Most of the best beach hotels are located on the east coast of Zanzibar as this is generally where the best beaches on the island are located but the Residence found a superb stretch of coast for their offering. With 66 villas this is on the larger side but as the plot is around 32 hectares of tropical gardens and a one mile stretch of beautiful beach it doesn’t feel particularly busy, especially during the day. There are a number of dining options here including the main dining room which offers an international style of dining, the Pavilion offering middle eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, beach or poolside dining, private dining with a number of intimate and romantic options around the resort and even 24-hour in room dining.

As this is a larger resort the range of facilities is extensive with a fully equipped gym, floodlit tennis courts, business centre, boutique gift shop, sauna and steam room, jacuzzi, volleyball court, a number of comfortable lounges, large bar area, water sports centre, and a well provisioned and complimentary kids club operating from 7.30am to 7.30pm for children aged from 4 -14 with professionally trained staff. Further facilities include a huge 45m X 15m beachfront infinity swimming pool and a 150-metre jetty that is a nautical club during the day and a lounge cocktail bar in the evenings, the perfect place for sundowner drinks. Finally, the very impressive spa and wellness centre offers a wide variety of treatments from seasons professionals.

There are a number of different room categories including the standard luxury garden pool villa, two-bedroom garden pool villa, ocean front pool villa, two-bedroom ocean front pool villa and the two-bedroom presidential pool villa. There are also the prestige and frangipani options of the above rooms which are essentially the same apart from the layout which gives a larger floor plan. All of the villas follow the same elegant contemporary style with a living room area with comfortable sofa, bedroom with king sized bed and separate en-suite facilities which include a free-standing bath, separate shower and private outdoor shower. Further facilities include a mini bar, air-conditioning, 40-inch satellite TV, free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, mini safe, bicycles for exploring the resort, and 24-hour in villa dining. All of the villas are finished with an extensive private deck with sun loungers, day bed, chairs and table and your own private swimming pool which is an incredible addition.