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About

#1 of 4 hotels in Kizimkazi Dimbani
Location
4.4
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.7
Value
4.4
Travelers' Choice
Immerse in the splendour of a secluded hideaway fringed by a kilometre of stunning coastline flanked by coconut palms and the Indian Ocean on the southwest corner of Zanzibar. Within a lush, forested estate, 66 luxurious villas; each with its own swimming pool and terrace blend modern comforts with Swahili, Omani, British and Indian influences and provide guests with an unquestionable feeling of luxury and privacy. At the heart of the hotel is the stunning glass-walled infinity pool and The Spa, set in five acres of private gardens and offering rejuvenating treatments inspired by local flora and spices. The hotel has two restaurants serving international dishes of Middle-Eastern, Turkish, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine, a kids club, and a range of complimentary sports including kayaks, pedal boats, hobie cats, and snorkeling excursions. Dolphin safaris and a visit to see the indigenous Red Colobus monkeys in the nearby Jozani Forest are unforgettable Zanzibari experiences not to be missed.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Beach
Bicycle rental
Babysitting
Parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Fitness / spa locker rooms
Fitness classes
Sauna
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Special diet menus
Poolside bar
Bicycles available
Canoeing
Tennis court
Entertainment staff
Evening entertainment
Table tennis
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids club
Airport transportation
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Salon
Steam room
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Butler service
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Private beach
Additional bathroom
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Flatscreen TV
VIP room facilities
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Room types
Ocean view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, Arabic, Afrikaans
Hotel links
Special Offer:Exclusive Member Offer
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,781 reviews
Reviews Summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Nestled in a picturesque location by the sea, The Residence Zanzibar garners high praise for its cleanliness, with guests appreciating the daily upkeep of its well-appointed villas. The staff's warm and efficient service receives personal accolades, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the spacious rooms, which come complete with private pools. While the resort offers a plethora of amenities, including water sports and themed dining, some travelers caution that the cost may not equate to the perceived value, citing expensive extras.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Serene
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Top-notch
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2,781Reviews142Q+A100Room tips
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Genia wrote a review Mar 15
Leamington Spa, United Kingdom5 contributions11 helpful votes
+1
My husband and I have just come back from one of the best holidays we have ever been on. From the moment we stepped foot in The Residence to the moment we left, we were treated with so much kindness and warmth. The staff are incredible and nothing is too much trouble - they are so happy all the time. It is so laid back and you will definitely get to relax here. Everything is Jambo Jambo style. On our first night following our delicious buffet style meal, the staff congregated around my husband to sing him happy birthday and presented him with a massive cake. Then back at the villa we were greeted with the bed decorated so intricately and beautifully. We were overwhelmed. We loved our garden villa No 302, which was very private, luxurious and spacious. We felt at one with nature with visits from many different birds and monkeys too. Some people did not feel comfortable with the monkeys around but we loved seeing them. They made us laugh as one day the stole my Pringles and consequently ran onto the roof where many more joined in the snacking and then proceeded to throw the empty container back at me!! Make sure you remember to lock your patio doors as they will get in and turn the place upside down looking for food. They are very clever! As other reviews have mentioned, this hotel complex is secluded with very little going on around it but we never found this a problem. The complex is huge and you get 2 bikes per villa to meander round. There is a spa with a well equipped gym and a games room with a pool table and table tennis. We stayed mainly by the big pool. It does get very hot and the water in the pool is very warm so doesnt cool you down much but there are showers too. You get fruit kebabs in the morning and ice creams around the pool in the afternoons - even if you are half board only like we were. If you love beaches and swimming in the sea, although the hotel beach is beautiful - white sands and very long, you would need to go half an hour up the coast to Mtende and Paje beaches. Because of the tides it is difficult to have a swim at the hotel beach. However its great to explore and take a walk out in the mornings so take your sea shoes to avoid stepping on a sea urchin. At Paje you can shelter on sunbeds as long as you buy some drinks or have some food. The water is incredibly warm. If you want an excursion I would recommend seeing the guys on the beach. We had 3 trips out with Captain Samway. We always haggled and got him down on his prices. He is half the price on what the hotel charge. We also used him to take us back to the airport in his minibus for 50USD. I got very burnt on a snorkelling trip so would recommend wearing a t-shirt - you really dont realise how hot it is and take plenty of factor 50. It does get very hot! I would also recommend sundowners on the pier from about 6pm onwards. Such a beautiful spot with amazing sunsets and staff are there to serve you a drink. I need to do a few shout outs to the people who made our holiday so special - Joyce and her staff in the restaurant - including Jesca, Farida, Mary and the trainees who all did a great job. The amazing chefs - I simply loved the food and choices were abundant. Our special friends Nitin and Prasanta who we played tennis with a few times. They were great fun and ran the bar area very professionally. We would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to anyone considering a relaxing trip to Zanzibar. Do not come here if you want PARTY PARTY. It has a relaxed vibe and totally chill. We loved it and miss it already - would love to go back one day. HAKUNA MATATA
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Take lower denominations of USD - good for tips Spray mosquito repellent every night before you...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Ko Hakamata, Guest Services / Front Office at The Residence Zanzibar
Responded 3 days ago
Dear 606genia, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience at The Residence Zanzibar. We are thrilled to know that our efforts in making your husband's birthday celebration unforgettable were successful and that you enjoyed the warm hospitality of our team members. Your kind words about our garden villa, facilities, and surroundings are much appreciated. We understand that some guests may be wary of the monkeys, but we're glad they brought joy and laughter to your stay. It's great to hear that you found our hotel complex to be a perfect place for relaxation, and that you enjoyed the various amenities offered such as bikes, spa services, games room, and refreshments by the pool. Your feedback on nearby beaches has been noted and will surely assist fellow travelers looking for a refreshing swim in the sea. Lastly, thank you for recognizing Joyce, Jesca, Farida, Mary, Nitin, Prasanta and our entire team for their exceptional service. They will be thrilled to receive your compliments. Once again, thank you for choosing our hotel for your special occasion. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future for another serene getaway filled with HAKUNA MATATA moments. Warm regards, Ko Hakamata Room Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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HJKBishopsStortford wrote a review Jan 2024
Bishops Stortford83 contributions50 helpful votes
+1
Hotel's Favorite
The hotel is in a remote location - a haven of quiet with a large infinity pool overlooking the beach. This is not a party hotel - but one for more quiet family groups. Exactly what we wanted but might be too quiet for some and for extended stays. The staff are mainly local and are keen to greet you with Jambo Jambo welcomes. The humidity is intense during mid day - 11.30 to 3.30 - and you learn that this is a time to do things pole pole (slowly slowly). The beach is very tidal - not great for swimming in but fascinating to watch as the tides come and go. For snorkelling you need to really go elsewhere. Bring wellies if you want to go for beachside walks and rock pooling. The hotel does a great job with the food considering how remote it is. The wine list is short but well chosen. The virgin cocktails are delicious. The heat meant that we avoided alcohol during the day! The cocktail hour on the pier has been a highlight of our stay with attentive staff and delicious samosa and spring rolls that they charge extra for. The buffets were good and you could listen to the different bands. All quite mellow music - not loud but with restrained play lists designed to give a romantic rather than disco vibe. Our preferred dining experience was the pavilion restaurant. Excellent a la carte - limited choice but delicious pumpkin soup, chicken and beef and vegetables. Ice cream was home made and refreshing. A few short power cuts of a couple of minutes made the atmosphere even more beautiful as you could see the stars. Villa was spacious / with own plunge pool. Housekeeping efficient and lovely decorations on bed when we arrived. Lots of water and a programme for the day. Only one monkey invasion - to steal the complimentary cookies. The spa area has a lovely outdoor pool with afternoon shade. My new routine has been to go for a short swim before my yoga session. The young yoga teacher is excellent. Patient, clear, and understanding that everyone has different levels of fitness. Again pole pole is the byword - and the sessions watched by monkeys and with the fans have been an unexpected highlight. We did one excursion to see the dolphins and the sea turtles. There is a slick band of young captains wearing Zanzibar shirts who are offering trips much cheaper than the hotel. Most guests raved about them. They do check in and out with hotel security but have smaller boats not quite so good if the water is choppy. But they are cheery young entrepreneurs from local villages and have a firm fan base amongst hotel guests. A few small tips. There was a delay with checking in - not the hotels fault but our travel agents as the request for a twin room hadn’t been communicated. We were hot and sweaty after the early morning flight and should have gone to spa for a swim and shower. Service isn’t fast but it is friendly. It is so humid - the staff do really well. It’s a different pace. The furniture is wooden - the sun bed cushions could do with a refresh but everything is sympathetic to Zanzibar setting. Massage was excellent if expensive. You can order more European style coffee at breakfast - but we only found out towards the end. It is isolated - but it is beautiful and we enjoyed watching the local fishing boats, seeing the weaver birds, the duick duicks and the monkeys. We feel lucky to have visited when it is such a small resort. I expect this coastline could change a lot of developers exploited it
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ko Hakamata, Guest Services / Front Office at The Residence Zanzibar
Responded Jan 20, 2024
Dear HJKBishopsStortford, Thank you for taking the time to share your insightful review of your recent stay at our hotel. We are truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed the serene environment, attentive team members, and various activities during your visit. We appreciate your kind words regarding our local staff's warm Jambo Jambo welcomes and their dedication to making your stay a memorable one. Your feedback on the food offerings, including the pavilion restaurant and cocktail hour, is greatly appreciated as we strive to provide an exceptional dining experience for our guests. It is wonderful to know that you found the villa accommodations comfortable and appreciated the housekeeping services. We are glad that our spa facilities and yoga sessions added value to your overall experience. We have taken note of your suggestions about sun bed cushions, European-style coffee at breakfast, and communication with travel agents. We will work towards addressing these aspects in order to enhance future stays for all our guests. Regarding the local entrepreneurs offering excursions, we acknowledge their contribution towards providing unique experiences for visitors. However, we always recommend booking through official channels for safety reasons and ensuring a high-quality experience. Once again, thank you for choosing our hotel for your vacation and sharing your thoughts with us. We hope to welcome you back soon for another relaxing getaway amidst nature's beauty in Zanzibar. Warm regards, Ko Hakamata Room Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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acope2024 wrote a review Mar 14
1 contribution1 helpful vote
This is a wonderful hotel for relaxation and rest and quite location. The service from the staff teams is fantastic. The pools villas are super and spacious with great facilities also. One are of improvement to make this a five star experience is the food offering which is not up to the standard of the rest of the hotel
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Ko Hakamata, Guest Services / Front Office at The Residence Zanzibar
Responded 5 days ago
Dear acope2024, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at our hotel. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our serene location, exceptional service, and the luxurious pool villas. We greatly appreciate your feedback regarding our culinary offerings. Our team is committed to continuously improving the dining experience for all of our guests. Rest assured that your comments have been taken into consideration and will be shared with our executive chef and food and beverage team. Once again, thank you for choosing The Residence Zanzibar, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future for an even more remarkable stay. Best regards, Ko Hakamata Room Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Kasunt wrote a review Mar 12
2 contributions1 helpful vote
Excellent hotel with good management and staff .. what an outstanding experience. The hotels is huge and a wonderful beach front . I love it personally, The tides makes it special which I have never seen before . The dining experience is absolutely amazing with huge variety of foods. A la carte lunch . I would like to thank the chef Arjun and satiish . A big shout out to Prasanta and Nitin . Also the Japanese manger KO at the reception for her kindness and welcome. thank you so much all residence staff and the management.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ko Hakamata, Guest Services / Front Office at The Residence Zanzibar
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Kasunt, Thank you for taking the time to share your outstanding experience at The Residence Zanzibar. We are truly delighted to know that our beautiful beachfront location, unique tidal phenomenon, and extensive dining options contributed to making your stay memorable. Our dedicated culinary team, led by Chef Arjun and Satiish, always strives to create a diverse and enjoyable dining experience for our guests and we are happy to know that their culinary offering has met your expectations. We also would like to express our gratitude for acknowledging the exceptional service provided by Prasanta and Nitin. We appreciate your kind words and will be sure to pass on your compliments to them. It was truly our pleasure to welcome you to our hotel, and we are grateful for your swift action in providing us with such a great review! ඔබව හමුවීම ඉතා සතුටක් වූ අතර එවැනි ප්‍රීතිමත් සමාලෝචනයක් දැකීමට මට සතුටු විය නොහැක. මට ඇත්තටම ඔබට ප්‍රමාණවත් තරම් ස්තූති කළ නොහැක! We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you back for a longer stay in the near future. Warm regards, Ko Hakamata Room Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Chris W wrote a review Mar 10
Sorede, France864 contributions278 helpful votes
OK, there for one night only so the review is based on that. At the end of the day, the pros outweighed the cons but the cons caused us a fair degree of discomfort. However, lets go with the pros first. Our room was excellent and featured an outdoor plunge pool which, unfortunately, we did not use, the same applying to the attractive infinity pool. A sunset drink on the jetty was good though the sunset was a bit of a let down. Food was OK in the restaurant but not great and the attitude of the staff was a bit variable - some being quite affable, others quite cold. However, the main cons were as follows. On an early arrival, we were told the room would be available at two rather than the normal three o'clock which we were pleased with. So, in the interim, they suggested we take a shower in the spa which was a welcomed suggestion given our long journey. Problem was, the showers were not working. The 2 o'clock check in turned out to be 3.30 by which time we were totally hot and bothered with no excuse or apology being offered by the reception personnel who had made the promises. So, given the one night stay, the 3 rating may be harsh but we both felt it should have been better.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ko Hakamata, Guest Services / Front Office at The Residence Zanzibar
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Christ W, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We truly appreciate your valuable feedback and apologize for any inconveniences you may have encountered during your stay. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our villa amenities, as well as the jetty for a sunset drink. However, we understand that there is always room for improvement when it comes to our cuisine and team interactions. Rest assured, we will address these concerns with our culinary team and reiterate the importance of friendly guest relations among all staff members. Regarding the check-in and spa facilities, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We will be working closely with our front desk team to ensure accurate communication in the future and promptly address any issues that may arise. Once again, thank you for choosing to stay with us. We hope to have another opportunity to provide you with an exceptional experience in the future. Best regards, Ko Hakamata Room Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Thomas W wrote a review Mar 8
2 contributions3 helpful votes
The staff at this hotel are nothing short of outstanding. They are so attentive and nothing is too much trouble. The food is also excellent. My wife and I have been to a lot of resorts around the world and I have to say this comes very very high on the list. We would definitely return here. Well done to all your team you are making our stay one to remember. Thank you Tom & Michelle Williams Room 112
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ko Hakamata, Guest Services / Front Office at The Residence Zanzibar
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Tom & Michelle Williams, We are truly grateful for your kind words and thrilled to know that our team has been able to provide you with an exceptional experience during this time. It is our top priority to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of every guest, and we are delighted that our attentive team and delicious cuisine have contributed positively to your stay. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if there's anything more we can do to make your visit even more memorable. We hope you will have a continuous enjoyable stay with us for the rest of your stay and we look forward to having the opportunity to welcome you back again in the future. Warm regards, Ko Hakamata Room Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Slamjo wrote a review Mar 2
London, United Kingdom7 contributions4 helpful votes
We booked The Residence for a 10 day half board stay along with another couple. First impressions upon arrival were great, lush and green gardens leading to a beautiful reception area with views down over the pool and ocean. Welcome drinks upon arrival and as our rooms were not ready we were taken to the spa to be able to change and relax by the pool there. One of the rooms was on the 2nd row and ours on the 3rd with your own garden view. Rooms are very large with huge, high fourposter beds. Great bathroom with double sink, bath, private wc & bidet, large shower and outdoor shower. Cenizaro toiletries provided. Air conditioning and fans very efficient and welcome when coming in from the heat. Lovely private pool and patio area. Each villa provided with bikes for getting around which were great fun. There are also buggys to transport you if required - Marco was brilliant! Small shop onsite with limited provisions. In the villa there is a coffee machine and kettle provided for hot drinks. Free bottles of water every day - we did think it slightly wasteful to have any opened but not finished water bottles removed by housekeeping. Mini bar at extra cost. Housekeeping twice a day, ours seemed to be different each time we saw them. Our friends had beautiful flowers and towel arrangements on their bed a few times, we had flowers the first day. They also had fruit and biscuits replenished whereas we just had them the first day. Beware of the monkeys using every trick to get into your room and swipe the fruit and sugar. We found it very entertaining but some might not. They are harmless and just after food. Could do with a welcome pack in the villa with information about the hotel and island, the QR code leads to limited info. Main pool is vast at 50m long with stunning views over the ocean - be aware that this is not an ideal beach location stay as the tide is very far out from around 9.30-3.30. You will need beach shoes as it is rocky and there are lots of sea urchins. The pool has sun loungers and parasols and an abundance of towels. Complimentary fruit and ice cream each day which was delicious. You can order food and drinks to be brought to you. Decking around the pool a bit uneven. We really enjoyed swimming in the pool every day. The main dining area is next to the pool with a buffet selection for breakfast and dinner. Different theme each evening and something to suit each time. A la carte for lunch and also at The Pavillion area where we ate under the stars one night and was fabulous. We were also offered a night time beach dinner but the weather took a turn so we had in inside, again, food really good with great service from Clement. Waiter service every day was very good, never any delay, always greeted with a hello and a smile. We were very well looked after by Joyce, Nitin, Hellen, Mary, Farida and the trainees to name just a few. All the staff were very attentive. Thank you to them and all the other staff. Tips - make sure to bring beach shoes, mosquito repellent and smaller USD notes for tips as reception never had change. All in all a great resort, albeit rather isolated, with good staff and cleanliness.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ko Hakamata, Guest Services / Front Office at The Residence Zanzibar
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Slamjo, Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughtful review of your stay at The Residence Zanzibar. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our lush gardens, spacious villas, and our attentive team members. We appreciate your constructive feedback regarding housekeeping inconsistencies and water bottle replacements. Rest assured, we will address these concerns with the relevant departments to ensure a more seamless experience for future guests. It is heartening to know that our pool facilities, dining options, and exceptional team have contributed positively to your vacation. We would also like to extend our gratitude for acknowledging our team members particularly Marco, Joyce, Nitin, Hellen, Mary, Farida, and the trainees's outstanding service during your stay. We will ensure to pass along your kind words to them. Your valuable tips about bringing beach shoes, mosquito repellent, and smaller USD notes will surely be helpful for future guests planning their visit to our resort. Once again, thank you for choosing our hotel. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back in the near future for another memorable stay. Best regards, Ko Hakamata Room Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Carol B wrote a review Mar 1
Leicester, United Kingdom11 contributions6 helpful votes
We had a wonderful stay with friends at The Residence. Staff were very friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. Special mention to Nitin, Joyce, and Helen in the resturant, they met us each morning with a warm smile. Rooms were spacious and met all our needs. Our only criticism was the beach, tide was out most of the day, which made it underiserable.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: If you like beach this is not the location.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ko Hakamata, Guest Services / Front Office at The Residence Zanzibar
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Carol B, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at our hotel. We are delighted to hear that you had a relaxing stay and that our team, particularly Nitin, Joyce, and Helen, made a lasting impression with their warm hospitality. It is gratifying to know that our spacious villas met all your needs. We appreciate your feedback regarding the beach and understand that the natural tide patterns may have affected your enjoyment. We are committed to ensuring our guests have a memorable experience, and we will consider your comments as we continue to enhance our services. We look forward to welcoming you back for another wonderful stay with us. Best regards, Ko Hakamata Room Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Karen I wrote a review Feb 2024
2 contributions1 helpful vote
We had a great holiday the villa was beautiful and the private pool was very special straight onto the beach The staff at the restaurant were always smiling and helpful especially Nitin, Farida, Helen and Aziza. The food was adequate although it is buffet style every night in the main restaurant. If you prefer waiter service then there is the option of the Pavilion restaurant which was excellent. We think the reception staff could be more welcoming. If you arrive late at night, no one to take your bags or welcome you, it all seemed too much trouble for them. We were a returning customer and had a preference for a villa in a specific location. We were disappointed that the hotel could not accommodate our request however after one night in a different villa. After asking to speak to the manager Stephano did manage to move us to our preferred location so thank you for your assistance and making the remainder of our holiday more enjoyable. Watch out for the Monkeys as they will get into the Villa and steal all of the sugar out of the tea caddy😂 All in all a great relaxing holiday but would rate it 4 star. .
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ko Hakamata, Guest Services / Front Office at The Residence Zanzibar
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Karen I, Thank you for taking the time to share your valuable feedback with us. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay at our villa and found the private pool and beach access to be truly special. We appreciate your kind words about our restaurant team, Nitin, Farida, Helen, and Aziza. Their dedication to providing exceptional service is a cornerstone of our establishment, and we are glad they were able to enhance your dining experience. We apologize for any inconvenience you faced upon arrival and during the initial part of your stay. We understand that first impressions are important, and we will take steps to improve our reception services. Your comments regarding the villa preference have been noted, and we're glad that Stefano was able to assist in making the remainder of your holiday more enjoyable. Your input helps us continually improve our services, so once again thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We hope to have an opportunity in the future to provide an even better experience deserving of a 5-star rating. Best regards, Ko Hakamata Room Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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MaskedEpicurian wrote a review Feb 2024
Geneva, Switzerland1679 contributions235 helpful votes
+1
The Residence is certainly one of the best hotel in Zanzibar, beautiful beach front villa, private pool, smily service. The GM Mr Bagus is a true gentleman always trying to help, kudos for Edison super nice! The food choice is large and quality is there for all tastes. Strong points: quality mattresses, calm, amiability of the staff, kids options, size of the villas, different venues every nights, music, the jetty, breakfast, the pool… one thing that was discussed with Mr Bagus are the excursion that are more expansive if booked through the hotel but in that case insurance for the participants is included… I can only recommend The Residence in Zanzibar
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Discuss in advance the excursions
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Response from Ko Hakamata, Guest Services / Front Office at The Residence Zanzibar
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear LOMTHEME, Thank you for taking the time to share your delightful experience at The Residence Zanzibar. We are thrilled to hear that you found our beachfront villas, private pool, and attentive service to be exceptional. We appreciate your kind words regarding our General manager, Mr. Bagus and Edison, as well as the diverse food options and quality amenities we offer. Your satisfaction with our nightly entertainment, jetty, breakfast, and pool truly warms our hearts. Regarding the excursions, we understand your concern about the pricing difference when booking through the hotel. We would like to emphasize that this includes insurance coverage for all participants involved—an important aspect of ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests. Once again, thank you for recommending The Residence in Zanzibar. It was an absolute pleasure having you stay with us, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Warm regards, Ko Hakamata Room Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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There are more places to choose from in the Kizimkazi Dimbani area.
PRICE RANGE
$370 - $528 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the residence zanzibar hotel kizimkazi
LOCATION
TanzaniaZanzibar ArchipelagoZanzibar IslandKizimkazi Dimbani
NUMBER OF ROOMS
66
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE RESIDENCE ZANZIBAR - Updated 2024 Prices & Hotel Reviews (Kizimkazi Dimbani, Tanzania)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Residence Zanzibar
Which popular attractions are close to The Residence Zanzibar?
Nearby attractions include Mtende Rock (3.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Residence Zanzibar?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at The Residence Zanzibar?
Top room amenities include a flat screen TV, an additional bathroom, and a mosquito net.
What food & drink options are available at The Residence Zanzibar?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Residence Zanzibar?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Residence Zanzibar?
Conveniently located restaurants include Karamba Restaurant, Restaurant Stone Village & The Dream Garden Bungalow, and Usumba Rock Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Residence Zanzibar?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness center, and a sauna during their stay.
Does The Residence Zanzibar have airport transportation?
Yes, The Residence Zanzibar offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Residence Zanzibar?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does The Residence Zanzibar offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Residence Zanzibar?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, Arabic, and Afrikaans.