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October 2013: With its historic charm and culture,delicious local cuisine and abundant marine and wildlife, the mystical ‘Spice Island’ of Zanzibar is a treasure trove of adventures.This month, The Residence Zanzibar launchesthree brand new programmes of activities and excursions that take advantage of the surroundings and allow guests to create their own customised Zanzibar holiday experience – a three day photography journey, traditional cooking workshops and a host of ocean activities.

Three-day Photography Journey with leading photographer
Guests staying at The Residence Zanzibar can now take part in a three-day photography course with one of Africa’s leading photographers, Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE, who has lived and worked in East Africa for over 20 years. Paul will take guests on a journey across the island, teaching them to photograph the island’s famed architecture, the indigenous red colobus monkey in nearby Jozani Forest and the island’s abundant flora and fauna. Even within The Residence Zanzibar’s grounds there is the opportunity to photograph exotic landscapes and plant life. Tutorials can be arranged either on an individual or a group basis over a minimum of three days.

The Photography Journey costs from $1,250 USD per person, per day and includes all car transfers, boat rental and entrance fees to selected sites i.e. Stone Town’s House of Wonder, Persia Baths, Bihole Ruins, Prison Island and local spice farms.

Traditional Cooking Workshops
With local cuisine inspired by Swahili, Omani, British and Indian cultures,The Residence Zanzibar’s new customised workshops discover the art of the Spice Island’s traditional cookery. Excursions include a visit to the local fishing village, Kizimkazi, to select the finest catch of the day with the fishermen, and a trip to spice plantations just outside the capital, Stone Town. Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and lemongrass are just some of the spices cultivated on the island and guests will learn about theiruses and intriguing medicinal qualities. Once back at the hotel guests, with the help of the hotel’s chef, will prepare a meal for their friends and family using their newfound knowledge.

The Traditional Cooking Workshop costs from $375 USD per person, per session (based on 4 in a group) including all transfers, entrance fees and food for preparation

Deep Blue Discovery
The crystal clear waters surrounding Zanzibar are home to some of the world’s most diverse sea life and colourful reefs. Guests can now choose from a range of activities in the Deep Blue Discovery programme, which includes a speed boat trip, dolphin watching, whale watching (August/September), spear fishing, snorkelling to a nearby sandbank and sea scooter snorkelling in the Menai Bay Reserve. This protected area is home to over 150 different species of coral, bottlenose and humpback dolphins, turtles and a huge array of tropical fish. Guests can even choose to have professional photography or a HD video taken of their dive or snorkelling trip to take home and share with friends and family.

The Deep Blue Discovery Programme costs $1,100 USD per person and includes all activities, transfers and equipment hire

The Residence Zanzibar is a 66-villa hideaway, on a mile-long stretch of beach on the south-west of the island – 55 minutes from Stone Town. Guests can relax in complete privacy, surrounded by coconut palms and panoramic views of the ocean. The star attraction of the hotel is The Spa which is set in five acres of tropical garden and has six spacious treatment pavilions each with its own private garden, outdoor shower, bathtub and relaxation area. For complete seclusion guests can also dine in their own villa, enjoy a cocktail under the stars or take a romantic dhow cruise during the spectacular sunset.