The Residence Zanzibar

5.0 star property
Kizimkazi beachfront hotel with 2 restaurants and spa

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Photo gallery for The Residence Zanzibar

2 bars/lounges, poolside bar - The Residence Zanzibar (Kizimkazi)
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers - The Residence Zanzibar (Kizimkazi)
2 restaurants, breakfast served - The Residence Zanzibar (Kizimkazi)
Terrace/patio - The Residence Zanzibar (Kizimkazi)
Prestige Ocean Front Pool Villa | 1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, desk - The Residence Zanzibar (Kizimkazi)
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
  • Bar
  • Free parking

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
$370 nightly
The total price is $439
Dec 21 - Dec 22
Total with taxes and fees

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.
Pool perfection
The outdoor and private pools at this luxury hotel feature loungers, umbrellas, plus a pool-view restaurant and poolside bar for ultimate indulgence.
Blissful spa moments
A full-service spa offers body wraps, facials, and massages for total relaxation. Yoga classes and a fitness room energize. A garden and sauna await.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

Luxury Garden Pool Villa

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Private pool
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2025
Separate bedroom
  • 1668 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Ocean Front Pool Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Private pool
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2025
Separate bedroom
  • 1668 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Prestige Ocean Front Pool Villa

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Private pool
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2025
Separate bedroom
  • 1668 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Frangipani Garden Pool Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Private pool
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2025
2 bedrooms
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Frangipani Ocean Front Pool Villa

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Private pool
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2025
2 bedrooms
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Presidential Villa (Pool)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Private pool
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2025
Separate bedroom
  • 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

  • ‪Dining room, The Residence - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Mnana Lodge - Bar - Restaurant - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Pavilion Restaurant - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Kipepo Pool Bar - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Aya Beach Restaurant - ‬15 min drive

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 have access to onsite snorkeling and kayaking. 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
  • 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

9.0

Staff & service

8.8

Eco-friendliness

9.2

Property conditions & facilities

What guests liked

  • The pool was great for long swims and the private pools in villas were a highlight for many guests. (8 reviews)
  • The dining options were excellent, with a variety of foods, live performances, and high-quality meals at both the buffet and set menu. (6 reviews)
  • The spa offered excellent treatments, a sauna, steam room, and beautiful massages that left guests feeling completely relaxed and at peace. (4 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

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

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

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

8/10 Very good

Pool im Front of Villa
Marlene, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great place.
Halit, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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

10/10 Exceptional

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

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

6/10 Good

Not Solo Traveler Friendly

For a solo traveler I wouldn’t recommend this place. The staff were not very accommodating & not friendly. They wanted to charge me double for any excursions because I was a solo traveler. Which was very odd & no one could explain why. I ended up leaving after one night after feeling dismissed by the staff. The property is beautiful although no one was on the beach not sure why.
3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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

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

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

10/10 Exceptional

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

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent Villas, service and food
ABDUL, 4-night trip

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

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing hotel, bit far from the airport but definitely worth the trip. Amazing food, a very polite and pleasant group of staff, very helpful, attentive to details, large clean rooms, very well kept and maintained hotel and facilities and amazing activities, great snorkelling site nearby.
Kunaal, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Definitely had an amazing time at The Residence Zanzibar. Everything was perfect, thanks so much for the hospitality.
Witness, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Cant wait to be back

Amazing as it is my 4th time to stay in the residence, its so comfortable feela like home, the food options one of the best on the island.
Sara, 2-night trip

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

2/10 Poor

Be cautious and cynical

Some wonderful hospitality staff and spacious rooms. However lots of issues: Cockroach in room Room wasn’t serviced every day Poor a la carte experience with long delays and very limited menu inc a lack of vegetarian options A real lack of integrity with some of the front of house staff. One of who said that the hotel was fully booked so couldn’t provide a complimentary upgrade (there were rooms available on their website that night) - my status indicated that I should be offered an upgrade at VIP properties. They then vociferously claimed that they had never agreed to that with hotel.com They did however offer 20% off food and drink. On check out this was not honoured and i was told that this would never have been offered. Exorbitant prices on some of the food and drink… $33 for a double gin and tonic and €10 for a bowl of chips that had come from a freezer bag. Be cautious booking this hotel… some strengths but the mis truths left a very sour taste in my mouth upon leaving. At over £500 per room per night this shouldn’t be the case
Alison, 5-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Family holidays

Amazing localization and very well maintained gardens. Staff is very nice and always helpful.
Hotel pool
Villa pool
boris, 2-night trip

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

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

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

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect hotel, with plenty to do and a very large space to explore. Staff were amazing and very friendly, in particular Nuhu was always on hand to assist with any requests, including catering complimentary room service whilst my wife was ill on the first night. This was an amazing unexpected gesture.

10/10 Exceptional

The property was amazing but the highlight was Ms Joyce. She is incredible. My son was sick upon arrival and everyday she checked on him, brought him food to the room and made the stay so pleasant.
Akilah, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

It was amazing! Loved everything about the property .. special thanks to Helen at the dinning hall for being very efficient as well as all her colleagues who were always smiling and extremely helpful. And to all the happy chefs who would come to check if all was okay.. not to forget the happy gentleman at the pool who would help us with our towels/fruits etc. loved it!
KHILNA JAYESH, 3-night trip