The Residence Zanzibar

The Residence Zanzibar is the latest luxury resort to open in the southwest part of the island. Set on a mile of powdery white sand beach and flanked by tall palm trees, the hotel appropriately complements its breathtaking location in a magnificent lagoon.

Behind the interiors and architecture of the Residence Zanzibar is a leading global design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, whose designers drew their inspiration from the various influences in Zanzibar’s rich cultural history.

Villas

Set among 32 hectares of tropical gardens, all of the 66 stand-alone, luxuriously appointed villas are simple, airy and contemporary. Stylishly furnished in a fusion of African and Omani décor, each villa features all modern amenities, including a huge bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers and a private infinity pool next to a veranda with sunbeds.

Facilities

The hotel combines the island’s exotic history with sophisticated elegance, distinctive ambiance, and a casual atmosphere.

The mile-long beach and pool area offer plenty of opportunities to relax; as does the Spa with its six treatment pavilions, nestled among the beautiful gardens. Each luxuriously appointed pavilion leads directly onto a private garden with an outdoor shower, bathtub, and a lounge area. The hotel has two restaurants and a pool-side snack bar, as well as two bars.

in our opinion

Elegant and sophisticated, The Residence is one of Zanzibar’s top-end luxurious resorts, with a fantastic location, great service, delicious cuisine and opulent villas—each with their own deck and private infinity pool.

If you are seeking serenity and privacy, opt for one of the seafront villas and those further away from the public areas.

Excellent honeymoon destination and obvious choice for those who don't like to venture too far from Western comforts.

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What we love

• Beautiful Location on a mile-long beach, amid a picturesque coconut grove and the calm waters of the lagoon shielded by reefs;
• Each villa boasts its own private swimming pool and 24/7 personal butler service;
• By Zanzibar's standards, the food, service, and drinks are of very high quality;
• Complimentary bicycles make easy getting around the hotel and exploring the local area;
• Excellent children's club with trained staff;
• Close to the village of Kizimkazi, famed for its dolphin safaris.

What you should know

• Hotel is located about an hour’s drive from Stone Town and the Zanzibar Airport;
• Due to its remote location, it is not the best base for sightseeing, but then neither are most places on the island;
• The sea is too shallow to swim at low tide;
• The resort is built on a large area and it is difficult to get around on foot, but the butler can bring a golf cart, there are also complimentary bicycles.