We love —
- Staying in a 5* beachfront resort nestled in 32 hectares of tropical gardens, offering elegant villas, serene lagoons, and the soothing rhythm of the waves.
- Discovering the exquisite tastes and fragrances of local cuisine in the hotel’s inviting dining spaces.
- Embarking on a spice tour and discovering the fragrant secrets of Zanzibar's renowned spice plantations.
Customer reviews —
A villa with a private pool, magnificent grounds, a huge pool with sea views, and a private jetty facing the most beautiful sunsets. One of the best places I've ever been to truly disconnect and relax.
The Residence Zanzibar 5* —
Nestled in the heart of 79 acres of tropical gardens, bordered by a pristine kilometre-long beach, the Residence Zanzibar 5* immerses you in the splendour of a secluded refuge. Bursting with natural beauty, explore nature's treasures for the rare red colobus monkey, native to Zanzibar. At this luxurious villa resort just off the coast of Tanzania, retreat to a world of divine relaxation, bespoke hospitality and enchanting elegance inspired by the island's African, Omani and European heritage.
Your room —
Enjoy a stay in a Luxury Garden Pool Villa.
Luxury Garden Pool Villa (155 m²)
Stay in this beautifully appointed Luxury Garden Pool Villa. Spacious and stylish this Villa is a place where you can truly unwind. Located in a restful setting between lush gardens and coconut trees, wake up in the morning and head over to your deck and pool.
Your dining choices
Just for you:
- Complimentary upgrade from half board to full board
This is a full board stay. Your breakfast, lunch and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (excludes drinks).
Begin your day at The Dining Room with a hearty breakfast buffet of local specialities and international favourites. The Verandah invites you to relax with light lunches poolside, featuring toasted sandwiches and homemade ice creams. Embark on a culinary journey at The Plantation, where oceanfront dining meets Creole cuisine in a historic planter's house. The Bar offers a cosy retreat for afternoon tea or evening cocktails, accompanied by live music and locally inspired drinks.
Upgrade to all inclusive
Experience ultimate relaxation and upgrade to all inclusive at the next step of the booking process. Breakfast, lunch, your evening meal, and a selection of snacks and drinks will be included. Conditions may apply.
Your time
Make the most of pampering pleasures at the Spa, the hotel's star attraction with six spacious treatment pavilions, a relaxation area with a whirlpool bath, sauna and hammam, nestled in the middle of two hectares of tropical gardens. Woven seamlessly into the natural landscape, this wellness sanctuary blissfully leads you on a path to the rejuvenation of mind, body and soul.
Tailored treatments harness the natural benefits of local herbs and spices to provide powerful healing benefits for well-being. Allow our highly experienced spa therapists to pamper you from head to toe with a range of therapeutic and luxurious beauty treatments designed for total relaxation and pure indulgence.
Included extras —
3GB included mobile internet data, to make your journey easier
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.
Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.
Optional excursions —
Visit Stone Town and a spice factory (6h) - for minimum 2 people
Set off for a day, accompanied by a guide, to discover the island's cultural heritage. Walk through Stone Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then head to a spice factory to smell and taste mouth-watering seasonal spices, herbs and tropical fruits, including jackfruit, pineapple and green coconut.
Practical information:
Tour type: guided walking tour in a group
Languages: French, English, Spanish, Italian, German
Availability: daily
Accessible to people with reduced mobility: no
Accessible to pregnant women: yes, by medical agreement
Recommended age: 3 years. Minors are the responsibility of the adults accompanying them.
Duration: 6h + transfers
Times: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (to be reconfirmed, depending on the location of your hotel)
Minimum number of people required for tour: 2
Transfers: included
Pick-up and drop-off point: reception of your hotel
Price includes:
- Transfers between your hotel and the meeting point
- Services of a guide during the tour
- Entrance fees to sites visited
Price does not include:
- Meals and beverages, gratuities and personal expenses.
- Anything not included in the "price includes" section.
Day Safari on turquoise waters (barbecue lunch included) - for minimum 2 people
Spend a day on an incredible sea safari on a dhow, a traditional wooden boat, and sail around mangroves, coral reefs and white sandbanks, swimming, diving and trying to sport dolphins in the wild.
Practical information:
Tour type: guided boat tour and group tour
Languages: English
Availability: daily except Wednesday (weather permitting)
Accessible to people with reduced mobility: no
Accessible to pregnant women: no
Recommended age: 7 years. Minors are the responsibility of the adults accompanying them.
Duration : 9h30
Times: 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (to be reconfirmed, depending on the location of your hotel)
Minimum number of people required for tour: 2
Transfers: included
Pick-up and drop-off point: reception of your hotel
Price includes:
- Transfers between your hotel and the tour site
- Services of a guide on board during the day
- Barbecue on the island with drinks
- Snorkeling equipment
Price does not include:
- Meals and drinks not included in the price
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Anything not included in the price
Snorkeling around Mnemba Atoll (2h) - for minimum 2 people
Explore the most famous marine conservation area in the Northeast of Zanzibar. A short boat ride from Matemwe villages takes you to Mnemba Atoll Marine Park boasting an extraordinary coral reef, home to moray eels, lionfish, stingrays, and much more. The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean welcome you to discover fascinating marine wildlife.
Please note, this tour is a half day and does not include lunch or refreshments.
Stone Town tour (2h30) - for minimum 2 people
Discover the charms of the old town of Stone Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its major historic sites and places of interest steeped in history and marked by the various passages of sultans, Arabs, Europeans and Zanzibaris.
Practical information:
Type of excursion: guided walking tour in a group
Languages: French, English, Spanish, Italian, German
Availability: daily
Accessible to people with reduced mobility: yes
Accessible to pregnant women: yes, by medical agreement
Recommended age: All ages. Minors are the responsibility of the adults accompanying them.
Duration: 2h30 + transfers
Times: 8:30am - 12pm (to be reconfirmed, depending on the location of your hotel)
Minimum number of people required for the tour: 2
Transfers: included
Pick-up and drop-off point: reception of your hotel
Price includes:
- Transfers between your hotel and the meeting point
- The services of a guide during the tour
Price does not include:
- Meals and drinks, gratuities and personal expenses, if any
- Anything not included in the price
Excursion to the Jozani forest - for minimum 2 people
Venture into the 44 km² Jozani forest, accompanied by a guide. Covering around 3% of the Island's total area, the Joanzi forest has groundwater forests, coastal forests and grasslands, as well as mangroves and salt marshes on the coast.
Practical information:
Type of excursion: guided walking tour in a group
Languages: French, English, Spanish, Italian, German
Availability: daily
Accessible to people with reduced mobility: no
Accessible to pregnant women: yes, by medical agreement
Recommended age: 7 years. Minors are the responsibility of the adults accompanying them.
Duration: 2h30 + transfers
Times: 9am - 12pm (to be reconfirmed, depending on the location of your hotel)
Minimum number of people required for tour: 2
Transfers: included
Pick-up and drop-off point: reception of your hotel
Price includes:
- Transfers between your hotel and the tour site
- Services of a guide during the tour
- Entrance fees to places visited
Price does not include:
- Meals and beverages, gratuities and personal expenses.
- Anything not included in the "price includes" section.
Stay connected with an additional 10 GB of mobile internet data
Add an extra 10 GB of internet data to stay connected without exceeding your plan. Activate your eSIM and enjoy connectivity wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with your loved ones, find the best restaurants nearby, and use your GPS with peace of mind.
Please note: 10 GB of internet data represents approximately 125 hours of additional web browsing/audio streaming or 10 to 15 hours of additional video streaming/social media/video calls.
Your journey to Zanzibar —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Zanzibar —
Zanzibar, a historically rich island off the coast of Tanzania, offers an unforgettable escape. Known as the Spice Island, it blends culture, history, and natural beauty, catering to both budget travellers and those seeking a luxurious retreat. Whether combining it with a safari or visiting as an independent destination, Zanzibar guarantees a remarkable holiday.
Must-sees:
- Stone Town: Wander through its narrow cobbled streets, exploring the bustling markets and colonial-era buildings.
- Prison Island: Take a boat trip to this island, which is famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises and tranquil atmosphere.
- Spice Tour: Discover Zanzibar’s spice heritage with a guided tour that reveals the island’s historic role in the spice trade.
Culinary culture:
Zanzibar's cuisine reflects its diverse cultural heritage. Swahili influences bring fragrant rice dishes and fresh seafood, while Arabic and Indian flavours infuse local favourites such as biryani and chapati. The island’s spices are a hallmark, lending rich aromas to many dishes, including the famed Zanzibar pizza. For an authentic experience, visit a local food market to sample fresh coconut and tropical fruits.
Dive deeper:
To fully immerse in Zanzibar’s unique culture, visit the Jozani Forest to observe rare red colobus monkeys, or explore the hidden gems of Paje and Kizimkazi villages. The island’s rich Islamic history is evident in its grand mosques and the House of Wonders, an architectural masterpiece. Diving enthusiasts will also appreciate the coral reefs surrounding Mnemba Atoll, home to an array of marine life.
Good to know:
Zanzibar uses the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) as currency. The ideal time to visit is from June to October when the weather is cooler and dry. While the main transport options are taxis and dala-dalas (minibuses), bicycles and boats are popular for short distances. Modest attire is recommended when visiting cultural and religious sites.