The Residence Zanzibar
The Residence Zanzibar is set in isolated splendour on the South West coast of the island, on 32 hectares of pristine land once occupied by the Shirazi Princes.
Located just 55 minutes from the airport and the capital Stone Town, The Residence Zanzibar lies on a mile-long powdery white sand beach, flanked by coconut palms and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Accommodation
There are 66 luxurious villas – each is spacious and appointed with contemporary decor and furnishings in a style reminiscent of the African and Omani heritage of the island.
There is a choice of various One Bedroom and Two Bedroom villas, including ones with an Ocean Front setting:
One Bedroom Villas (max 4 guests – 2 rollaway beds in living area):
- Luxury Garden Villa
- Luxury Ocean Villa
- Prestige Villas
Two Bedroom Villas (max 6 guests in 1 Double & 1 Twin room – 2 rollaway beds in living area):
- Frangipani Garden Villa
- Frangipani Ocean Villa
- Presidential Villa
Each villa features satellite television, CD/DVD player in the living room, mini bar, direct dial telephone, hairdryer, mosquito nets, personal safe, tea and coffee making facilities, broadband internet access, air-conditioning and overhead fans in the living room and bedrooms.
Outside there is a private deck with wicker chairs and day beds overlooking a plunge pool. Bicycles are provided with each villa to explore the gardens and local area.
Dining
The Residence offers various dining options with two restaurants or guests can dine in the intimacy of their villa. The Dining Room offers international dishes with a hint of Zanzibar “spice” and The Pavilion Restaurant showcases the best of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
The Dining Room
Set at the heart of the hotel with spectacular views over the beach and ocean, this is a relaxed yet sophisticated place to linger over breakfast or lunch. The “à la carte” menu features tempting, light options for lunch, but when night falls the menu reflects the spice and culture which Zanzibar is so famous for combining fresh foods and meats with Omani and African flavours.
The Pavilion Restaurant
Situated in the lush grounds, a short stroll from the main hotel, The Pavilion brings the best of Middle Eastern cuisine and culture to the heart of Zanzibar in a thoroughly modern setting. Shisha pipes and traditional music fit comfortably alongside the contemporary decor of this speciality restaurant. A mouth-watering menu takes you on a culinary journey from the Mediterranean to the Middle East embracing the flavours of all the countries in between.
In-Villa Private Dining
For complete seclusion, meals are available in the privacy of guests’ own villas. Romantic torchlit dinners can be arranged on the terrace with the backdrop of the Zanzibari sunset – a truly unforgettable experience.
The Dining Room Bar
Peaceful and unhurried, The Dining Room Bar is adjacent to the beautiful swimming pool and offers the perfect place to enjoy the cooling breeze and wonderful views of the beach and the Zanzibar sunset.
Activities & Facilities
The Residence Zanzibar offers you a wide variety of activities. The hotel features a glass walled swimming pool overlooking the ocean, an air-conditioned fitness centre and flood-lit tennis court. Dependent upon the tides, complimentary non-motorised watersports are available from the Boat House, which draws its inspiration from a traditional dhow, or directly from The Jetty.
The Jetty
A walk along the 150-metre jetty perched upon the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean rewards guests with the best views of the beach. By day, The Jetty is a nautical club. At night time, once a week, The Jetty turns into the perfect sunset lounge bar where cocktails and canapes are served (upon request with a supplement). A magical place, ideal for gazing at the ocean beyond and admiring the amazing sunset.
The Spa
The hotel’s star attraction is The Spa, which features six pavilions and a rest area with a whirlpool nested amongst 2 hectares (5 acres) of surrounding tropical gardens. The Spa blends seamlessly into the natural landscape providing the perfect escape for rejuvenating the mind, body and soul. The spa harmoniously combines the highest quality treatments with an unmatched expertise in service offering a range of beauty philosophies tailored for total relaxation and pure indulgence.
The Kid’s Club
The Residence Zanzibar takes great care in ensuring all their guests and the children are well looked after, giving parents peace of mind and the confidence to relax and enjoy their holiday. Multi-lingual, professionally trained staff provide endless entertainment and adventure with a myriad of activities in a spacious, air-conditioned club house. Children can learn Swahili, take bicycles around the property, compete in volley ball tournaments, play hide and seek and much more. Babysitting is available at an extra charge.
Recreational Activities
Complimentary:
- 1 floodlit Tennis Court
- Bicycles: you can enjoy trails around the property.
- Fitness Centre (7.00am – 8.00pm)
- Hammam
Water-Based Activities
Complimentary:
- Kayak
- Pedal boat
- Hobie Cat
- Snorkelling – one complimentary snorkelling trip is organised by the hotel once a day
At Cost:
- Kite surfing: 1 hour away
- Deep-sea fishing: 1 hour away
- Dolphin safari: 20 mins away
- Dhow cruise (traditional boat): 20 mins away
- Snorkelling excursion by boat
- Scuba diving: there are 5 dive sites (between 30 mins and up to 1 hour away)
Excursions (payable at hotel)
- Stone Town: with its bustling markets, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, is the vibrant cultural heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve: home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey, unique to Zanzibar.
- Spice Plantations: to discover the history of Zanzibar, based on the trade of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices.
- Prison Island lies just off Stone Town: it is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling and host to giant tortoises, originating from the Seychelles.
- Ruins of Persian baths and Omani palaces: can be seen in various locations on the island.
Optional All Inclusive
The hotel offers an optional All Inclusive board basis including:
- Breakfast at The Dining Room Restaurant
- Lunch at the Dining Room Restaurant/around the pool and beach
- Dinner at Pavilion Restaurant or Dining Room
- Large selection of Premium brands spirits & selected beers, cocktails + local spirits in all bars/restaurants
- Minibar (selection of wine, cocktails, beers, soft drinks and mineral water and snacks)
- Daily snorkelling from the jetty (tide permitting)
- Common yoga sessions on the jetty
- Wi-Fi Fitness Centre, Sauna & Haman
- Non-motorised water sports
- Tennis (including equipment)
- Bicycles
- Selection of DVDs
Accommodation
There are 66 luxurious villas – each is spacious and appointed with contemporary decor and furnishings in a style reminiscent of the African and Omani heritage of the island.
There is a choice of various One Bedroom and Two Bedroom villas, including ones with an Ocean Front setting:
One Bedroom Villas (max 4 guests – 2 rollaway beds in living area):
- Luxury Garden Villa
- Luxury Ocean Villa
- Prestige Villas
Two Bedroom Villas (max 6 guests in 1 Double & 1 Twin room – 2 rollaway beds in living area):
- Frangipani Garden Villa
- Frangipani Ocean Villa
- Presidential Villa
Each villa features satellite television, CD/DVD player in the living room, mini bar, direct dial telephone, hairdryer, mosquito nets, personal safe, tea and coffee making facilities, broadband internet access, air-conditioning and overhead fans in the living room and bedrooms.
Outside there is a private deck with wicker chairs and day beds overlooking a plunge pool. Bicycles are provided with each villa to explore the gardens and local area.
Dining
The Residence offers various dining options with two restaurants or guests can dine in the intimacy of their villa. The Dining Room offers international dishes with a hint of Zanzibar “spice” and The Pavilion Restaurant showcases the best of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
The Dining Room
Set at the heart of the hotel with spectacular views over the beach and ocean, this is a relaxed yet sophisticated place to linger over breakfast or lunch. The “à la carte” menu features tempting, light options for lunch, but when night falls the menu reflects the spice and culture which Zanzibar is so famous for combining fresh foods and meats with Omani and African flavours.
The Pavilion Restaurant
Situated in the lush grounds, a short stroll from the main hotel, The Pavilion brings the best of Middle Eastern cuisine and culture to the heart of Zanzibar in a thoroughly modern setting. Shisha pipes and traditional music fit comfortably alongside the contemporary decor of this speciality restaurant. A mouth-watering menu takes you on a culinary journey from the Mediterranean to the Middle East embracing the flavours of all the countries in between.
In-Villa Private Dining
For complete seclusion, meals are available in the privacy of guests’ own villas. Romantic torchlit dinners can be arranged on the terrace with the backdrop of the Zanzibari sunset – a truly unforgettable experience.
The Dining Room Bar
Peaceful and unhurried, The Dining Room Bar is adjacent to the beautiful swimming pool and offers the perfect place to enjoy the cooling breeze and wonderful views of the beach and the Zanzibar sunset.
Activities & Facilities
The Residence Zanzibar offers you a wide variety of activities. The hotel features a glass walled swimming pool overlooking the ocean, an air-conditioned fitness centre and flood-lit tennis court. Dependent upon the tides, complimentary non-motorised watersports are available from the Boat House, which draws its inspiration from a traditional dhow, or directly from The Jetty.
The Jetty
A walk along the 150-metre jetty perched upon the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean rewards guests with the best views of the beach. By day, The Jetty is a nautical club. At night time, once a week, The Jetty turns into the perfect sunset lounge bar where cocktails and canapes are served (upon request with a supplement). A magical place, ideal for gazing at the ocean beyond and admiring the amazing sunset.
The Spa
The hotel’s star attraction is The Spa, which features six pavilions and a rest area with a whirlpool nested amongst 2 hectares (5 acres) of surrounding tropical gardens. The Spa blends seamlessly into the natural landscape providing the perfect escape for rejuvenating the mind, body and soul. The spa harmoniously combines the highest quality treatments with an unmatched expertise in service offering a range of beauty philosophies tailored for total relaxation and pure indulgence.
The Kid’s Club
The Residence Zanzibar takes great care in ensuring all their guests and the children are well looked after, giving parents peace of mind and the confidence to relax and enjoy their holiday. Multi-lingual, professionally trained staff provide endless entertainment and adventure with a myriad of activities in a spacious, air-conditioned club house. Children can learn Swahili, take bicycles around the property, compete in volley ball tournaments, play hide and seek and much more. Babysitting is available at an extra charge.
Recreational Activities
Complimentary:
- 1 floodlit Tennis Court
- Bicycles: you can enjoy trails around the property.
- Fitness Centre (7.00am – 8.00pm)
- Hammam
Water-Based Activities
Complimentary:
- Kayak
- Pedal boat
- Hobie Cat
- Snorkelling – one complimentary snorkelling trip is organised by the hotel once a day
At Cost:
- Kite surfing: 1 hour away
- Deep-sea fishing: 1 hour away
- Dolphin safari: 20 mins away
- Dhow cruise (traditional boat): 20 mins away
- Snorkelling excursion by boat
- Scuba diving: there are 5 dive sites (between 30 mins and up to 1 hour away)
Excursions (payable at hotel)
- Stone Town: with its bustling markets, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, is the vibrant cultural heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve: home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey, unique to Zanzibar.
- Spice Plantations: to discover the history of Zanzibar, based on the trade of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices.
- Prison Island lies just off Stone Town: it is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling and host to giant tortoises, originating from the Seychelles.
- Ruins of Persian baths and Omani palaces: can be seen in various locations on the island.
Optional All Inclusive
The hotel offers an optional All Inclusive board basis including:
- Breakfast at The Dining Room Restaurant
- Lunch at the Dining Room Restaurant/around the pool and beach
- Dinner at Pavilion Restaurant or Dining Room
- Large selection of Premium brands spirits & selected beers, cocktails + local spirits in all bars/restaurants
- Minibar (selection of wine, cocktails, beers, soft drinks and mineral water and snacks)
- Daily snorkelling from the jetty (tide permitting)
- Common yoga sessions on the jetty
- Wi-Fi Fitness Centre, Sauna & Haman
- Non-motorised water sports
- Tennis (including equipment)
- Bicycles
- Selection of DVDs
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team. More about Rachel
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or call +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Brad Wierman
Brad Wierman
Hello there, I'm Brad, and my safari odyssey began with my first expedition to Kenya in 1984. Since then, I've had the privilege of guiding and exploring various African destinations, from Tanzania to Ethiopia, Rwanda to Zambia, and beyond. Yet, after 34 years, East Africa still captivates me like no other. My most recent adventure here was in June 2018. As an Environmental Conservation major in college, I found my perfect match in Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, whose groundbreaking conservation efforts in Kenya are unparalleled. The moment you witness an elephant in the wild for the first time, you're irrevocably hooked, just as I was. Whether you're embarking on your inaugural safari or your tenth, I'm here to curate the ideal experience tailored to your expertise level, accommodation preferences, and budget.
I'm based in Bend, Oregon, and you can reach me at brad@gamewatchers.com or by calling +1 224-558-1887. Let's make your safari dreams come true!
Sally Wanjau
Hello, I am Sally Wanjau, and I have been travelling to Kenya on safari since the 1980’s which led to me living and working there for several years. Married to a Kenyan, it is a place that I now call home. I currently live in the UK with my husband. For a number of years, I ran my own safari business as an agent working closely with Gamewatchers Safaris creating unique and tailor-made holidays for my clients, and in 2017 I joined Gamewatchers Safaris full-time as one of their dedicated team of Safari Advisers.
Having travelled extensively throughout East, South and Southern Africa, I remain passionate about Kenya, my love of which is fed by my many fantastic wildlife experiences at the Porini Camps.
You can contact me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250
Wayne Hammond
Wayne Hammond
Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer. Currently based in the UK, I'm proud to serve as a Safari Consultant for Gamewatchers Safaris, helping fellow adventurers craft their dream African experiences.
If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985. Let's bring your African safari dreams to life.
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.com or reach out to me by telephone at +44 7814 439 232.
Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. While my heart lies in India, I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendors of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
I’m based in Bangalore, India, and you can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or reach me by phone at +91 801 788 5256, including WhatsApp. Let’s embark on a journey to celebrate the beauty and conservation of our natural world together.
For Trade inquiries from the UK, we are represented by Marketing Worldwide
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com, and let’s embark on an extraordinary journey together.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.