A Dream Awakens in Jambiani - A Tropical Getaway with a Heart

In 2018, during a family journey to Tanzania, Eliane and Arjen Schouten found themselves on the sun-drenched shores of Zanzibar’s South East Coast. As their trip came to a close, fate led them to a quiet stretch of land in the fishing village of Jambiani - a serene palm grove whispering with untold stories and untapped potential. Standing there, surrounded by the raw beauty of nature and the hum of village life, a seed of inspiration took root.

They envisioned more than just restoring the palm grove to its former glory. They saw a place where nature, community, and purpose could grow together. The land, kissed by the Indian Ocean, held a quiet magic; and with it, a chance to make a real difference.

During that same visit, they discovered a small but determined Hospitality Training Centre nearby. Run by a local NGO, it was a lifeline for vulnerable youth in the village, offering them a future through vocational training. But the school was struggling, hampered by limited resources and uncertain prospects.

That discovery lit a fire in their hearts.

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What if they could help this centre not just survive, but thrive? What if they could build something beautiful - a sustainable Boutique Resort that would serve both as a peaceful retreat and a living classroom? A place where students could gain real-world experience and education, side by side. A place where guests would not only unwind but become part of a story of transformation.

And so, Ma’a Salama was born; an Arabic blessing meaning “peace be with you.” A name that carries the spirit of the project: healing land, uplifting lives, and creating a future where hospitality is more than service - it’s hope.

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