Who doesn’t dream of escaping the grind of daily life to a dream home on a peaceful beach, surrounded by palm trees and vibrant orange sunsets? Lior Shabat didn’t just dream it—he made it happen. A recent post he shared on Facebook in the popular “Home Exchange Abroad” group, offering to temporarily exchange his home in Zanzibar, became a viral hit and attracted offers from all over the world.
Lior Shabat (45), originally from Hod HaSharon, married and a father of two, decided to trade his Israeli life for an exceptional and exotic location—Zanzibar. He built a boutique hotel on the beach and now splits his time between East Africa and Israel.
In a conversation with Ynet, he shared the unique experience of home swaps and his grand dream of building a luxurious resort on the island. "My post-army trip started in Africa, and later I found myself working for several companies in Uganda and Tanzania," Shabat said. After a few years, he decided to purchase a home in a village called Pongwe, on the island’s eastern coast. "It was an old fisherman’s house that I renovated," he said. "Originally, I wanted it to be our vacation home, but when I wasn’t there, it started functioning as a hotel.
"It was an old structure with a tin roof and broken windows, but it had a unique charm—a stunning location on the sea and deep roots in the local village. I wanted to preserve the authenticity of the place while adding modern comforts—large beds, luxurious showers, reliable electricity, and even quality internet," Shabat explained.
The result was a magnificent home at the level of a small boutique hotel. "Living in Zanzibar is magical, but it also has its challenges," Shabat admitted. "There are no malls, fancy shops, or easy access to advanced medical services. There are frequent power outages, and sometimes the water in the shower is salty. However, the food is fresh from the sea and the market, the people are warm, and life is simpler."
Outside the modern home begins the authentic Africa, with local villages surrounding the area as an integral part of the experience. "Homes here are made of mud and straw, chickens roam freely, and people live off the local fishing. It feels like stepping back in time. There’s something magical about this simplicity—no pressure, no stress, everyone smiles."
Disconnected from Middle Eastern trifles
Shabat emphasized that despite Tanzania being a predominantly Muslim country, he never felt threatened or insecure. "Tanzania and Zanzibar are very disconnected from the Middle East conflict," he said. "Locals respect Israelis. There’s a lot of collaboration with Israel, and there’s no hostile atmosphere." According to him, the attitude toward Israelis is very positive. "The people here are welcoming; they love Israeli tourists and know we bring tourism, business, and investments. It’s not like other places in the world—here, you feel completely safe."
He said his children quickly adapted to life in Zanzibar and loved the experience. "They would wake up in the morning, walk barefoot to the beach, run with the local kids, and play with shells and fish. It was something entirely different from what they knew in Israel," he said. His wife also immediately connected to the simple and peaceful life: "She always tells me these were the most beautiful years of our lives—no chasing after unnecessary things, just being together."
The COVID-19 pandemic proved a game changer for Shabat and his family. He was evacuated from the African island in a complicated health situation for treatment in an Israeli hospital. "Suddenly, everything shut down, there were no flights, we were isolated, and we didn’t know what would happen. When I realized the situation was worsening, we managed to join one of the Foreign Ministry’s rescue operations, and we were flown out on a special flight," he recounted. "It was a tough moment. We left behind an entire life, a place that felt like home. The kids cried, and so did we. It was a sharp transition from a quiet beach paradise to a closed and restricted Israel."
Since COVID-19, the Shabat family has been living alternately between Israel and Zanzibar. When Shabat posted a Facebook ad offering his home in Zanzibar for a swap, he didn’t anticipate the frenzy it would cause. "Suddenly, I received dozens of inquiries. People wanted to swap homes from all over the world—but not all the offers were worthwhile."
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According to Shabat, home swaps aren’t just a way to save money but also a unique experience. "People are looking for creative ways to travel and experience places differently. Instead of paying thousands of dollars for luxury hotels, you can simply exchange homes and step into someone else’s life for a moment."
He further shared that through home swaps, he’s been exposed to people from around the world, formed interesting connections, and visited unique locations he might not have otherwise reached. "It’s not just about saving money—it’s a real adventure," he said. "I received offers to swap my home for a luxurious villa—and also for small apartments in remote areas. Sometimes the offers weren’t relevant at all, but on the other hand, they gave me a glimpse into how people are seeking creative ways to travel without spending a fortune."
The place that started as a private home and the fulfillment of a dream, turned into a small and intimate hotel called "Coral Bay Zanzibar," featuring three units, a health bar, a private pool, and indulgent amenities. "The place is on an amazing beach, surrounded by wild nature, with tides you only feel in nature reserves. It’s an authentic place connected to the local village—not your typical tourist trap," Shabat proudly explained.
Future plans? "I’m building a new, high-end hotel here—50 luxurious units right on the water. Being an entrepreneur in Africa isn’t easy, but I love the challenge. Regarding home exchanges, I’m very flexible with dates. Once I receive a worthwhile offer, I’ll block the dates on the booking sites for the house-turned-hotel—and we’ll head off for a vacation."