Project Background
Sandbank Villas is a collection of 36 luxury beachfront and oceanview residences at the northern tip of Zanzibar, overlooking Nungwi's iconic sandbanks and the Indian Ocean. As a ground-up development on one of East Africa’s premier coastlines, it brings together beachfront living, pristine turquoise waters, and a rare sense of place.
From site identification to concept development, design, and sales strategy, Proven played a central role in shaping the project into a fully realised residential destination, while Johari Developers led construction delivery. All 36 residences have been sold.
Location: Nungwi, Zanzibar
Type: Beachfront & oceanview residential villas
Site: 4 hectares with 170M of cliffside beachfront
Units: 36 waterfront villas (2, 3 and 5-bed)
Amenities: Beachfront restaurant, bar, pool, spa & wellness centre, gym
Architecture: Rob Steul
Interiors: Leonardo Biagioni
Status: Sold out, opening 2027
Involvement: 2023–2026
Architecture by Rob Steul, whose portfolio includes the Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square in London, roots the project in its surroundings. Locally sourced coral stone, reef rock, and carved timber set the material palette. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a warm, neutral interior scheme by Leonardo Biagioni ensure the Indian Ocean remains the defining feature of every residence.
The residences are supported by luxury resort amenities and an excellent hospitality management team, providing a fully managed rental programme. The development model integrates residential ownership with resort-level hospitality, a format increasingly sought by international buyers in emerging luxury destinations.
The project achieved sales prices per square metre 40% above any other non-branded project in the island's history.
"Smaller in scale, quietly luxurious, and deeply tied to their surroundings - a chance to own a slice of island life where design and setting are inseparable."
— The Luxe Insider
"Merging world-class architecture by Rob Steul with one of Zanzibar's most striking waterfront locations. Its latest release — 13 Oceanview Villas — sold out within one month of launch."
— Elite Luxury News
