Zanzibar

The Residence Zanzibar

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Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

The Residence Zanzibar

About The Residence Zanzibar

Escape civilization at this secluded Zanzibari-style beachfront hideaway.

The Indian Ocean islands have some beautiful resorts, and those in Zanzibar are just as luxurious as their Mauritian and Seychellois counterparts. And The Residence Zanzibar on Zanzibar Island is certainly a top-notch establishment. Surrounded by 32 hectares of lush tropical gardens and separated from the all-shades-of-blue ocean by a long, white beach, the lodge has a lovely setting. With decor throughout inspired by exotic African, Omani and European influences and guest villas that are large enough to feel like private holiday homes (each has its own plunge pool), this is wonderful retreat for couples as well as families.

Zanzibar , Tanzania

From $330 per person/per night

Beach

66 Rooms

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Property details

The property

The main area is large and elegant, with three restaurants and bars offering menus ranging from Middle Eastern meets Mediterranean to relaxed European with a Swahili flair. There's a DVD library if you've had enough sun, a huge swimming pool with glass walls and a very well-equipped spa. Stretching into the sea is a 150-metre jetty; a nautical club by day and, on certain evenings, a yoga studio. Travelling with kids? They'll enjoy the clubhouse with its age-appropriate activities.

The rooms

Sixty-six private villas are dotted around the property, some with sea views and others surrounded by gardens. All are luxuriously furnished with pieces that reflect the island’s varied influences. All have deep, comfortable netted beds, aircon, large en-suite bathrooms and every imaginable hotel treat, from a CD/DVD player, satellite TV, espresso machine, bath robes and optional butler service to excellent body products and fresh truffles. Outside is your private private plunge pool and sun deck.

Activities

The hotel lies on quiet Kizimkazi Beach on Zanzibar’s southwest coast, so it's perfect for beach-lovers. Top up your tan (sunscreen essential), paddle the shallows in a kayak, snorkel, go deep-sea fishing or diving with dolphins. On land, cycle to see the island's sights, explore the ruins of the Persian baths, the Omani palaces and Jozani National Forest (with its giant palms, rare red Colobus monkeys and endemic Zanzibar Sykes’ monkey, bushbaby, 50 butterfly species and 40 species of birds).

Why we love it

Every villa has its own plunge pool to lounge in or beside as the waves lap nearby. Add a creamy coconut Pina Colada and you have perfection.

Insiders Tip

The Residence is fantastic for both couples looking for privacy and families - there's a clubhouse that'll keep the kids entertained for hours.

Something to think about

Be sure to close your doors and windows when you leave as the cheeky local monkeys may try to get in; and the tide often makes the beach inaccessible for sunbathing.

Trips

Zanzibar Tours & Trips

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

Rwanda + Tanzania

A Rwanda & Tanzania combination

12 nights from $11.7K per person

Kigali Volcanoes National Park Serengeti

Tanzania

The classic Tanzanian bush & beach safari

13 nights from $10.2K per person

Arusha Tarangire National Park Ngorongoro Crater

Uganda + Kenya + Tanzania

Bush, beach & gorillas in Uganda & Zanzibar

15 nights from $10.6K per person

Entebbe Queen Elizabeth National Park Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Kenya + Tanzania

All in one: East Africa safari and beach

10 nights from $7.7K per person

Masai Mara Amboseli & Chyulu Hills Zanzibar

Design a Custom Trip

Plan your stay

How to book The Residence Zanzibar

How do I book The Residence Zanzibar?

The Residence Zanzibar can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Tanzania trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Tanzania trips featuring The Residence Zanzibar or get advice and suggestions from one of our Tanzania specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at The Residence Zanzibar?

Stays at The Residence Zanzibar start from around $330 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Tanzania

Zanzibar

Flaming sunsets, sandy beaches and luxe hotels are easily accessible on a classic Zanzibar getaway.