Teun
Co-Founder
Zanzibar Residences Designed for the Way You Live
Welcome to Vela Blu. 97 thoughtfully crafted residences where white-washed facades, warm timber screens, and natural stone meet the rhythm of the Indian Ocean. Set around a lush central courtyard with a free-form lagoon pool, just 480 meters from Paje Beach, Vela Blu is more than a new address. It is the newest chapter in Vela’s commitment to sustainable luxury living in Zanzibar.
Discover Our Residences
Three distinct living experiences, one shared philosophy: luxury that respects the island it calls home. Each residence at Vela Blu is meticulously designed to capture natural light, ocean breezes, and the unhurried beauty of Paje while delivering the returns that make ownership as smart as it is inspiring.
The Ocean, from Every Angle
Vela Blu rises four floors above Paje, and the views rise with it. Ground-floor studios open onto terraces immersed in tropical gardens, while upper floors reveal a widening panorama that builds from palm canopy to the full, unbroken sweep of coastline from the fourth floor. Wherever you are in Vela Blu, the ocean is never out of sight.
From the first floor up, every residence frames uninterrupted ocean views. Your daily reminder of why you chose Zanzibar.
Amenities Built Around Your Day
Five-star amenities, every day. Every Vela Blu resident enjoys access to a shared hub designed for comfort, connection, and well-being. From the first coffee of the morning to the last swim of the evening.
Explore amenities in detailPaje at Your Doorstep
Just 480 meters from Paje Beach, Vela Blu sits where the energy of Zanzibar’s most vibrant coastal village meets the calm of a private residential retreat. The ocean, the culture, the community. Everything that makes Paje extraordinary is within walking distance.
Paje Beach is one of Zanzibar’s most sought-after destinations, drawing kitesurfers from around the world with steady trade winds and wide, shallow sandbars of turquoise water. Beyond the sand, the village has become a magnet for digital nomads, families, and travellers looking for adventure and ease. Think trend-setting cafés, smoothie bars, and co-working lounges lining the shore.
Culinary Experiences
The renowned Shanga Restaurant is a short walk from the complex. The Bento Food Court offers casual international cuisine. And The Rock, one of Zanzibar’s most iconic restaurants perched on a tidal outcrop in the ocean, is just 15 km away. From artisan Zanzibari dishes to global comfort food, your next great meal is never far.
Natural Wonders
Maalum Cave, a serene underground pool surrounded by lush vegetation, is just 350 meters from Vela Blu. Most visitors to Zanzibar travel hours to see it. For residents, it’s a short stroll from home.
Modern Amenities
Paje’s centre is within easy walking distance. Boutique shops, lively bars, and the daily rhythm of local Zanzibari life. Everything you need for a complete island lifestyle without relying on a car.
Convenient Access
Zanzibar International Airport is 50 km away, with connections to Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Doha, and beyond. Vela Blu is also just 700 meters from its sister development, Vela Breeze, reinforcing Paje’s rise as a premier residential destination.
Cultural Highlights
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a day trip away. Winding alleys, spice markets, and centuries of Swahili history. The island’s cultural depth gives your guests and your investment a dimension that pure beach destinations simply can’t match.
Living at Vela Blu means access to beaches, dining, natural wonders, and cultural experiences. All from a home designed to feel like a permanent retreat.
Built with the Island in Mind
At Vela Blu, sustainability isn’t an add-on. It’s woven into every material, system, and design decision. Luxury that leaves the lightest possible footprint.
Responsible Design
Natural stone cladding, warm timber screens, and clean architectural lines minimize environmental impact while giving Vela Blu its distinctive island character. Thoughtful design and beauty, hand in hand.
Energy Efficiency
Rooftop solar panels harness Zanzibar’s abundant sunshine, complemented by a reliable power generator. Less reliance on non-renewable energy. Lower operating costs for owners and the complex alike.
Water Conservation
Water-saving fixtures throughout every unit and shared facility ensure efficient use of the island’s most precious resource, without compromising comfort.
Waste Management
Dedicated recycling points and sustainable material choices promote a cleaner environment for future generations. Vela Blu’s impact on the island stays as light as possible.
Social Responsibility
Locally sourced materials and employment of local artisans ensure your investment supports Zanzibar’s economy and cultural preservation, not just your own returns.
The People Behind Vela Blu
Catalin
Co-Founder
Michel
Head of Sales and Operations
Roxana
Lead Architect
Nicu
Project Manager
Roelene
Sales, Hospitality & Client Relations
With a robust background in the window industry in The Netherlands, Teun brings precision and a commitment to quality to every element of the Vela developments. His expertise in premium materials and exacting standards ensures that every detail, from structural integrity to finishing touches, meets the highest benchmarks.
The Investment Case for Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s real estate market is one of the fastest-growing in East Africa. Tourist arrivals hit 917,000 in 2025, a 25% jump from the year before, with government projections pointing to 1.2 million visitors by the end of 2026. Over $500 million in infrastructure investment is underway, and new supply remains tight at just 600 to 800 units before 2026. For investors, the numbers speak clearly: this is a market where demand is outpacing supply, and the window is still open.
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Double-Digit Rental Yields
Prime beachfront properties in Zanzibar are achieving some of the highest gross rental yields in East Africa, with professionally managed short-term rentals consistently performing at the top of the market. At Vela Blu, projected returns of 12% to 21% are supported by strong nightly rates and professional resort management. These are the kind of numbers that most mature markets simply cannot deliver.
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Strong Capital Growth
Property values across Zanzibar continue to rise year on year. Limited inventory, building height caps, and surging tourism demand create a natural scarcity that supports sustained appreciation over the long term.
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Hassle-Free Management
A professional resort management company handles everything: marketing, reservations, guest support, housekeeping, maintenance, and invoicing. Your property earns while you’re away.
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Owner-Friendly Revenue Structure
Owners receive 60% of net rental revenue, with income tax set at just 15%. No VAT on residential property sales or rentals. One of the most favorable ownership structures in East Africa.
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Flexible Payment Plans
Personalized payment schedules align with construction milestones, making ownership accessible with an initial deposit starting from just $3,000.
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Residency Through Investment
An investment of $100,000 or more in a ZIPA-approved project qualifies you for a renewable two-year residence permit covering you, your spouse, and up to four children, with residency rights in both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.
Limited units available!
Begin Your Vela Blu Story Today
Ninety-seven residences. One singular penthouse. A location in the heart of Paje that places the ocean, the culture, and the rhythm of Zanzibar at your doorstep. Whether you are looking for a home that moves at the pace of the island or an investment that works while you are away, Vela Blu is ready.