Meet Claudio
The vision, the journey, the soul behind Shanuo.
Claudio didn’t come to Zanzibar looking for a hotel to open.
He came for the ocean, the rhythm, the people. And he stayed — building not just places, but relationships, dreams, and stories.
Shanuo is the natural evolution of a life lived with care, curiosity, and deep respect for this island. It’s not a brand. It’s not a concept.
It’s simply how Claudio sees hospitality: with generosity, with honesty, with heart.
Here, in his own words, is how it all began.
“Ciao, I’m Claudio.
I’ve been living in Zanzibar for over 16 years. In this time, I’ve had the chance to create projects that combine the beauty of this island with my passion for hospitality. One of them is The Rock Restaurant — an idea that started almost as a bet, and grew into an iconic local experience, built with care, respect, and a touch of magic.
After many adventures and challenges, I created Shanuo.
Shanuo is the natural evolution of everything I’ve learned, lived, and loved here. It reflects my vision of hospitality — not just a place to stay, but a space where people feel truly welcomed. A place where they can connect with a culture, a rhythm, and a way of life that’s deeply human.
For me, Shanuo is the essence of how an experience should feel: thoughtful, respectful, quietly generous. An invitation to slow down, to be present, and to feel at home — even when you’re far from it.
Over the years, I’ve come to believe that hospitality is more than a profession. It’s a way of being. It’s not just about perfect service — it’s about presence. About listening, about caring unconditionally. When done right, it creates space for real discovery, for connection, for stories worth remembering. That’s what I hope you’ll find at Shanuo.
This project is built on genuine relationships, on love for the island, and on the idea that true hospitality doesn’t need to impress — it just needs to be real.
If you’re here reading this, thank you. You’re already part of the story.
And I hope that, in visiting Shanuo, you’ll experience not just a holiday, but a moment of real connection — with yourself, with Zanzibar, and with the people who make this place special.
Karibuni to Shanuo!
—Claudio”
