They say it’s all in the name, and that rings true with Zanzibar. Merely uttering the word evokes mystery and wonder—it sounds like an exotic experience waiting to be savoured. The archipelago in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s Swahili coast has always held a certain mystique. In 1872, British explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton described his first glimpse of its islands: “Earth, sea, and sky, all seems wrapped in a soft and sensuous repose. The sea of purest sapphire, which had not parted with its blue rays to the atmosphere ... under a blaze of sunshine which touched every object with a dull burnish of gold.”
A semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, Zanzibar continues to lure modern explorers with a promise of adventure like no other. One of these adventurers is nomadic Parisian photographer Aline Coquelle, who first arrived at its shores two decades ago. “What drew me to Zanzibar was the unknown,” says Coquelle, who calls the place “a dream before being an island.” Her first visit was thanks to an Italian friend whose father, a famous scuba diver, lived in Zanzibar and invited her to Unguja, the main island. “It was the perfect introduction to the mystery that is East Africa, which I had been wanting to discover since I read Out of Africa,” she says.
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Tatler Philippines.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Tatler Philippines.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
More women are taking back their birthing experience and their power-by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood
YOUR EXCEL LENCY
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson gives a tour of her residence, personal life and why she loves her assignment in the Philippines
A GREAT HONOUR
For the first time, the Hispanic Society Museum and Library recognised the Philippines by awarding the Zobel de Ayala family the prestigious Sorolla Medal at its annual gala in New York
In the Long Run
Longchamp chairman and CEO Jean Cassegrain talks about championing sustainability, the value of women in the workforce, its plans for the Asian market By Maritess Garcia Reyes
LEADING LADIES
Tatler speaks to four beautiful, dynamic ladies who are more than just Senators' wives. Besides being a wife and a mother, they have their own careers and advocacies. Find out in this Tatler exclusive how they are forging their paths as well as how they are playing their part for the country
Driving Diversity
Steering towards an inclusive future, Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz merges diversity with digital innovation
Empowering Spaces
Audrey Go champions a new era in the construction and home furnishing industry, transforming spaces into symbols of empowerment
Global Gem
Kenneth Cobonpue continually impresses through groundbreaking work and a sincere passion to nurture tomorrow's talent
A Cut Above
During a sitdown with Tatler, Asian Institute of Management's president and dean, Jikyeong Kang, opens up about her academic and professional journey and what exactly inspires her today
Chasing Glory
The E Zobel Foundation, Inc (EZF) successfully held the 19th Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup this year to honour the sport and the founder himself, Enrique Zobel.