Scores at a Glance
Ocean Blue & SandThe Residence Zanzibar
Overall
8.4
8.8
Beach
8.2
8.2
Food
8.0
8.4
Service
8.2
8.8
Rooms
7.9
9.5
Luxury
—
9.3
Value
8.4
7.5
Romance
8.0
9.2
Scores out of 10 — higher is better
Quick Stats
8.4
Overall Score
8.8
5-star
Star Rating
5-star
4.6 (17,516)
Google Rating
4.5 (854)
From $103
Price / Night (pp)
Rates TBD
No
Adults Only
No
Yes
Kids' Club
Yes
Near coast
Beachfront
Near coast
Mid-size
Resort Size
Mid-size
30 min
Airport Transfer
55 min
All Scores
8.2
Beach
8.2
8.0
Food
8.4
8.2
Service
8.8
7.9
Rooms
9.5
8.5
Pools
9.1
—
Luxury
9.3
8.4
Value
7.5
8.5
Family
—
8.0
Romance
9.2
8.6
Nightlife
—
7.3
Quiet
—
6.8
Remote work
—
Vibes
Yes
Romance
Yes
Yes
Lively
—
Yes
Quiet
—
Activities
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Water sports
Yes
Yes
Nightlife
—
Yes
Kids
Yes
Ocean Blue & Sand
- 2 pools
- 9 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- 30 min from PUJ
The Residence Zanzibar
- 1 pools
- 2 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Butler service
- 55 min from ZNZ
Pros — Ocean Blue & Sand
- Large review base and strong recent overall ratings across official, Tripadvisor, Expedia, and other sources.
- Direct beachfront setting with two large pools and a swim-up bar.
- Good family infrastructure, including Daisy Club, Teenclub, sports area, bowling, and nightly entertainment.
- Dining variety is broad for the price point, with two buffet restaurants, seven themed restaurants, coffee shop, and 11 bars.
Pros — The Residence Zanzibar
- Every villa has a private pool
- Secluded beachfront estate
- Strong romance fit
- Two-bedroom villa options
Cons — Ocean Blue & Sand
- Seaweed and beach-maintenance variability are recurring issues.
- Rooms can feel dated or damp in some buildings.
- Food and drink quality is inconsistent across restaurants and guest sources.
- Sales-pitch pressure, sunbed competition, and service inconsistency appear in recent guest feedback.
Cons — The Residence Zanzibar
- All-inclusive is optional and restricted
- Remote southwest location
- Tide-dependent beach use
- Transfers extra