Boutique Hotel Matlai

Our butler knew so much and looked after us beautifully. The quality of service, style, and everything at Matlai is on another level. There are only four large ensuite rooms and one villa, set among fragrant trees, shrubs, and paths. The site is spacious, with traditional African buildings, and subtle lights make an evening walk feel special. We stayed in Hewa on the second floor. Its Swahili name means breeze or air, and the bright, airy room suited it perfectly. The space is generous and everything feels high quality, from the solid, well-fitting wooden doors to the handmade furniture and fixtures. Heavy curtains finish the room off nicely. The large bathroom has a freestanding tub, a movable wooden screen around the toilet, and a wonderful open shower with plenty of hot water. There are two separate basins, plus glass bottles of drinking water and little glasses for brushing your teeth. Being able to open the windows and feel the sea breeze while in the tub was something else. A high ceiling and a big central bed under a floor-to-ceiling mosquito net make the bedroom feel open. The net is tied back during the day, and at night it hangs securely down to the floor. The ceiling fan sits inside it, so air can move through the mesh while keeping mosquitoes out. The room also has air conditioning, but we preferred the fan and open windows and doors, with the African night sounds coming in. The beach is close, and waves carried on the Indian Ocean breeze made breakfast on our balcony a lovely start to the day. Sitting outside at sunset with a cold beer from our room's fridge was a perfect end to it. The restaurant food is so good, especially the Vietnamese dishes. We even came back to eat there while staying elsewhere. The spa is one of the best we've found anywhere in Africa, and a highlight of Matlai. Wi-Fi worked very well in our room and around the property. With so few large, beautifully decorated rooms, fragrant greenery, and such good service, Matlai feels exclusive. The owners have made something really special, a luxurious place to escape to that feels so Africa.

We came to Matlai to unwind after a week on safari, and it was a superb choice. The staff went out of their way to take care of everything, and the spacious, clean room had a super-comfortable bed. We loved that we could have breakfast, lunch, and dinner on our verandah if we wanted. First-class service and food, and such a peaceful, relaxing stay. Thanks to everyone there.

After two really busy safaris, Matlai gave us the calm, welcoming break we were hoping for. We stayed in Dunia, a beautifully decorated African-style room that had everything we needed and more. The bedtime stories left on our pillows each evening were a lovely way to end the day. The hotel sits right on a stunning beach. At high tide, the waves reach the bottom of the lush garden, just idyllic. We loved the turquoise water and the hotel had everything we needed for kayaking and snorkelling. The menu let us try delicious local dishes, and we especially recommend the Shakshuka at breakfast. The food was exceptional, and we loved having different places to eat. Thanks to the kitchen team. Everyone on the team was cheerful, positive, and committed to making our Zanzibar stay special. We particularly enjoyed chatting with Hashem, Emma, and Tatu, who made the visit even better. We felt relaxed and very well cared for the whole time. We loved it, and are grateful to everyone.

The calm, clean beach was beautiful and so relaxing, and the food was better than any restaurant we tried in Zanzibar. Every dish was fresh, full of flavor, and beautifully served. The staff made us feel at home, from the owner to Hashem and Gloria. They checked in about our day, helped arrange activities, and were there whenever we needed support. Mariam at the spa gave us one of the best treatments we've ever had. When we left, they surprised us with fresh fruit and cookies for the road. That thoughtful gesture touched us, and we went away with wonderful memories and full hearts. An unforgettable stay, highly recommended.