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Table of Contents

• 📚 Brand Story: A Personal Paradise by Tarek & Alexandra

• 🎨 Branding Strategy: A Strong, Tropical Visual Identity

• 📣 Marketing Strategy: Marketing Strategy: How They Market Themselves (and Why It Works)

• 1️⃣ Smart, Frequent Collaborations

• 2️⃣ Retreats That Make Sense

• 3️⃣ Varied Content That Builds Connection

• 🔑 Key Takeaways from BE ZANZIBAR

• ✅ Three Things You Can Do Right Now

• 💭 Final Thoughts

Brand Story: A Personal Paradise by Tarek & Alexandra

BE ZANZIBAR was created by Syrian developer Tarek Maatouk and his wife Alexandra, who infused their vision for the hotel into every detail.

From the twisted palm tree—that unofficial mascot you’ll spot all over their Instagram (it might’ve been there before they bought the land!)—to the jungle-style design and luxurious rooms, BE ZANZIBAR is made for total escape.

Guests don’t just get a place to sleep—they step into a calm, beautiful space that feels special. Owners Tarek and Alexandra are hands-on and often help guests personally. Many reviews mention how they go above and beyond to make each stay unforgettable.

Branding Strategy: A Strong, Tropical Visual Identity

BE ZANZIBAR’s Instagram feed is one of those pages where every photo just fits. It’s a palette of lush greens, turquoise blues, sandy neutrals, and rich woods, thanks to both the setting and the natural materials used throughout the hotel.

Their aesthetic is consistent and instantly recognizable, helping build strong brand recognition. It also taps into what people already imagine a tropical paradise should look like—confirming that dream and making the desire to visit even stronger.

Marketing Strategy: How They Market Themselves (and Why It Works)

1️⃣ Smart, Frequent Collaborations

Instead of relying solely on traditional influencers, BE ZANZIBAR leans into a smart mix of collaborations. A large portion of their posts are collab posts—meaning they’re shared with other creators, allowing the content to appear on multiple feeds and tap into wider audiences.

From photographers to travel and lifestyle creators. They have partnered up with influencers across niches rather than sticking to a single type. This approach not only brings fresh perspectives to their feed, but also helps expand their reach in a more organic, trust-driven way.

2️⃣ Retreats That Make Sense

One standout strategy? BE ZANZIBAR doesn’t just host travelers—they host transformation.
Their “Just Be Yoga Retreats” are run with wellness instructor Lara, who teaches and hosts sessions on-site. The tropical setting, slow pace, and dreamy visuals make it all feel irresistible.

This retreat model is smart:

• It fills rooms during slower periods

• Creates evergreen content

• Attracts a niche (and loyal) community

And while they could easily rely on outside organizers, they’ve leaned into hosting their own branded retreats, which gives them full control over the guest experience.

My advice when it comes to retreats? Start by working with a partner, then see if you can do your own, and in the end… do both (if it fits your hotel/resort/stay).

3️⃣ Varied Content That Builds Connection

BE ZANZIBAR’s Instagram doesn’t fall into the trap of only showing perfectly made beds and gorgeously plated food (though yes—they do have that too). What makes their content feel alive is the variety.

They highlight their team—like Camille, their French general manager, who gets her own introduction post. Or Mama Amina, the local artisan who leads pottery workshops on-site. These aren’t just “behind the scenes” moments—they’re brand moments. They remind us there are real people behind the magic, and that’s part of the charm.

They also publish content that shows what guests can do beyond the hotel walls—from kitesurfing and motorbike rides to island day trips and beach dinners. One standout reel simply lists the “coolest things to do in Zanzibar”—and it works. Because when travelers imagine their stay, they’re not just thinking about the room. They’re thinking about the whole experience.

And sometimes, they use the typical, trendy text overlays we see all over Instagram. Nothing wrong with that. You don’t have to constantly reinvent the wheel.

🔑 Key Takeaways from BE ZANZIBAR

• Personal hospitality builds brand loyalty. Tarek and Alexandra are mentioned by name in reviews for a reason—guests feel genuinely cared for.

• Your setting is a palette—use it. Their tropical aesthetic is consistent without ever feeling forced.

• Niche collabs > mass influencers. From photographers to yoga instructors, they’ve expanded reach while staying on-brand.

• Retreats are a content + revenue goldmine. Hosting your own events is a powerful way to build community and fill rooms.

• Local touches matter. Highlighting artisans and staff creates emotional connection and makes your content more than just “pretty pictures.”

✅ Three Things You Can Do Right Now

1️⃣ Map your setting’s natural color palette and build your feed around it—no presets needed.

2️⃣ Find a local or niche partner—photographers, chefs, yoga teachers, musicians—and build content together. Turn that content into collaborative posts.

3️⃣ Create a “twist tree” moment. What’s your hotel’s most iconic visual spot? Use it often and make it a signature.

💭 Final Thoughts on BE ZANZIBAR

BE ZANZIBAR doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to.

Instead, it quietly pulls you in—with its twisted palm tree and its turquoise tones. It makes you want to pull out your wallet and book a trip. This boutique hotel is a beautiful example of how calm, consistent storytelling can build a strong brand presence—even without a massive ad budget or flashy tactics.

See you next Monday for another dose of hospitality magic.
Caroline ☕️