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Hotels · Tanzania

The Residence Zanzibar

  • Price$500-$900
  • CategoryLuxury
  • Rating★ 4.8

The Residence Zanzibar occupies a private beachfront estate on the island's southwestern coast near Kizimkazi village, approximately 50 kilometers from Zanzibar Town. The property faces the Zanzibar Channel on the leeward west side of Unguja Island, which provides sheltered calm-water swimming conditions year-round and dramatic dhow-silhouette sunsets that east-coast resorts cannot offer.

Five-star beachfront resort on Zanzibar's southwest coast featuring Moroccan-inspired villas with private pools, pristine white-sand beach, spa, and exceptional service in a serene setting.

The Residence Zanzibar occupies a private beachfront estate on the island's southwestern coast near Kizimkazi village, approximately 50 kilometers from Zanzibar Town. The property faces the Zanzibar Channel on the leeward west side of Unguja Island, which provides sheltered calm-water swimming conditions year-round and dramatic dhow-silhouette sunsets that east-coast resorts cannot offer. The beach at Kizimkazi is considerably quieter than the busier northern and eastern tourist strips, and the surrounding coastal waters are established dolphin habitat used by spinner and bottlenose dolphins that local fishermen encounter daily.

Sixty-six freestanding villas are arranged across mature tropical gardens in six architectural groupings; each villa includes a private plunge pool, a sheltered terrace, an outdoor shower, and a living room featuring Moroccan-inspired arches, zellige tilework, and carved Zanzibar shutters. Select villa categories include direct beach frontage. A large shared infinity pool extends to the waterline at the edge of the beach, with sun loungers and a poolside bar operating throughout the day. The UZURI Spa offers a full menu of treatments incorporating spices and botanicals native to Zanzibar. Two dining venues — an open-sided beach restaurant and a more formal indoor dining room — serve contemporary cuisine blending Indian Ocean ingredients with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Butler service is available across all villa grades, and the concierge team arranges dolphin-watching excursions, spice-farm tours, Stone Town cultural day trips, and sailing trips on traditional ngalawa outriggers.

Amenities

  • private pools
  • spa
  • beach
  • restaurant
  • bar
  • water sports
  • wifi
  • infinity pool

Location

Kizimkazi, Unguja Island, Zanzibar

-6.4333, 39.3167 View on map

Highlights

  • West-coast location provides sheltered calm-water swimming year-round and vivid Indian Ocean sunsets over the Zanzibar Channel
  • Each of the 66 freestanding villas includes a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and Moroccan-inspired interior detailing
  • Proximity to Kizimkazi village allows dolphin-watching excursions in established spinner and bottlenose dolphin habitat
  • UZURI Spa treatments incorporate Zanzibar spices and native botanicals throughout a full-service treatment menu
  • Beach restaurant and formal indoor dining room serve contemporary cuisine combining Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern influences

Tips for visiting

  • The southwest coast's calm-water conditions make it ideal for swimming during the kusi monsoon (May–October) when east-coast beaches can be rough
  • Book beach-villa categories for direct beach access from the private terrace; garden villas require a short walk through the estate gardens
  • Dolphin excursions from Kizimkazi operate at dawn with local fishermen — book through the concierge the evening before for an early-morning departure
  • The Stone Town half-day excursion is a logistically practical add-on; the drive takes approximately 50 minutes from the resort

When to visit

June to October for calm west-coast seas and ideal beach conditions; year-round viable due to sheltered leeward position

Accessibility

Flat villa gardens; beach access via steps down to the sand; most villa terraces are at ground level

Frequently asked questions

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The Residence Zanzibar

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