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.

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.

Just a few steps from the beach, these luxury villas invite you to enjoy an extraordinary experience. As soon as you enter the large lounge, you are greeted by a breathtaking view of your private pool and terrace, complete with table and chairs, daybed and sun loungers with umbrellas. It's the perfect place to soak up the sun or enjoy a romantic dinner for two as the sun sets over the ocean horizon.

This is a full board stay. Your breakfast, lunch and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (excludes drinks). 

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.

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.

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.

Take a day trip to Prison Island, an island off the coast of Zanzibar, to discover its former prison, sandy beaches, turquoise waters and maybe spot some hundred-year-old giant tortoises.

 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.

 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.

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. 

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.