The Residence Zanzibar

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Escape to The Residence Zanzibar, where ocean views meet warm hospitality. Treat yourself to a massage or yoga class, then bask in the sun on the white sand beach with sun loungers. With 2 coffee shops and a garden, free in-room WiFi and babysitting services for parents who need some time off.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • On the beach
  • 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Free children's club
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • Fitness center
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Free use of bicycles
  • Beach umbrellas

For families (6)

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's club (free)
  • Playground on site
  • Private pool
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Separate bedroom
The current price is CNY2,448
CNY3,201 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18

Why we love this property

Beach bliss
This hotel features a white sand beach with loungers. Snorkelers and kayakers thrive here, with scuba diving nearby and a beachfront restaurant.
Work and play paradise
Business travelers thrive with meeting rooms and computer stations. After work, indulge in spa services, sauna sessions, and poolside cocktails.
Gourmet paradise
Culinary delights await at two restaurants with scenic views. Free buffet breakfast kicks off the day. Two cafes and bars complete the experience.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

Luxury Garden Pool Villa

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 155 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Ocean Front Pool Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 155 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Prestige Ocean Front Pool Villa

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 155 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Frangipani Garden Pool Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Frangipani Ocean Front Pool Villa

  • Ocean view
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Presidential Villa (Pool)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

Map
Mchangamle, Kizimkazi

What's nearby

  • Mchangamble Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Kizimkazi Beach - 17 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park - 30 min drive - 28.2 km
  • Jambiani Beach - 32 min drive - 30.7 km
  • Paje Beach - 39 min drive - 37.4 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 58 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪fahari off the grid - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Aya Beach Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Sarabi - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Juice Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Frangipane Buffet Restaurant - ‬14 min walk

About this property

The Residence Zanzibar

At The Residence Zanzibar, you can hit the beach to enjoy the shade from a beach umbrella or relax in a sun lounger, plus you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Salaam Cave Aquarium. The outdoor pool provides fun for everyone, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in massages, body wraps, and mani/pedis. The Dining Room, one of 2 restaurants, offers a beachfront location and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include 2 bars/lounges, a free kid's club, and a poolside bar. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.

All inclusive

All-inclusive room rates at The Residence Zanzibar are available. These rates are higher because they include onsite food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 66 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Check-out time is noon
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
    • For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
DONE

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)
    • Babysitting*
    • Supervised childcare*
    • Free children's club
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast
  • 2 restaurants
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 coffee shops
  • Poolside bar
  • 24-hour room service
  • Snack bar/deli

Traveling with children

  • Free children's club
  • Playground
  • Supervised childcare (surcharge)

What to do

  • On the beach
  • Yoga classes
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Horse riding/rentals
  • Kayaking
  • Snorkeling
  • Evening entertainment
  • Table tennis
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby

Working away

  • Meeting rooms
  • Computer station

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Hair salon
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Romance packages

Facilities

  • 66 buildings/towers
  • Built in 2011
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Fitness center
  • An outdoor pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Lockers available
  • Reception hall

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Accessible airport shuttle

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television
  • Satellite TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Slippers

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Turndown service
  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Private pool
  • Furnished patio
  • Fireplace
  • Separate living room

Freshen up

  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include facials, body wraps, body scrubs, and body treatments.

Dining

The Dining Room - This beachfront buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting).
The Pavilion - Overlooking the garden, this fine-dining restaurant serves dinner only. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night
  • An effective city/local tax rate of 12.00 percent will be charged
  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 190
  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per child: USD 95 (from 3 to 12 years old)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 190
  • New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per child: USD 95 (from 3 to 12 years old)

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 95 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)

Children & extra beds

  • In-room babysitting is available for an extra charge
  • Supervised childcare is available for an extra charge

Policies

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Also known as

Residence Zanzibar
Residence Zanzibar Hotel
Residence Zanzibar Hotel Kizimkazi
Residence Zanzibar Kizimkazi
Zanzibar Residence
The Residence Zanzibar Hotel Kizimkazi
The Residence Zanzibar Kizimkazi
The Residence Zanzibar Hotel
The Residence Zanzibar Kizimkazi
The Residence Zanzibar Hotel Kizimkazi

Frequently asked questions

Does The Residence Zanzibar offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, The Residence Zanzibar does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at The Residence Zanzibar?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool.

Are pets allowed at The Residence Zanzibar?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at The Residence Zanzibar?

Yes, there's free self parking.

Is airport shuttle service offered by The Residence Zanzibar?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 95 per vehicle one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Residence Zanzibar?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is noon. Contactless check-out is available.

What is there to do at The Residence Zanzibar and nearby?

Have fun with onsite activities like horseback riding, kayaking, and snorkeling and improve your game at the onsite tennis courts. Additional recreation onsite includes yoga. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. The Residence Zanzibar also has 2 bars, private pools, and a sauna, as well as a steam room and a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near The Residence Zanzibar?

Yes, there are 2 onsite restaurants, featuring alfresco dining and garden views.

Does The Residence Zanzibar have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a private pool and a furnished patio.

What's the area around The Residence Zanzibar like?

The Residence Zanzibar is located a short 7-minute walk from Mchangamble Beach.

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Reviews

The Residence Zanzibar Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.4

Cleanliness

8.2

Location

9.2

Staff & service

9.2

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • The pool was great for long swims and the private pools in villas were a highlight for many guests. (9 reviews)
  • The spa offered excellent treatments, a sauna, steam room, and beautiful massages that left guests feeling completely relaxed and at peace. (4 reviews)
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From real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

Food
Service staff
Private pool
Room
Bathroom
Recreation
Beach
Villa
Ocean
Airport

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Very good

Very nice villas. Friendly staff. Facilities Nice and Calm atmosphere. Low tides dominated the day time but we know this before coming. Two of us Got sick from ice cream with travellers diarréa as a consequece, staff shoul have better hygiene routines.
robert, 8-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Room was immaculate with private pool and ocean front.
Michael, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful resort, great for relaxing. Ideal for honeymoons and celebrating anniversaries. Loved the facilities and staff.
Tahmina, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Staff were very polite and friendly The rooms are very good
Brian, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect stay

Amazing stay in the Residence! Employees are very kind, the rooms are very luxurious, ans the a perfect service! I travel a lot and it is one of my favorite hôtel I will come back very soon for sure 😃
Anne, 7-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful place. Great staff. Delicious food
Jorge, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

One week stay

Fabulous stay. Beautiful, relaxing and quiet resort. Particularily enjoyed the kindness of all staff. Will probably be back.
Anne, 7-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Top notch customer service!! Well kept property. We enjoyed our honeymoon here!
Gloria, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic stay. Great service

Simply put fantastic. We stayed in on of the Villas close to the beach with own small pool. Highly recommend
Peter, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

A great location for a quiet get away. The spa treatments and wellness was fabulous. The dining options were always good and of high quality. Staff are friendly and helpful. Recommend the all-inclusive package as options are plentiful and much better than most resorts in Zanzibar.
Gerald, 4-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Beautiful property, with a nice layout. The staff was very friendly and helpful, the only issue we faced was complete power failure on the first day and Internet going off and on.
Ubaid, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Highly recommend

Fabulous trip! The residence is gorgeous. The food was delicious and the service was great, everyone is super friendly and welcoming. We found the hotel day trips on the pricey side. There are other local options so all good.
Kerry Lee, 5-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Our room was perfect, we had booked Luxury Garden Suite, which exceeded our expectations, we particularly like the privacy it afforded and actually were pleased to have not booked a Beach Villa. The main swimming pool does need a face lift, there are numerous tiles missing and also the entry to the pool is rather unsafe it would be much better to just have a step rather than the slanted tiles
Stuart, 15-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect quality time in perfect place

Perfect Residence. Luxury amenities. Pool area, dinning villas stunning. Staff , every person very pleasant, smiling and ready to help, please you in any possible way. Food is good. Entertainment at dinner time with african bands, dancing. Nice music.extremly clean pool, bathrooms, all common area..Me and my housban enjoyed our stay. Thank you Residence.
Elena, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

A truly magical holiday with great attentive staff, Nitin and his team really looked after us. The resort is set in a very natural surrounding and there is lots of opportunity to catch the wildlife in action (including cheeky monkeys!). Pool was great for long swims, fitness centre was very well equipped. The food was immaculate! Both the lunch and dinner menu amazed us every time we dined. Evening entertainment was very entertaining! I recommend you go for all inclusive, full board or at a minimal half board.
TASNEEM, 6-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Really nice hotel, stayed in a one bedroom villa and it was beautiful and clean, food choices were good also but could have more options. Pavilion restaurant was really nice. The place is really big and because they are all villas it sometimes feel like there’s not many people around, when in fact they are sold out. Would stay here again only downside is the location, the road conditions are not the best on some areas, and nothing around the resort so you are forced to only eat and stay on the villa. However it’s not too far from some of the activities.
Estella, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Our stay at your incredible resort was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed not as guests, but as family—and that warmth remained with us throughout our stay. The facilities were outstanding, but what truly made our experience unforgettable was the team behind it all. We extend our deepest gratitude to Ahmed, the Front Office Manager, along with Benjamin, Edson, Rakesh, and every single member of your amazing team. Your kindness, professionalism, and genuine care went far beyond our expectations. You made us feel at home in every way. This resort has now become our home in Zanzibar, and we look forward to returning again and again. Asante sana and may God bless you all abundantly. Amen. Until we meet again—see you soon!
Shabbir, 5-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The staff were amazing. It felt like a family environment. I was quite emotional after I left. The managers and staff did everything possible to make my stay perfect. Benjamin, kitchen staff and housekeeping and all cleaners helped me out a-lot during my stay. This was a dreamy luxurious stay. I was even given complimentary treats on my arrival. I booked the Ocean view prestige Villa and it was a great decision. You have bikes at the villa which you can use to explore around the resort and gardens. The spa is extremely amazing. I loved my therapist Anna she was brilliant. Highly reccomend.
Nazma, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

4 star experience for 5 star price

Beautiful grounds, especially oceanfront villas with pools. Large villa that's nicely furnished, however not really at the 5 star level with mould growing on lampshades etc. The ocean is beautiful but be aware there is a lot of seaweed on beach which is not pleasant for swimming. Food at buffet is just ok. Mixed service with front desk staff (servers and cleaners very friendly and helpful), big difference from welcome at check in to rushed check out. There are 1-2 golf carts that can transport you around property but may have a long wait or they may forget to pick you up (though they did arrive early when it was time to check out...). Overall slightly disappointed with experience compared to price.
Courtney, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

A charming property

We had an unforgettable stay at The Residence and can’t wait to return—especially our three kids, who are already asking when we’ll be back! The hotel’s beautiful gardens were a highlight; we enjoyed walking through them every day instead of using golf carts. The staff were always friendly and eager to help, making us feel right at home. The two restaurants offered excellent food with daily themed menus and live performances, ensuring a fresh and enjoyable dining experience. The complimentary watersport activities were fantastic, with the boat house crew leading fun and informative sessions. Our beach-facing luxury villa was spacious, well-decorated, and offered great privacy, especially with its private pool although the kids also enjoyed swimming and playing with other kids in the main overflow pool. The monkeys occasionally made an appearance around the villa but kept their distance, adding a fun touch. The beach, while a bit seaweedy at low tide, was perfect after 1 pm. The tour guides were professional and made exploring the area a breeze. Overall, we had a fantastic time and look forward to returning soon!
5-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

This is an amazing property to stay in Zanzibar. We were upgraded to the frangipani villa which was spacious and well appointed. The private pool was great. The main swimming pool is huge and doesn’t get too crowded. The food options at the main dining room were good with a lot of vegetarian options for breakfast and dinner. Beverage options are nice and reasonably priced. The complimentary fruits at mid morning and ice cream at mid afternoon around the pool area are a great touch. The staff is polite and extremely helpful. We had to see the onsite doctor as one of us wasn’t feeling too well one day. The staff promptly arranged for the doctor to arrive who was extremely helpful and thoughtful in his advice which we highly appreciated. The doctor didn’t charge us for his visit and medication even when we asked if he was sure. As has been discussed previously in other reviews, most beaches in Zanzibar have big tidal ranges and at low tide, the sea retreats by a lot. We didn’t swim on the beach for that reason and there’s also a lot of sea weed that the staff tries to clean every day. Nevertheless, the main and private swimming pools more than made up for it. There are a lot of monkeys around the resort and the staff warn you at the outset to keep the doors closed. It is advice that must be heeded to. The resort is family friendly. That’s great if you have kids of your own but if you don’t, it can feel a bit like school nursery during breakfast / dinner time.
Mitul, 4-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

The room was large and beautiful sea view and outdoor private pool. Please note not fully private pool. The bathroom was nice but lots of bugs. When I mentioned it to the hotel they came to spray with bug spray (including indoor with kids). Highly venomous snake in outdoor shower - could very easily come in as there was a glass sliding door between indoor and outdoor shower which has a large gap. Took security 1 hour to come to remove snake, it disappeared by the time they arrived. Stayed elsewhere in zanzibar and did not have as many bugs inside. Food not great. Very basic. Was ok but I wouldn’t stay here again. Lovely experience with monkeys though and enjoyed the pool. The beach isn’t proper sand so uncomfortable to walk on and water not clear because of this. Staff were nice.
Verified

8/10 Very good

Amazing! Travel also to Tanzania to visit safari.

I stayed 9 nights (Feb 24) in Residence Zanzibar together with my 3 daughters (13, 17, 20y.) to have "onetime" holiday that included also safari in Tanzania. Hotel is situated approx. 90min far from an airport, surrounded by a tropical garden. Hotel offers only villas with private pools. We stayed at Frangipani villa, which easily accomodates 4 almost adult persons. Villa is very large (3 rooms, 2 bathrooms) pleasant, private pool very spacious. One may say, that a furniture is a little bit outdated, but we are in Africa and even though I am quite demanding - it was not a problem. In the middle of the resort, there is "master pool", there are also equipped gym, tennis court and other sport facilities. Food is absolutely excellent. During dinners they served local foods, seafood, grill, pasta - the offer is very varied and very tasty. Hide and low tide can be uncomfortable for someone, because it is almost impossible to swim directly at the beach, but it can be easily solved by various activities like snorkelling with dolphins, starfish, sandbank etc. They will take to by boat 10min from the hotel to the ocean and you can swim as much as you can. Definitely visit Stone town! Unbelievable city including arabic, afric, european elements. Prison island is not so interesting. And finally - if you have a time and energy, go to Tanzania to visit national parks. Even only for 2 days as we did it. The country is safe, people very nice and heplful and you may have unforgettable holiday
Marek, 9-night trip
Verified

6/10 Good

Overall, my wife and I had a nice stay for our honeymoon. However, there were several issues, especially given the $600 per night cost. Pros (1) Hotel is scenic: beach, villas and pools are nice (2) Service is good; staff is very polite (3) Food is good with a variety of options Cons (1) Logistics are poorly handled Issue A: We had two separate bookings. At check-in, staff said we would have to move villas between them because they would be giving us a bigger villa. They said they would call us around noon on move day. At noon, no one called. I called around 12:30, and was told someone would call me back. No one did. I called again around 12:50, and again was told someone would call me back. Someone called and said we would no longer need to move rooms.. Issue B: Day before leaving, we scheduled a car to take us at 10am to Stone Town, and from Stone Town to the airport. Staff said someone would come to our villa at 9:45am to collect bags. Staff completely forgot. Nobody came to get our bags until we called. And when we got to the lobby to check out and take our car, they informed us they forgot to book a car. They weren't able to get a replacement until 10:46am. Hilariously, the outside cab they arranged was $40, whereas originally they were charging us $95 for their own service. And the cab that came to take us didn't have much gas so wasn't able to turn on AC until we filled up. (2) WiFi was very spotty there was a power outage (3) Rooms are finicky / noisy
Mujtaba, 3-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Some positives: Was clean and the rooms were amazing. The rooms are very big, and you have your own private pool (well our room had this not sure if all rooms do) and we even got to see monkey's whilst we were there which was awesome. Food at the buffet was okay - wasn't amazing, but wasn't horrible either. It was decent. Staff were really lovely too, however they are not as friendly as staff at a different hotel we stayed at in Zanzibar. Some negatives: I booked a couples massage at the spa. The spa was very visually pretty and staff were friendly and were able to accommodate to quite last minute bookings. However the massage services was poor. There was no relaxing music playing, the therapists were whispering between themselves during the massage. At one point the massage just paused although the therapist was there sitting next to me. I'm not sure if she fell asleep or what had happened. It was worth twenty dollars but I paid one hundred and fourty dollars per person, and so I was quite disappointed with the massage. The actual massage itself was poor, no techniques were used and I think staff here need training. Also, my sister found a snake in her shower. There are two showers, one inside and one that is outside but still apart of your room. The snake she saw was in the outside one. She raised this with the reception and it took 1 hour for anyone to come, at that point she had no idea where it went. Staff said snakes are rare and so we were even more worried.