The Residence

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The Residence

The Residence Zanzibar is a five-star luxury villa resort located in Kizimkazi, on the southwest coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania. The resort is part of the Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts collection and is known for its secluded setting, private pool villas, and personalized service. It occupies approximately 32 hectares (80 acres) of tropical gardens along a 1.6 km (1 mile) stretch of white-sand beach. 

Location

  • Island: Zanzibar (Unguja)

  • Region: Kizimkazi, southwest coast

  • Distance from Stone Town: Approximately 55 minutes by car.

  • Distance from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport: Around 55–60 km (about a 55-minute drive). 

Accommodation

The resort features 66 standalone luxury villas, each designed to provide privacy and comfort.

Every villa includes:

  • A private swimming pool

  • Spacious bedroom and living area

  • Air conditioning

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Large bathroom with bathtub and separate shower

  • Outdoor shower

  • Private terrace with sun loungers

  • Mini-bar and coffee-making facilities

  • Flat-screen satellite TV

  • Bicycle for exploring the resort grounds 

Villa categories include:

  • Luxury Garden Pool Villa

  • Luxury Ocean Front Pool Villa

  • Prestige Ocean Front Pool Villa

  • Frangipani Garden Pool Villa (larger, ideal for families)

  • Presidential Villa (the most exclusive accommodation) 

Dining

The resort offers multiple dining venues featuring local and international cuisine.

  • The Dining Room: International buffet and à la carte meals.

  • The Pavilion Restaurant: Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

  • The Jetty Lounge Bar: Built over the Indian Ocean, serving cocktails and light meals, especially popular at sunset. 

Guests can also arrange:

  • Private beach dinners

  • Romantic candlelit dinners

  • In-villa dining

  • Customized dining experiences 

Facilities

Major facilities include:

  • Large beachfront infinity swimming pool

  • Full-service spa

  • Modern fitness center

  • Sauna and steam room

  • Jacuzzi

  • Tennis courts

  • Watersports center

  • Boutique shop

  • Business center

  • Kids' Club for children aged 4–12 

Activities

Guests can enjoy:

  • Snorkeling

  • Scuba diving

  • Kayaking

  • Paddleboarding

  • Dolphin excursions

  • Deep-sea fishing

  • Sunset dhow cruises

  • Cycling

  • Spice farm tours

  • Visits to the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to see the endangered red colobus monkey

  • Cultural tours of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

Architecture and Design

The resort blends:

  • Swahili architectural traditions

  • Omani influences

  • British colonial elements

  • Contemporary luxury

Natural materials, tropical landscaping, and open-air spaces create a calm, private atmosphere. 

Sustainability

The resort incorporates environmental practices such as:

  • Conservation of tropical gardens

  • Support for local communities

  • Use of local products and ingredients where possible

  • Activities that highlight Zanzibar's natural and cultural heritage 

Best For

The Residence Zanzibar is especially suited to:

  • Honeymooners

  • Couples seeking privacy

  • Luxury travelers

  • Families

  • Wellness and spa retreats

  • Special celebrations such as anniversaries and destination weddings 

Advantages

  • Spacious private pool villas

  • Quiet, secluded location

  • High standard of personalized service

  • Beautiful tropical gardens

  • Wide range of wellness and recreation facilities

  • Excellent privacy for couples and families 

Considerations

  • The resort is relatively far from Stone Town and other major tourist areas, making excursions longer.

  • The beach is affected by Zanzibar's tides, so swimming conditions vary throughout the day.

  • Dining and additional activities are priced at the luxury end of the market.

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