The Residence Zanzibar

This is a beautiful hotel run by lovely staff. The food was exceptional all of which made for a very relaxing holiday.

Loved our stay at the Residence, and thank you especially to Lukman for our 5pm yoga each day, as well as morning run 🏃

Really nice resort, it was like been in paradise whilst we stayed here. The ocean view villa was amazing. What really made the stay enjoyable was all the staff. They could not do enough for you. A special mention to Josephine for her outstanding breakfast and lunch service. Adam & Stephen for their attentiveness and service in the evening for Dinner and drinks. Last but not least the Bar man who also worked at the beach bar (sorry forgot is name). The atmosphere was very good, just what you need for a relaxing holiday. The food was very good, my only negative feedback would be that they should change the A Lá Carte menu every couple of days or put specials on.

A beautiful, sprawling property featuring detached rooms that are very spacious and well-appointed. Each room includes a seating area, a sleeping area, and a lovely bathroom with a separate toilet, as well as an outdoor shower. Each room also has a terrace with sun loungers and a private pool that is pleasantly warm. There is a double-locking mechanism to prevent the monkeys that roam the grounds from entering the rooms. The all-inclusive package offers a wide selection of drinks, and the minibar is included as well. Some rooms are located a little further from the central bar and restaurant, but golf carts are available upon request. Bicycles are also provided for each room, although we personally found the walk to the restaurant quite pleasant. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a view of the beach, and there is a beach BBQ on Saturdays. The buffet features a different theme each evening (Indian, Italian, etc.). The communal pool is large and attractive; I estimate it to be around 35 metres long, and the water temperature is very pleasant. There are plenty of sun loungers as well. The hotel offers various activities for guests to join, such as jet skiing and activities for children. The service was excellent. On our departure day, we had access to our room until 3 PM, but there was a dispute over whether lunch was included. Since only dinner was provided on the day of arrival, we assumed that lunch on the final day would be included as well. Unfortunately, the hotel refused to honour this, which left a slight negative impression after an otherwise very pleasant stay. The receptionist on duty at the time—a man named Wilson—was not particularly helpful. But hey: Hakuna matata.

Just wow, I’m shocked at some of the reviews saying the service/rooms were not up to standard, this hotel was the most beautiful, well-maintained hotel we have ever been too! Wild monkeys jumping about, amazing buffets with unlimited options and themes, a beautiful pool area with dream rooms, this was a 5***!! The staff were the happiest friendliest staff, the experience was wonderful! Everyone was super friendly and helpful. Zanzibar tide comes in around 2pm so you do have to be patient and aware the beach / sea isn’t at your disposal all day - however if you do your research before you are well aware this is the whole of Zanzibar not just this hotel. The bike ride to and from the villa is so relaxing and a lovely touch, makes the morning and evening a nice part of the day. Free kayaking, sea shoes and other items make the stay premium!!! Don’t be afraid to approach Swala tours on the beach for a boat ride. Great guy and company. Only negative is paying for water during meals!! Thank you Zanzibar wow!