The Residence Zanzibar

Each of the one and two bedroom colonial-style pool villas, including a magnificent two bedroom Presidential Villa, boasts generous outdoor space with relaxing wicker chairs, day-beds and a private pool with garden, beach or ocean views. Equipped with spacious living areas, each villa also comes complete with its own bicycles so you can go exploring through the grounds.

Local ingredients and fragrances create an exciting infusion of flavours at the two restaurants – The Dining and The Pavilion. During the day, the attentive staff will ensure that you are kept suitably refreshed with sorbets, iced water and fresh fruit, served on the beach or by the pool whilst lunch is delivered to your sun lounger in a rattan basket! Special occasions can be celebrated with an intimate dinner amid the soft glow of tiki torches in the privacy of your villa or with a private barbecue on the jetty – a truly unforgettable experience!

The glass-walled beachfront infinity pool is a visually stunning centrepiece but the star attraction, for those in search of rejuvenation, is The Spa which blends seamlessly into the natural landscape and provides the perfect Spice Island escape for revitalising the mind, body and soul.

Non-motorised watersports (included in your stay) are available from The Boat House or directly from The Jetty - a nautical club by day and an energising place to practise yoga at sunset twice a week! The Jetty also transforms itself into a sunset lounge a few times a week where you can relax with cocktails and canapés as the sun sets on the horizon. MS Residence takes guests on dolphin safaris and sunset cruises directly from the jetty and kite surfing, deep sea fishing and dhow excursions to a sandbank for snorkelling are also on offer. Zanzibar’s capital, historic Stone Town, known for its bustling bazaars, winding alleys and carved doors overhung by ornate balconies, is just 55 minutes away or join a trip to follow the Zanzibar Spice Trail. You can also get up close to giant tortoises and the indigenous Red Colobus Monkey.

The Jetty, which extends into the turquoise sea, is transformed in to a beautiful lounge area where you can enjoy the sunset, cocktail and canape in hand.

The resort offers an array of activities, including dolphin safaris and dhow cruises.

Honeymooners staying in a Luxury Garden Pool Villa, Luxury Ocean Pool Villa or Prestige Ocean Pool Villa will enjoy a 15% discount (except during festive seasons) plus a romantic dinner for two once during their stay, an exotic fresh fruit bowl, a beach bag and a local pareo 'Kitenge'.

Guests will be required to show a copy of their wedding certificate at check-in as proof of eligibility.

If an exotic journey to this intriguing spice island is top of your family’s holiday wish list, but you are hesitant about straying too far from Western indulgences, then this might just be your ideal choice!

Why The Residence is perfect for families

Each of the 66 villas has generous outdoor space with a private pool. The furnishings reflect the island’s cultural mix of African, Omani, British and Indian heritage.

• Complimentary bicycles encourage families to explore the forested grounds.
• The Boat House has pedal boats and kayaks and there are five dive sites between 30 minutes to an hour away. Kite surfing, deep sea fishing and dhow excursions to a Personal butlers ride around on traditional tricycles with a large rattan trunk carefully poised on the front.
• You can board a traditional sailing dhow from The Residence jetty and enjoy an opportunity to swim with the bottlenose and humpback dolphins!
• The Kids Club mascot, Lila the donkey, is proving a real hit! Children can play hide and seek amongst the palm trees, compete in volleyball tournaments or even learn Swahili! Whilst the kids are being entertained, parents can indulge in some down time at the resort’s star attraction, The Spa, which enjoys its own stunning five acre setting!
• Food-loving families can discover the art of the Spice Island’s traditional cookery techniques on one of The Residence Zanzibar’s culinary workshops