The Residence Zanzibar

Tucked away in almost 80 acres of gorgeous tropical grounds, The Residence Zanzibar caters to both couples and families. It is a sprawling property adjacent to a mile-long, white-sand beach, but with only 66 private villas surrounded by palm trees and gardens, it feels exclusive and quiet. The property has been designed with the local style in mind, combining the African, Middle Eastern, and European influences that can be seen throughout the archipelago. Common spaces are housed in open pavilions with pitched wooden roofs, fans, and off-white floors, and the decor style elegantly blends polished woods with Omani-style metal lanterns and handsome colonial-style seating. Outside, white-stone paths wind through expansive lawns dotted by palms, tropical shrubs, and colorful flowers. Guests are assigned bright red bikes on check-in, but there is also golf cart service for those who would rather explore the property that way.

Although the vibe is quiet and the secluded setting makes for a great romantic getaway, the property offers plenty of child-friendly amenities that draw families with young kids, making The Residence a tad less peaceful during school vacation periods. Those seeking a serene spot, however, can easily find a quiet nook here. Travelers shopping around for something in this price range but closer to Jozani National Park may want to consider the Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa, which offers a similar experience. 

The Residence Zanzibar is located in a rather secluded area in southwestern Unguja, the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago, home to the international airport and the capital city. The hotel is surrounded by tropical forests that extend all the way to a lovely white-sand beach, but there is little to do or see in the immediate area. Though most guests only leave the property to go on diving trips, there are several attractions within an hour of the resort worth visiting. Jozani Forest Reserve is located about a 40-minute drive north of the property, while Changuu, a former prison island, can be reached by boat in about half an hour. The drive to Stone Town takes just over an hour, and the hotel is about 55 minutes to Zanzibar’s international airport. Airport transfers can be arranged at the front desk for a fee.

The hotel has 66 one- and two-bedroom villas spread over a vast area that goes all the way to the beach. All are housed in stand-alone, brick-and-mortar bungalows surrounded by charming gardens with private pools long enough for a few short laps. Decor is subdued yet elegant, with a combination of local influences such as delicate carvings on heavy wooden furniture, woven straw details, and pitched wooden ceilings, plus contemporary accents on lamps. Four-poster beds with muslin curtains and matching benches are the centerpiece in master bedrooms, while living rooms are decorated with large black-and-white photos of local maritime scenes. Huge windows have wooden plantation shutters and glass doors open to decks outfitted with daybeds, loungers, and dining sets placed overlooking the private pool.

All units feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and both coffeemakers and Nespresso machines. Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort free of charge. Bathrooms are huge and beautiful, featuring deep soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and double sinks over wooden vanities. Big sliding glass doors open to small patios with outdoor showers and pebble gardens with small palm trees and flowers. Robes, slippers, and hairdryers are provided in all rooms, as is daily turndown service. Personal butler service is available on request.  

Although it is generally too shallow for swimming, the hotel’s white-sand beach is pretty and quiet. There are loungers placed under umbrellas, as well as a pier that turns into a romantic sunset-watching spot in the evening, complete with cocktails and canapes. The hotel offers free non-motorized water sports, and diving day trips and sailing excursions are available for a fee. The infinity pool, located adjacent to the beach, is a lovely spot for a swim and some sunbathing. 

Staff goes around the pool and the beach a couple of times per day with free ice cream and fresh fruit skewers, but there is also food and drink service from the main restaurant, The Dining Room. This casual eatery serves all three main meals in an open pavilion with a spacious wooden deck overlooking the beach. The menu is international but with a local twist and gets great reviews from most guests. The other main dining option is Pavilion, a slightly more formal option for dinner that serves solid Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisine alongside live traditional music. Private dining is available in villas, on the pier, and on the beach. 

The spa offers a great body treatment menu, along with a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and small outdoor pool. A good range of cardio and strength-training machines are available at the gym, which also provides free yoga classes. Tennis and volleyball courts are also on-site. The kids’ club is cute and airy and offers a range of daily activities that include Swahili and cooking classes, games, and sports. The game room offers additional family-friendly perks such as pool and ping-pong tables.

The hotel also features event space for meetings and weddings, including small boardrooms such as The Library to larger halls for up to 110 guests. There is also a business center and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.