HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates
For those dreaming of distant and exotic adventures, The Residence Zanzibar is a new luxurious destination located on a remote southwest corner of the island of Zanzibar. Hospitality design firm HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates recently completed the design of this property which is the only member of the leading Hotels of the World in Tanzania.
The property stretches over 80 acres and the 66 villas designed by HBA have a colonial theme combining inspirations from the Swahili, Omani, British and Indian cultures which are all part of the history of Zanzibar. Each villa has a private terrace and swimming pool. All pieces of furniture at The Residence Zanzibar are a mix of cultures.
The four poster beds in the villas are reminiscent of British style while the nightstands are inspired by Indian forms and materials such as beaten metal. In the bathroom, the vanity counter integrates simplified Swahili patterns while the wall sconces were drawn from traditional Omani motifs.
David T'Kint and Hazlin Ahmad, HBA Associates sourced many of the artifacts and furnishings in the villas from local markets and shops such as hand-painted artwork with various scenes of Zanzibar as well as commissioned photographs of Dhows - the Arab sailing vessel. Other local treasures scattered throughout the property include carved trunks in the Lobby, oversized Omani tea and coffee kettles in the Pavilion Restaurant, traditional Stonetown doors in the Dining Room and local handmade vases in The Spa.
The Residence has a wellness center and spa set in five acres of tropical gardens with six treatment pavilions each with its own private garden, outdoor shower, bathtub and relaxation area. The Pavilion restaurant serves exotic Mediterranean cuisine of Turkey and the Middle East. There is also a Beach Club restaurant that draws inspiration from a Bedouin tent and a Dining Room Bar made with local woods and a hammered copper bar. Rates start at 500 euros for a garden villa for two during the low season while the two-bedroom Presidential villa rents for 2500 euros per night during high season. For more information, visit TheResidence.com/Zanzibar.
