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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
Accommodation consists entirely of spacious stand-alone villas, each with its own private pool, outdoor deck, and generous living areas designed for comfort and privacy. Interiors reflect the island’s heritage through warm tones, natural materials, and contemporary furnishings, while large bathrooms often include both indoor and outdoor showers. Villas are positioned across gardens or along the beachfront, allowing guests to choose between lush greenery or ocean views.
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 a wide range of activities designed to balance relaxation with exploration. Guests can enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, cycling through the gardens, and yoga sessions, or take advantage of facilities such as tennis courts, fitness centres, and a full-service spa. Excursions to nearby attractions including dolphin safaris, spice tours, and visits to nature reserves.
Planning your stay
The islands’ beaches differ markedly by coast and tide. We weigh hotel atmosphere, room privacy, swimming conditions and onward flights, especially after an active safari.
Zanzibar and Pemba offer different kinds of stay. Fanjove is also in this coastal collection as a southern island alternative, outside the archipelago itself.
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Compare a few alternatives, or open the full regional guide to see every property in this part of Tanzania.
Zanzibar Archipelago
Bawe Island is an exclusive private island retreat just off Zanzibar’s coast, offering spacious pool villas, pristine beaches, and complete seclusion within a protected marine reserve. This private sanctuary blends barefoot luxury with an emphasis on privacy, natural beauty, and personalised service, making it a perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity and immersive island experiences.
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Zanzibar Archipelago
ENVI Paje is a contemporary wellness retreat set on the white sands of Zanzibar’s renowned Paje Beach, blending barefoot luxury with mindful living and immersive nature experiences. With private pool villas, holistic wellness programmes and a spectacular Indian Ocean setting, it offers a peaceful escape designed for relaxation and renewal.
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Zanzibar Archipelago
Sharazād Boutique Hotel is a peaceful, eco-conscious retreat located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar in Jambiani. Nestled on 200 metres of pristine beachfront and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, it offers a laid-back, barefoot-luxury atmosphere that is ideal for a relaxed island escape.
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We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
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