Boutique Hotel Matlai in Michamvi

This hotel is about a 90 minute drive from the airport. I couldn’t find much feedback on it in my research but decided to take a chance on it anyway. WOW, it’s so beautiful. The setup is more of a bed and breakfast type accommodation. The property is a lot bigger than I anticipated and it’s very quiet. Very few people walking the beach/sellers bothering you. There are 2 buildings to choose from. I wanted Villa Kidosho as it’s a little more private (only 2 rooms) but it was booked so we stayed in Asili House (4 rooms) and not at all disappointed. The bedroom is air conditioned with a fan and has an oceanfront private balcony. The bathroom is open air so it’s a bit warm and humid but not unbearable. The staff, wow they are so friendly. Our butlers, Tito and Hisham were awesome! Tito was there to welcome us very late at night and we instantly formed a connection with him. We loved him! This accommodation also has activities included like an open air cinema, foosball, volleyball, kayaking, snorkeling, darts, outdoor gym and spa services (which are extra). They have the cutest little turtle farm that made my animal loving heart happy. They accommodated my dairy allergy very well! The food has been the best we’ve had in Africa. We never ordered anything we didn’t like. Tried authentic Vietnamese food and loved it so much I got something every night. The only “negatives” for us was there’s very little shade by the pool chairs and the shower is a rain head only. I hate rain heads and really wish they had a wand option LOL. Big bonus, check out is at 10:30a but our flight was at 10pm. They had a space for us to still spend the day in with a bed, table and chairs and separate area with a sink and shower. Talk about thoughtful! We thoroughly enjoyed our time at this hotel and hope to make the trip back here in the next few years. After 3 visits you get to plant a tree and after 4, you get to leave your hand prints. Such a thoughtful way to keep their guests part of the property.

This hotel is about a 90 minute drive from the airport. I couldn’t find much feedback on it in my research but decided to take a chance on it anyway. WOW, it’s so beautiful. The setup is more of a bed and breakfast type accommodation. The property is a lot bigger than I anticipated and it’s very quiet. Very few people walking the beach/sellers bothering you. There are 2 buildings to choose from. I wanted Villa Kidosho as it’s a little more private (only 2 rooms) but it was booked so we stayed in Asili House (4 rooms) and not at all disappointed. The bedroom is air conditioned with a fan and has an oceanfront private balcony. The bathroom is open air so it’s a bit warm and humid but not unbearable. The staff, wow they are so friendly. Our butlers, Tito and Hisham were awesome! Tito was there to welcome us very late at night and we instantly formed a connection with him. We loved him! This accommodation also has activities included like an open air cinema, foosball, volleyball, kayaking, snorkeling, darts, outdoor gym and spa services (which are extra). They have the cutest little turtle farm that made my animal loving heart happy. They accommodated my dairy allergy very well! The food has been the best we’ve had in Africa. We never ordered anything we didn’t like. Tried authentic Vietnamese food and loved it so much I got something every night. The only “negatives” for us was there’s very little shade by the pool chairs and the shower is a rain head only. I hate rain heads and really wish they had a wand option LOL. Big bonus, check out is at 10:30a but our flight was at 10pm. They had a space for us to still spend the day in with a bed, table and chairs and separate area with a sink and shower. Talk about thoughtful! We thoroughly enjoyed our time at this hotel and hope to make the trip back here in the next few years. After 3 visits you get to plant a tree and after 4, you get to leave your hand prints. Such a thoughtful way to keep their guests part of the property.

The Hotel Matlai was an incredible experience. The staff were amongst the best I have ever met. The owner (Inge) was a truly special lady and we felt like family. The manager Yemen and the rest of the team are a credit Zanzibar. The food and drinks were as good as the best places I've ever eaten. To be honest, this is the type of place that exceeds expectations. The room and grounds were immaculately done and in my top 3 places I've stayed in Worldwide. Have a look at the photos and book. There is not a single negative, hence 5 stars in every category.

Boutique Hotel Matlai, is a hidden gem on Zanzibar. The warm welcome of not only the amazing caring staff, but also of the beautifull surrounding with palms & tropical plants greets you. And the warm ocean wind: Matlai. Which blows away all your stress & worries 2 fully let you enjoy your stay @Matlai. The perfect design & food & butler service, 10 out of 10!! Just a perfect place to celebrate life, or like us our 20th wedding anniversairy . Thank you Matlai & loving Team. Keep up the good work.

Finished up our trip to Tanzania with four days on Zanzibar. The Matlai Boutique Hotel was such a wonderful place to unwind and prepare for the trip back home. They have six villas right on the ocean in a beautiful tropical setting. The accommodations were beyond anything I expected with spacious villas, swimming pool right outside the door and just steps from the beach. The thing that made Matlai so amazing was the staff. They were all so kind, cheerful and helpful. We had a butler who took care of any needs that arose. The food was also amazing with a great variety and excellent quality. They even have a Vietnamese restaurant on site. We could have our meals at the restaurant or on the patio of our villa watching the sunrise. There is a spa on site and daily massages were heavenly. I would definitely stay at this hotel again.

We chose Hotel Matlai as a place to relax and unwind after a 2 week safari and it was absolutely perfect. It was unexpectedly luxurious with a beautifully appointed large bedroom with a huge comfortable bed, lots of wardrobe space for unpacking, comfortable seating and a private terrace where our breakfast was served each day. The bathroom had twin basins, a free standing bathtub and an excellent shower with lots of hot water. The hotel has extensive landscaped grounds with plenty of hidden spots to sit and relax. Each of the villas (we stayed in the one with four bedrooms) has it's own pool and it's a few steps down to the beach. Excellent restaurant and delicious food. The staff are amazing - consistently friendly, helpful with nothing being too much trouble. The butler service is outstanding - and puts Hotel Matlai into a class of it's own. There is a great spa centre on site with excellent massage service. Tim (one of the owners) took the time to come and meet us and was always available for any queries. We had a wonderful 4 days and would not hesitate to go back.

We had a wonderful, relaxing break at Matlai. The entire team were courteous, accommodating and professional throughout our stay. On our first morning, the owner made a special effort to locate us, and extend their welcome. This personal touch was very much appreciated. The butlers were all efficient and effective, and refreshingly not overly-deferential. I very rarely mention names when submitting reviews, but it’s fitting to single-out Hashim, who did an amazing job at being our first point of contact. He listens, makes assurances that are always followed-through effectively, has an eye for detail as well as a broad vision, and is affable, authoritative, and highly professional: A great asset to the butler team, and to the wider operation. Dinner was served in a variety of locations around the property, ranging from our room’s terrace, to the restaurant’s beach terrace, including several secluded places in and around the gardens. The service was impeccable, and I very much appreciate the chef’s efforts in being aware of, remembering and accommodating my dietary requests throughout our stay. It was a team effort–and was much appreciated. The Housekeeping team were fabulous and worked really hard. They were around when it was convenient for us, and didn’t disturb us when we needed to rest. If we happened to be on our terrace while they were cleaning the room, they were discreet, and always kind and courteous. The best! It was also fun to have a ‘room fragrance menu’, and to enjoy the varied, daily ‘bedspread art’. It was no surprise that the gardeners and gatekeepers were also really courteous. I’m not keen on massages, but the one I had at the spa at Matlai was the best I’ve ever had. My wife, who loves massages, confirmed that in her view, the masseuse was excellent. The spa is located in the gardens, and has wonderful, relaxing views. The soundscape at Matlai is memorable: A loop of silence followed by the sound of powerful waves, followed by silence … The (very efficient) air-conditioning in our room was quiet, and the minibar compressor was perfectly silent (hurrah)! ... and: No. Screaming. Kids. As many reviews have mentioned, the changing views are breathtaking. The room was spacious and the bed and other furnishings were very comfortable. We had one of the smaller bathrooms, but there was still plenty of room for a tub, a double basin with plenty of counter space, and a shower. The rain shower itself was in a wetroom with a toilet. After having used the shower, we’d sometimes get our feet wet if we needed to get to the toilet–but the bathmats were changed regularly, and it wasn’t a big deal. Splitting hairs (so to speak), it would have been good if the hairdryer cable had been longer. The bed had shelves attached on either side in place of nightstands. These were neat, but rather small. It would have been useful to have compact bedside tables instead, ideally with accessible power sockets. Breakfast was excellent, and served in

In one word: fantastic! Our stay at Boutique Hotel Matlai was unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, the owner greeted us with genuine warmth and hospitality, making us feel instantly at home. The rooms are very spacious and offer breathtaking views. The food is of exceptional quality – every meal was a culinary delight. The butler service is a true luxury. Our butler Hashim (and his team), went above and beyond to make our stay perfect; his dedication was truly impressive. If you’re looking for peace and quiet in an idyllic corner of Zanzibar, this is the place to be. Enjoyment with a capital E!

Very nice and cozy place on the beach of Michamvi. The tide phenomenon is clearly visible and it’s a unique spectacle. The restaurant is well stocked, as is the bar. The manager, Yemen, was very professional, kind, and friendly in welcoming us. She gave us lots of useful advice. Highly recommended!

Only 6 rooms in 2 separate houses in this unique resort so book early!Gorgeous room with huge bathroom including freestanding soaking tub, with a menu of bath salts to select. Beautiful ocean  views and large pool. What sets it apart are the  bespoke experiences they offer and the professional and personalized service provided by the staff, including your private butler (thank you Tito!) that was always available with a call from the cell phone provided when you check in.  Where else can you have a candlelight dinner and watch a movie in your own private outdoor amphitheater while lounging under a blanket with popcorn! A must-do!! We also highly recommend the private romantic dinner on the beach. A magical experience with candles and lanterns and crystal glasses! One of our favorite amenities provided was the choice to eat where you wanted,  and when you wanted.  You could wake up and have breakfast on your terrace in your bathrobe! The food was fresh, beautifully presented, and every course was amazing! We tried many items on the menu and even created a few of our own in consultation with the chef. A big thank you to Tim the manager and creator of this very special place!!