Stayed here with my family in early January, the service is the hotel is excellent as is the accommodation and food. It is a pity that they have closed the Library bar as it would have pleasant to go for a drink in the evening away from the restaurant bar. I felt it lacked a centre in the evening after dinner. However this is a personal choice.
Overall a good experience and would recommend.

My husband, son and I had an absolute ball here over the new year period.
Staff are attentive, kind and always willing to help. This I believe is down to the top tier managers all being Mauritian and French. Having travelled to both places many times, it was evident they are trying to bring their level of service to this African island. Many reviewers talk about the bumpy road approaching the hotel..really not an issue, try trekking in Costa Rica!
Villas are stunning, well maintained and cleaned to the highest standard. We had a garden view (217)? Second row we called it...and we're thrilled, as we had foliage covering our pool, we often went skinny dipping! Boating staff are extremely friendly and cool and a special thanks to "trumpetfish"! Who was delightful with my 12yr old son. We did the sunset sail tour but as no wind managed to swim with dolphins instead!
Food...if you have been to Mauritius/Seychelles/Maldives...much the same....good quality fish and produce served by efficient staff and cooked by European chefs. All beautiful presented and delicious.
All in all a great hotel and holiday location. Now the downside:(
Airport transfer $116 each way...sorry we are sitting ducks,...surely a hotel of this standard includes the 45 minute transfer ..or build it into the cost?
Husband and son went diving..was it necessary to put another $60ish for their transfer to diving location..surely spending money on the island is helping the local economy ..the diving school should pick up that cost
An unwelcome visitor in my room New years Eve...a snake...apparently it's unusual! Ok I understand that, but a bottle of champagne at dinner that night to compensate...maybe a few dollars off the bill might've helped!! I was totally freaked! Admittedly the hotel offered to move me to another room..2 nights before I leave when I've settled in..not an option!!
More hobie cats...we tried twice to sail in the afternoon ( as its tidal here, so no sailing in the mornings) but to no avail.

Despite the above would recommend a stay here, honeymooners will get peace and tranquility and families are extremely well looked after

This is a high end quality property which helped save my holiday. I came here after leaving Diamonds La Gemma D'ell este (see review) a hotel which did not meet any expectation with regard to service or cleanliness.. The saying "what you loose on the swings you gain on the roundabout" aptly applies here, in this case. On entering The Residence it is more than obvious that you are immediately into a new ball game with regard to service, comfort, style and class. It is as previously noted an oasis of pure bliss.The villa's are spacious, luxurious and well maintained. The comfort of the bed alone eased the bad memory of the previous property . The residence is superbly managed. It is customer focused in every respect, with a management that has as its obvious goal, the achievement of the highest standards of excellence, in ensuring customer comfort and satisfaction.

The food and spa were wonderful features for me. The ambiance of the dining room is both soothing and relaxing. Breakfast is high quality. It is a place to pamper yourself. One of its outstanding features is the presence of some highly trained Mauritian staff, who just don't work in hospitality, or,in a hotel, These men/women have a passion and love for what they do that makes the difference. This is the difference between the excellent and the mediocre. The Residence Zanzibar is an all round excellent product and a place that was a delight to stay in. Your brand has won a customer.

Just 2 comments with regard to a possible improvement. Not having a TV in the bedroom was a little disappointment. Like a previous review it is the only place I watch TV on holiday. A gents haircut at $US60 is a bit over the top. The quality of every service does not have to be outrageous in price. All in all excellent. Thank you for a wonderful few days

Zanzibar is every bit a true representative of "down and dirty" Africa; broken buildings, intermittent electricity supply, chaotic scenes at the market, cars dodging bodies walking or sitting on the roads (generally in the pitch dark) - sights and sounds to exilharate and terrify you at at once. It's true that The Residence is an hour's drive from the airport which does have its drawbacks, but the journey is definitely worth it....and how! No expense has been spared to create this haven of tranquility on its own 30 hectare site. The oceanfront villa was magnificent - beautifully appointed, ample space to relax, superb bathroom (including an outdoor shower in its own inner courtyard), the most wonderfully comfortable bed I have possibly ever experienced and, best of all, bicycles that come with each villa so you can get about the sprawling estate easily (and I think it's quirky and delightful the bicycles are a variety of colors). It's fun exploring the different restaurants - I recommend the Dining Room, which is open plan and overlooks the beach and sea- and then finding your way to the spa for some really special attention to help you unwind. My massage and pedicure were top class. The admin team could not have been more helpful, organising a day trip to Stone Town with our own guide who took us on a fascinating day-long tour. First stop was a spice farm (have you ever seen cardamon pods growing and did you know that vanilla is in fact a parasite that lives off other plants??). We toured the palace which is steeped in faded glory (and a few injuries, having been bombed by the British for 45 minutes during the shortest war in history) and visited Prison Island where there is a colony of giant land tortoises, including a dear old soul who is 189 years old, bless her (or him, we weren't too sure). A particular pleasure for me was walking along the deserted beach at 7.30 every morning and encountering the wooden cart being pulled by Boss the Bull and his team of beach sweepers, who were delightful and kept the beach spotless. We enjoyed our Residence retreat so much we extended our stay by two nights. The highlight was reserved for the last night when we had our own private dining table on the beach, with our own campfire and candles (and even a comfortable sofa for aperitifs beforehand) and a highly attentive waiter who could not have been more wonderful. It was a truly magical experience under the millions of stars one doesn't get to see much because of all the usual light pollution interference. I have no hesitation in saying I would most certainly go back to The Residence in Zanzibar. It makes me wistful just writing about it......