On Zanzibar’s southwest coast, The Residence Zanzibar occupies 79 acres of tropical gardens where powder-white sands meet the calm Indian Ocean. The resort’s 66 standalone villas, a blend of African, Omani and European influences, feature pitched wooden ceilings, simple carved accents and floor-to-ceiling doors that open to private pools and decks that frame gardens or seascapes. Bathrooms combine deep soaking tubs with outdoor showers in private courtyards, creating an intimate connection to place.
A nearly 500-foot jetty extends into the water, serving as a launch point for kayaks, paddleboards and Hobie cats by day and a picture-perfect perch for sundowners come nightfall. The nearby lagoon provides unusually warm, clear conditions for snorkeling and swimming directly from the resort. Villas are thoughtfully spaced throughout the verdant grounds with golf cart and bicycle access, while the six-pavilion spa blends garden seclusion with curated wellness experiences.