Eli Sekulovska: "I moved to Zanzibar to open my own hotel and I want to employ locals to support them and their families."
“Locals often tell me, ‘You from Europe might have money, but you’re not happy.’ Specifically, my hotel will be more European in terms of interior and design, while the exterior is dictated by the government and regulations to preserve the tradition and authenticity of the city,” shares Elie (26), who previously worked in a bank in Skopje and now lives in Zanzibar, for CRNOBELO.com.
Eli Sekulovska from Skopje, with previous work experience in banking, decided at the age of 26 to dive into the waters of her own business on Zanzibar, where she recently relocated.
Even as a child, she was a temperamental, dynamic, and determined person. Sports contributed to shaping her character as she was involved in professional swimming from the age of 4 to 18.
She has participated in Balkan and European championships, has won over 200 medals, and received trophies for the best female swimmer in long-distance swimming on a 10-kilometer track. In the end, the path led her to an island in the Indian Ocean.
Eli reveals to CRNOBELO.com why she decided to move to Zanzibar and start a different kind of business…
Until recently, she had a well-established daily routine: working at a bank, engaging in some leisure activities, and living the fast-paced life typical of cities. But today, with each new morning, a different story unfolds. How did Elena end up in Zanzibar?
This is an absolutely big change for me, but maybe not such a shock for my family and friends considering that I have been here four times in less than a year.
In fact, one of the comments on my Instagram profile reads "zanzigirl." I used to go to Zanzibar whenever I was overwhelmed by stress, tension, and a high-pressure atmosphere, and needed a release.
Zanzibar was the charger that undoubtedly knew how to recharge my batteries. After each return to Macedonia, I spread positivity, and my impressions left no one indifferent.
I inspired many people to visit this island and feel its magic. I hope that in the future, there will be even more of them.
Before we continue, I'd like to revisit the past. What did you take away after your first visit to Zanzibar in 2021?
I left with a cocktail of emotions. It was by far the greatest adventure I have ever experienced. On one side was my favorite nightclub, "Coccobello," which epitomizes partying in the true sense, with unusual shows and phenomenal dancers who I can't compare to anyone or anywhere else.
Africa is known for its music and dance, so when you see someone doing it so well, you wish to join in. It's no wonder I started attending an Afro dance school, and there's one secret I’ll keep for now; hopefully, I’ll have a chance to share it later. Naturally, the cocktail wouldn’t be complete without something that shakes you up.
On the other side was the school, the most emotional moment that left no one indifferent. The tin roof, barred windows, students sitting on a carpet, yet they were so happy. They often say, “You from Europe may have money, but you’re not happy.”
Happiness lies in the small things; you don’t need much to be happy. We are described as people who are constantly rushing, living under pressure because of work and life, always chasing something and every day the same.
Dear ones, people here are the absolute opposite. They live to the rhythm of Hakuna Matata – Don’t worry! Take it easy! Hakuna Matata – Don’t worry! Take it easy!
They often shout “pole, pole,” meaning “Slow down, don’t rush,” and I’m so caught up that I don’t know if I’m walking or jogging.
People here live without stress, and how many times do you experience stress every day?
Carried away by the beauty of this destination, your second visit to Zanzibar felt like returning to familiar ground. However, many things still stood out to you during your second visit. What captivated you the most?
The idea of Zanzibar came to me after my first visit to the island with my favorite tour group, Jungle Travel, who introduced us to Zanzibar so well that I knew I wouldn’t visit just once.
Since I was already quite familiar with the island, my second visit was focused on experiencing the nightlife, parties, new friendships, and Afro dance.
What if I told you that the second time was even more intense than the first?! Perhaps because each subsequent visit here brings something new, undiscovered, and mysterious.
A key highlight of the second visit was my passion for amapiano music. From that day until now, my playlist hasn’t included anything else. амапиано музиката. Од тој ден па сè до денес мојата плејлиста за друго не слушнала.
The decision to leave for the third time likely represented a moment when you wanted to escape everything that was familiar to you until then. What exactly happened after landing at Stone Town Airport?
After landing at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, I greeted a few staff members in their Swahili language, and they were thrilled because a white person knew a bit of their language.
We exchanged a few basic conversational sentences, and they asked me how I knew. I replied, "Just look through my passport, and you'll see the path I’ve taken here; the local has arrived."
This was my third time in Zanzibar, and I found what I was looking for. I found the place where I am currently investing.
Even more interesting was my departure to Macedonia. On the plane, I met a friend from the UK who is a tour guide for national parks and safaris in Tanzania.
I thought to myself, how is this possible? Out of the whole plane, this person was sitting next to me and, in some way, could become a connection for future collaboration. Personally, I believe in the signs that life gives us because nothing is a coincidence.
After staying at the hostel, I also met two friends from Dubai who work in marketing, video editing, and similar fields. Inspired by my vision and courage, they expressed interest in working on the hotel's marketing. All this gave me the drive to continue pursuing my idea and turning my plan into reality.
Among so many places in the world, why did you choose to invest in Zanzibar?
I’m captivated by the energy and vibe that Zanzibar offers. I’m drawn to the eternal sunshine and tropical climate. All of that creates a great mood. Isn’t it true that “what you radiate is what you attract”?
We only live once, and I want to live it to the fullest. My mother often says, “Eli, you really enjoy life.”
Perhaps that’s why I connected with this place and its people. I feel their energy, and they feel mine. And if I were to get wrinkles, I’d prefer them to be from laughing.
How do you envision the hotel, and what unique features will attract tourists?
My hotel will be more European in style regarding the interior and design, while the exterior will adhere to government regulations and laws to preserve the city’s tradition and authenticity, which is quite unusual.
The buildings are so similar that I often get lost in the alleys myself. What will be attractive to guests are, first and foremost, the rooms with smart TVs, Netflix, YouTube, etc. This is particularly nice on days when you really want to relax and spend the evening in the hotel with a glass of wine or beer if you’re a fan.
For guests staying more than two nights, there will be a complimentary tour of the island's main city, Stone Town, accompanied by a local, licensed guide.
It’s well known that the locals in Zanzibar are friendly and speak English. What is your relationship with them like? How is it to be friends with them?
Indeed! They are the most sociable people I have ever met. Even if they don't know you, they greet you warmly. If you ask for help or directions, don't be surprised if the person you asked accompanies you to the location you need.
In return, they don’t ask for anything; they simply love to socialize and learn more about the country you come from. My relationship with the locals is phenomenal.
I already have my circle of friends, many of whom call me “dada” (sister). They will also be my employees because I want to support them and their families.
Older people often address me as “daughter,” which I find very sweet and makes me feel welcomed and accepted.
Since moving here, you must have had to adjust from Macedonian cuisine to local dishes. What does your daily menu look like on Zanzibar these days?
Given that Zanzibar is a spice island and I don’t particularly favor spices, I was initially skeptical about how I would handle the local food. But I told myself that, if nothing else, the seafood is wonderful.
Now I can say that I’ve fully embraced the local cuisine. My menu isn’t complete without dishes like urogjo, shawarma, kalimati, biryani masala, and chicken curry with Indian naan.
If your friends came to visit, where would you take them to experience Zanzibar in the most authentic way?
I would start in Stone Town – the main city of the island. The narrow streets winding through the stone houses lead to Freddie Mercury’s house and the local Darajani Market – it’s definitely one of the most unique places I’ve ever seen.
The chaotic atmosphere, haggling, noise, smell of fish, women walking with bowls on their heads, tuk-tuks, boda-boda motorcycles, horse-drawn carts – everything is buzzing in one place.
From the city, a 30-minute boat ride will take you to Prison Island. Once a place for holding prisoners and slaves, today it’s a peaceful spot and home to giant tortoises.
Continuing from the west to the east of Zanzibar, I’d visit Paje Village – one of the world’s top kite-surfing spots. Incredible cocktails, food, music, and the Maasai tribe performing their dances and jumps with chants.
A visit to the spice jungle where you can see how turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and aphrodisiacs grow, and learn the difference between red, black, and white pepper, which is the main ingredient in Chanel No. 5 perfume.
Ending the tour with a sunset at Kae Funk Beach and a visit to Mnemba Island, declared a marine reserve.
It’s the most popular spot for diving with vibrant coral reefs, home to numerous underwater turtles and dolphins, and frequently visited by Bill Gates. You haven’t been to Zanzibar if you haven’t been to The Rock Restaurant!
With this question, we will conclude the conversation. What does Hakuna Matata mean to you?
I wish everyone could experience Zanzibar the way I do. From them, I’ve learned to handle things with less stress. Each day is a new day, but it means one day less, not more.
That’s why Hakuna Matata – No worries, take it easy! This phrase has changed my life philosophy. Zanzibar is love, Zanzibar is energy and vibe.
Zanzibar can change your life if you let it. That’s why I encourage everyone who wants to see something new and unusual not to hesitate. I’m sure we’ll share similar impressions. Africa, like on Discovery! Discovery!
