Explore below ↓Our take
The Residence Zanzibar is an elegant beachfront retreat set within lush tropical gardens on the island’s tranquil southwest coast. Combining Swahili and Omani influences with modern luxury, it offers spacious private pool villas, refined dining, and a peaceful setting along a mile-long stretch of Indian Ocean shoreline.
Set across a vast 32-hectare estate of tropical gardens and forested coastline, The Residence Zanzibar is designed to offer both space and privacy in a serene island setting. Built in 2011, the resort blends contemporary design with cultural influences drawn from Zanzibar’s Swahili, Omani, British and Indian heritage, creating an atmosphere that feels both elegant and rooted in place. Its location on a quiet mile-long beach provides a sense of seclusion.
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A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
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Accommodation
The Residence Zanzibar has 66 stand-alone villas, each with a private swimming pool and outdoor deck. Categories include one-bedroom garden and ocean-front villas, two-bedroom Frangipani villas and a two-bedroom Presidential Pool Villa. We compare the location, bedroom layout and outlook of the exact category rather than selecting solely by the villa name.
Food & drink
Dining at The Residence Zanzibar combines international cuisine with regional influences inspired by the island’s historic spice routes. Guests can enjoy meals at the main Dining Room overlooking the beach or experience Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours at the Pavilion restaurant. Private dining options, including beachside dinners and in-villa meals, add a personalised touch, while fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients highlight the flavours of Zanzibar.
What to do
The resort offers kayaking, snorkelling, cycling through the gardens and yoga, alongside tennis courts, a fitness centre and spa. Each villa has a private pool, with a larger shared swimming pool in the main resort. Spice tours, Jozani Forest visits and boat outings add options beyond the grounds. Marine activities depend on conditions, and treatments, tuition and excursions may be booked separately.
Planning your stay
Allow four to seven nights if this is the main beach stay after safari. The private villa and pool make time at the property part of the attraction. Combine with the Serengeti for a northern safari and beach holiday, or consider a southern safari for a different wildlife experience. Internal flights and the road transfer should be planned together.
The right fit
Couples who want a private pool and families who value separate bedrooms and generous living space. It is most compelling when the villa itself matters as much as the beach or a busy resort programme.
The property is near Kizimkazi on the southwest coast, away from Stone Town and the northern beach resorts. Beach and sea conditions should be considered alongside the private pool. The estate covers a large area, so discuss villa position and access to communal facilities if walking distances matter.
Useful to know
Yes. The resort’s 66 villas each have a private swimming pool and deck. Garden, ocean-front and larger two-bedroom categories offer different layouts and outlooks.
The one- and two-bedroom villa options make it worth considering for families. We confirm the sleeping arrangements and villa position for your party, particularly when travelling with young children.
It is near Kizimkazi on Zanzibar’s southwest coast. This creates a different base from Kendwa, the northeast coast or Stone Town, and the road transfer forms part of the journey.
The Residence is worth comparing when a private-pool villa is the main attraction. Zuri offers a different resort setting on Kendwa Beach, with bungalows, suites and villas. Your preferred room style and beach experience guide the choice.
Yes. We can arrange it after a northern or southern Tanzania safari, matching internal flights with the island transfer. Four to seven nights is a useful starting point for an unhurried beach extension.
Tailor-made Tanzania
We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
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