTD’s approach to sustainable luxury development.

To discover Vela Breeze, explore its residences, amenities, sustainability initiatives, and opportunities in Paje, visit the Vela Zanzibar website: www.vela-zanzibar.com.