Boutique Hotel Matlai

“Book it, you won’t be disappointed!”

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 qu… more

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.

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“Matlai - A luxurious place to escape to; that is so Africa”

The style, quality and service at Matlai are at another level, and to have our own knowledgeable butler to take care of us was, in its own way, perfect. The site is large with just a few traditional, but high-quality African buildings, with the space filled with fragrant trees, shrubs and paths t… more

The style, quality and service at Matlai are at another level, and to have our own knowledgeable butler to take care of us was, in its own way, perfect. The site is large with just a few traditional, but high-quality African buildings, with the space filled with fragrant trees, shrubs and paths that really change between day and night with the subtle lights once dark, making walking around an experience on its own. Just 4 large luxurious individual ensuite rooms face the Indian Ocean, and a single villa makes up the total accommodation. Our room on the second floor was so spacious, bright and airy and aptly named in Swahili ‘Hewa’ meaning breeze or air. Everything is of such high quality, the wooden doors being solid, heavy and well-fitting. The furniture and fixtures are handmade, and the heavy curtains seem to finish the room off perfectly. The bathroom is large and well-appointed, with a large free-standing bathtub being the central feature, a movable wooden screen hides the toilet, and there’s a most wonderful open shower in the corner, with lots of hot water. Two separate wash basins, with the glass bottles of drinking water and small glasses for teeth brushing, are such a thoughtful idea. To be able to open the windows to allow in the breeze from the sea whilst in the tub is something else! A high ceiling, a large central bed enclosed by a full floor-to-ceiling mosquito net, discreetly tied back during the day, but at night, once unfurled, sealed against the ceiling at the top by its weight, against the floor at the bottom, meaning the ceiling fan is inside the net itself. The weight of the bottom of the net ensures the moving air from the rhythmic beat of the fan escapes through the mesh without allowing mosquitoes in. The room is also fully air-conditioned – although we preferred the fan, with windows/doors open to allow the sound of the African night into the room. The closeness to the beach and the sound of the waves carried on the winds coming off the Indian Ocean made the very generous breakfast, served on our balcony, a wonderful start to the day; equally, sitting outside as the sun goes down with a cold beer from the refrigerator in our room is a perfect end to the day. The food in the restaurant is so, so good, especially the Vietnamese element, in fact we even came back to eat at the restaurant when we were staying elsewhere! The Spa is one of the best we have found anywhere in Africa and is certainly one of the highlights of Matlai. The Wi-Fi in our room and around the site is very good. The small number of very large, opulently decorated rooms with so much space filled with fragrant vegetation around the site, plus a wonderful level and quality of service, gives Matlai its exclusivity. A luxurious place to escape to; that is so Africa. Paul & Nicci (UK)

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“Peerless Hotel. Tropical Paradise.”

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.… more

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.

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“Hidden Gem on Zanzibar”

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 @… more

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.

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