Zanzibar Hotels|Zanzibar, Tanzania

The Residence Zanzibar

Name: The Residence Zanzibar
Telephone: 255-245-555-000

Tropical seclusion with Tanzanian charm

VERIFIED LUXURY

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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.

Our Inspector's Highlights

The calm, shallow waters off The Residence Zanzibar’s jetty create ideal conditions for snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding directly from your villa’s deck without having to deal with crowded beaches.
Every villa comes with a bicycle for exploring the sprawling estate, turning a trip to the spa or one of the restaurants into a casual island excursion.
While the jetty doubles as a watersports hub by day, it becomes a quiet sunset perch with unobstructed horizon views and candlelit drinks — a favorite spot for photography and reflection.
The spa integrates indoor and outdoor treatment spaces, offering signature massages and wellness rituals that incorporate indigenous botanicals, all framed by lush gardens and tranquil water views for a deeply immersive experience.
Curated island excursions, like guided treks to nearby spice farms, local fishing villages or mangrove estuaries, focus on hands-on learning rather than typical tourist routines.

The Rooms

Each of The Residence Zanzibar’s 66 villas boasts private plunge pools and beach or ocean views that feel like an extension of your living room.
Interiors mix local craftsmanship with contemporary restraint. Pitched wooden ceilings, carved wood details and woven accents are paired with deep-soaking tubs and outdoor showers tucked into private pebble gardens.
Ocean‑front villas position bathtubs and lounging decks mere steps from the tidal shore, so you can enjoy the morning light without ever having to leave the cool shelter of your room.
Garden villas hide behind palms and frangipani, offering verdant privacy and a quieter pool edge minus the bustle of beachfront pathways.
Simple white walls and dark wooden decor keep the villas feeling breezy and elegant while allowing the ocean and garden views to take center stage.

Amenities