What has been your most striking takeaway from the year 2023?

The year 2023 has been remarkable for The Residence Zanzibar. Traditionally, Zanzibar was a stopover destination for Indians travelling to Kenya. However, we are witnessing the shift as our commitment to providing wholesome experiences combining luxury with culture and cuisine has bode well with guests who have returned for an exclusive vacation at our property. Activities like water sports, spice plantation explorations, and immersing in unique Zanzibari culture allow our guests to connect with the island on a deeper level. 

We have been receiving groups of friends and families celebrating special occasions. These guests value their privacy, making The Residence Zanzibar, a private pool villa-only resort, a success. 

Our interactions with the travel trade fraternity during the India Sales Mission gave us an insight into guest preferences. We tailored some of our offerings, especially food. We have recently appointed Chef Satish, who has expertise in Indian cuisine and can cater to the diverse tastes of our guests. 

 What is your plan for 2024, especially the first quarter of the new year in terms of trade engagement?

Eco-conscious luxury, culturally immersive experiences for guests and community engagement will be our priorities in 2024. 

We will aggressively promote tailored experiences for millennials seeking immersive experiences, including cooking classes, cocktail mixing, local music, and private meals at the jetty, as well as water sports and underwater activities. 

We are working tirelessly to introduce environmentally conscious practices under the Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts; Earth Basket Program. We are also working on setting up a water bottling plant, along with measures to reduce plastic usage on the premises.

We are committed to giving back to the community and will continue working with changemakers, local schools, and care homes.