The Residence Zanzibar

We had an excellent experience at this hotel — the location couldn’t be better, right in the heart of everything yet still peaceful and relaxing. The food was consistently delicious, with a great variety to choose from, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome throughout our stay. A special mention to Lucman, whose classes were a real highlight — he’s incredibly knowledgeable and brings great energy to every session. If you visit, make sure to join one of his classes; you won’t regret it!

We had a wonderful stay at The Residence . The place is peaceful, private, and beautifully designed, with villas that gave us space and a feeling of ease. The staff were welcoming and always ready to help, which made the whole experience feel special. The atmosphere was calm, and it felt like the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Zanzibar. During our stay, we enjoyed the activities planned by our tour operator, Bundi Travel, who also booked the hotel for us. We went on a spice tour, dolphin watching in Kizimkazi, snorkeling, cycling around the area, and also had time to relax at the spa. The sunset views by the beach were breathtaking, and the food was excellent with a good mix of local and international dishes. It was a lovely balance of rest and adventure, and we would gladly recommend it to anyone visiting Zanzibar.

Our stay at this hotel was truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and professionalism. The villa was magnificent: spacious, beautifully designed, and equipped with every comfort. The private pool was a highlight, offering a serene and luxurious space to relax. The beds were excellent, and the overall layout made us feel completely at ease. We also appreciated the constant supply of fresh water and the meticulous preparation of everything. The buffet offered an impressive variety of dishes, catering to all tastes and dietary needs. Each meal was a pleasure, and the wide selection ensured that every member of our family found something to enjoy. The evening shows during dinner were another highlight—entertaining, diverse, and of great quality, adding a festive and joyful atmosphere to our nights. We will treasure these memories forever and look forward to returning.

Review for Lukman – Yoga Instructor at The Residence Zanzibar Lukman was an outstanding yoga instructor during our stay at The Residence Zanzibar. His sessions were calming, well-structured, and suitable for all levels, leaving us both relaxed and energized. His warm personality and passion for yoga made the experience truly special. Highly recommend joining his classes!

This is the perfect location to relax after a busy safari. Zanzibar airport is a tad chaotic but once you're through customs we found the transfer service (Fisherman Travel) super efficient. The journey to the hotel is long (anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic, so be prepared for that. In the dark, it can be truly terrifying. Half the vehicles on the road do not have lights and there are people everywhere that just seem to come out of the darkness. Anyway, nobody died and The Residence, when you get there, is an oasis of calm, luxury and service excellence. All of the staff from the cleaners to the resort management go out of their way to male you feel welcome and ensure you're given the very best of experiences. The villas are huge, well appointed and comfortable. The food is generally excellent, albeit you're limited to a choice of one a la carte restaurant (with a limited menu) or a buffet (which we actually preferred). There's a great choice of watersports (paddle boarding, sailing, jet skis, etc.). There was no snorkelling to speak of unless you take a trip. The beach is tidal, which goes out a long way, and you can't take advantage of the water sports facilities when the tide is out. The beach itself is coarse, gritty coral sand, so lacks the powdery softness of the Caribbean or other Indian Ocean destinations. These are minor points. The main pool is stunning, and all the villas have their own private pools, too. There's a lot of wildlife in the grounds. You will be visited by monkeys, small deer and tree hyraxes. Do not leave your doors open or the monkeys will come in, steal the fruit bowl, and generally make a mess.