The Residence Zanzibar
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Vibe
Standalone villas disperse across thirty-two hectares of coastal forest, linked by palm-lined sandy tracks best navigated on the resort's complimentary bicycles.
“Forested oceanfront refuge”
A 32-hectare forested estate offering a 500-foot activity jetty, non-motorized watersports, floodlit tennis courts, and sandbank excursions.
Dedicated butler service, private plunge pools in every villa, and bespoke sandbank picnics with private chefs.
Garden spa pavilions utilizing ila rituals and Zanzibari botanicals alongside complimentary scheduled yoga and a glass-walled infinity pool.
On a 32-hectare forested estate along the southwest coast, an hour south of Stone Town.
“A simplified blend of styles—Swahili, Omani, Indian, British colonial—reflecting the island’s mix of influences.”
Rooms
Every villa pairs pitched wooden ceilings with canopied beds, opening onto a private sundeck, plunge pool, and an outdoor pebble-garden shower.
Wellness
Six private treatment pavilions sit within a two-hectare garden sanctuary, steps from a signature glass-walled infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
Eat & drink
Order spiced dishes at The Dining Room, or wander down the long wooden jetty for evening cocktails above the tidal reef.
The neighborhood
The secluded southwest coastline borders the Menai Bay marine reserve, where traditional dhows sail past and wild dolphins gather offshore.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.