IT’S A dazzling Saturday morning. We’re sitting overlooking the Indian Ocean in the infinity pool that is as flat as glass and the focal point of the resort. I feel like a tiny figure within this body of water that sparkles in the sunshine.
Glamorous kaftan-clad guests (with their perfectly behaved children in tow) down icy drinks and are seen slathering their bodies with sun cream, preparing to embark on a day’s sunbathing. But we are eager to return to the solitude of our villa.
Mile Long Beach
We’ve arrived into balmy Zanzibar located off the coast of mainland Tanzania and, after being met at the airport in a shiny white Range Rover, we head for The Residence Zanzibar, a secluded holiday retreat an hour’s drive away.
Back at the infinity pool, we dry ourselves off and jump on our matching bicycles to make our way to our beach villa, following the manicured pathway passing by the resort’s spa and then the Boat House, the starting point for all the water sports and activities on offer. These include dolphin cruises, sandbank excursions, paddle boarding, sunset cruising and kayaking.
Spa Reception
The villa is flanked by swaying palm trees that seem to touch the sky. We have our own pool surrounded by sun loungers and spend our days flip-flopping between walks along the bleached sand to soak-up intoxicating turquoise sea views, then return to the privacy of our sundeck to chill in the sunshine.
Frangipani Ocean Front Pool Villa
As night falls, we head to the water, the gentle ripples lapping over us, and watch the dramatic golden sunset light up the sky before disappearing into the horizon. Our large lounge area has glass sliding doors that lead out to the pool.
The bedroom, where the king size bed takes centre stage, has a calming atmosphere, thanks to the vertical wooden beamed ceiling that creates even more space and leads into a smart marble bathroom comprising indoor and outdoor shower rooms and a sizeable freestanding bath with heavy ceramic tiled floor.
Infinity Pool
The resort spans 32 hectares of lush tropical vegetation dispersed with pops of colourful bougainvillea, all fringed by a mile-long mesmerising palm-lined beach. There are 66 villas of various categories, each with their own pool and outside seating area, ranging from garden views to beach-fronts, including plenty of two-bedroom family villas.
We look forward to the relaxed atmosphere at dinner in the all-day restaurant. The recently appointed food and beverage manager, the charming Prasanta Ghora, and his team present a vast choice of dishes, many with Indian influence.
Each evening, the focus alternates with themed menus such as the seafood barbeque (which provided a massive hit). There are plenty of delicious alternatives to choose from, with light options such as freshly prepared pasta and salads also available.
Sunset at The Residence Zanzibar
For dessert, a vast array of tempting pastries and fresh fruit platters dripping with juice are artistically displayed in abundance. We also have breakfast here each morning, with its well-stocked buffet and egg station, with the opportunity to eat outside before it gets too hot.
A couple of evenings during our stay, we head to the recently opened Pavilion, a romantic, à la carte restaurant located al fresco under twinkling fairy lights. It’s where we reflect on our day while being serenaded by music selected by the resident DJ, and contemplate when we may return to this tropical paradise, only next time bringing our children.
by Amanda Bernstein
Rates start from £363 per night on a Luxury Garden Pool Villa for 2 adults on a half board basis (Including buffet breakfast & dinner).
For more information visit cenizaro.com