Boutique Hotel Matlai

Perfect for a quiet beachside break. This is a luxury boutique experience with a difference. That difference is the butler service. Nothing was too much trouble. Never encountered a ‘no’. It was always a ‘let’s see how we can make that happen for you. Amazing food which varied every day....

Perfect for a quiet beachside break. This is a luxury boutique experience with a difference. That difference is the butler service. Nothing was too much trouble. Never encountered a ‘no’. It was always a ‘let’s see how we can make that happen for you. Amazing food which varied every day. Well appointed rooms with luxurious toiletries. Thoughtful management that has an eye on sustainability. As a reader it’s always hard to know whether you have anything in common with a reviewer, so just to put things into perspective, we generally tend to have vacations in luxury resorts such as Sandals in the Caribbean and Baros in Maldives and the level of service and relaxation was on a par (and in some ways superseded) by this experience. We split our holiday in two with the second facility being more focused on the beach. I am already regretting the decision to not spend more of our time in the relaxing surroundings of Hotel Matlai.

In our opinion this hotel was unsuitable for us who are in our 70s. Swimming in both the hotel pool and in the sea was disappointing due to the rocky beach and sea urchins as well as a pool which was uncomfortable for more than one couple. The restaurant lacked...

In our opinion this hotel was unsuitable for us who are in our 70s. Swimming in both the hotel pool and in the sea was disappointing due to the rocky beach and sea urchins as well as a pool which was uncomfortable for more than one couple. The restaurant lacked atmosphere and the half board choices were underwhelming. Definitely more suitable for honeymoon couples.

Hotel Matlai offered us one of the most relaxing and memorable experiences we’ve ever had. From the warm welcome by Jim and the incredible care from Kim at the restaurant, every moment felt special. The evenings were just magical, especially the outdoor cinema under the stars – a truly unique...

Hotel Matlai offered us one of the most relaxing and memorable experiences we’ve ever had. From the warm welcome by Jim and the incredible care from Kim at the restaurant, every moment felt special. The evenings were just magical, especially the outdoor cinema under the stars – a truly unique experience I’ll never forget.

Our stay was absolutely perfect! Hotel Matlai is a stunning property down to every detail. The property looks out onto a gorgeous and serene section of the beach, and you can take long walks from the property along the beach. The service, food, and spa were also incredible. Highly recommend!!

This hotel is by far one of the best hotels we ever stayed in Zanzibar. This hotel is not just an ordinary place. From the moment we walked in, we were amazed by the uniqueness of this place. Things are done differently here what makes this hotel very special. One...

This hotel is by far one of the best hotels we ever stayed in Zanzibar. This hotel is not just an ordinary place. From the moment we walked in, we were amazed by the uniqueness of this place. Things are done differently here what makes this hotel very special. One thing that we loved is that we could pick our dining location. For breakfast, we chose to dine on our private deck, with a stunning views of the beach and rising sun. For lunch, we decided to dine at the restaurant and for dinner, we picked a romantic table in the garden or on the beach. This is an amazing idea and we loved it. The service was exceptional with a butler always available, very polite and helpful. The rooms are gorgeously decorated, modern but with lots of African details. We loved the bathtub and comfortable beds and linen. We had our private deck, and loungers and access to the beach. We loved to relax on the swing loungers and at the beautiful infinity pool. The stay at Matlai is truly magical. We miss it a lot and will definitely go back there and recommend it to everyone who wants a peaceful, relaxing and refreshing vacation in Zanzibar.

We recently spent two magnificent weeks at the Boutique Hotel Matlai. In a nutshell this an oasis that provides for your all your holiday needs on immaculate grounds with exceptional staff. If you’re looking for that personal touch, then Matlai is it. What makes this hotel unique is its size....

We recently spent two magnificent weeks at the Boutique Hotel Matlai. In a nutshell this an oasis that provides for your all your holiday needs on immaculate grounds with exceptional staff. If you’re looking for that personal touch, then Matlai is it. What makes this hotel unique is its size. There are a total of 6 rooms spread over two ‘homes’ (4 rooms in the palapa-styled home, and 2 rooms in the white-house) on the grounds and a whole team dedicated to ensuring your stay (without being obtrusive) is the best possible. The rooms are all well appointed with plenty of space for your belongings, each room having a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean. What really sets this hotel apart is the staff and level of attentiveness to your every need. The staff were superlative - Ramadan, Martin, Derrick, Gideon, Tatu, Mariam, Anna, Asi, Emmanuel, and the front-desk staff all provided personal touches – such as fixing a broken mask of mine, preparing the meals a specific way, ensuring our health was okay (got sick from diving too deep), etc. It is this level of service you wouldn’t find at a regular hotel that really made this place stand-out. They honestly made us feel like we were family, they were all so warm and welcoming. The grounds of the hotel are immaculate, with lush gardens throughout. Two infinity-style pools provide stunning views out across the Indian Ocean. The hotel provides delicious meals – breakfasts can be ordered in your room or front balcony (ordered however you like and whatever you like). Dinners can be had anywhere on the grounds of the hotel – they were varied – with no same meal had in the two weeks we were there. The hotel can provide personalized tours through a 3rd party – Chiddy Tours. I highly recommend working with the hotel for any tour. Chiddy’s tours were personal down to just us as a couple so we could do anything we wanted and spend as much time on things as we desired. It wasn’t like being packed on a bus like a sardine with 100 other folks. Chiddy Tours worked with what you wanted to do/see and tailored the tours accordingly. In addition, the hotel has on-ground massage/spa services which were very good, especially after or prior to the long journey home Mariam and her team do an outstanding job of ensuring you’re comfortable and relaxed. If anyone is an avid swimmer/snorkeler – about a mile out (1.6km) are outstanding reefs/fish. Go at high-tide (you definitely need fins as it is a long slog) straight out from the hotel, past the sand-bank you see at low-tide another 400-600 metres straight out (before the waves), you’ll find a plethora of reef with outstanding tropical fish. The water (even at high tide) is never particularly deep (no more than 5 metres at the deepest). We found the reef here to be even better than at Mnemba Atoll, mind you, at Mnemba the boats take you instead of the long swim

We have just spent 4 nights at the fantastic Matlai. It’s an amazing location and the hotel is beautifully constructed and a real oasis of peace. The rooms are wonderful, the food is terrific (much better than the famous Rock restaurant up the coast) and people make the experience a...

We have just spent 4 nights at the fantastic Matlai. It’s an amazing location and the hotel is beautifully constructed and a real oasis of peace. The rooms are wonderful, the food is terrific (much better than the famous Rock restaurant up the coast) and people make the experience a total delight. We were looked after so well by Gideon, Ramadan and Anna. Sincere thanks to them. It’s been a highlight of our visit to Tanzania.

This hotel is exceptional! That isn’t really a good enough word to describe it! Many people return yearly and I can see why! The service and the experience is first class - world class! I was honestly blown away by how wonderful it was (is as we are still here...

This hotel is exceptional! That isn’t really a good enough word to describe it! Many people return yearly and I can see why! The service and the experience is first class - world class! I was honestly blown away by how wonderful it was (is as we are still here and loving every moment) From the incredible outdoor cinema - must be seen to be believed but a tropical oasis, to the world class spa treatment we had as part of the wonderful pamper package (my only criticism was if anything this is undersold as we didn’t realise the sunset trip was actually in a traditional dhow which we were happily surprised by and wonderful included a visit to an acrobat show). Everything is just above and beyond - our spa treatment for example 60 minutes but was longer with the lovely foot cleaning we had, the dinner and breakfast you can have wherever you like or opt for a “surprise” which my goodness is just wonderful - the most romantic and special experience. Everything is right and it’s not just right it’s right on steroids - it’s maximum right! We adore Matlai and very very much hope to return - there is nothing I would change and everything has been thought of - even things you wouldn’t think of!

My wife and I stayed in Room Hewa, Asili House at Hotel Matlai for 7 nights for our honeymoon in July 2023. Wow wow wow - this place is incredible!!! The location basically on the beach is perfect. The beach is a nice stretch, with beautiful white sand, clear water,...

My wife and I stayed in Room Hewa, Asili House at Hotel Matlai for 7 nights for our honeymoon in July 2023. Wow wow wow - this place is incredible!!! The location basically on the beach is perfect. The beach is a nice stretch, with beautiful white sand, clear water, sunrise views and great marine life/snorkelling. It is generally pretty quiet, sometimes empty, depending on the time of day. The facilities are plentiful - spacious grounds, lots of sunbeds, hammocks, daybeds etc. for a small amount of people (only 4 rooms). The grounds are so well-kept and beautifully designed. It is hard to describe how perfectly balanced this place is for couple - private but not lonely or boring, spacious but not excessive - it has it all. All the food really is amazing - the chefs do a fantastic job of providing a high-quality, varied menu. There were different options every night and all the dishes we tried were perfect, but especially the crab soup which was probably the best soup we've ever had anywhere! The lobster was well worth the additional charge for a special night, too. There were loads of options for breakfast as well. All the food was so delicious and served in picturesque places as well as your balcony (depending on your preference). Similarly, the drinks cocktails etc. offered are great and reasonably priced. We ate lunch in the beach bar most days and the bar/waiting staff there were great - very fun and friendly. Management team Inge and Tim clearly care a great deal about the hotel and maintaining extremely high standards. They were always very friendly and helpful to us - both throughout our stay and over email in response to questions we had in the build up (we had a few as this was our first time in Africa and our first time in this type of boutique hotel). Our room, all facilities and grounds were immaculately clean thanks to the brilliant cleaning staff. Our honeymoon decorated bed and bedtime story each night were such nice touches too - really did make us feel very special. Finally, and perhaps best of all - the service from the butlers. The butler team was simply amazing. This was our first experience with butler service and we were a bit apprehensive beforehand, but we needn't have been. Derek, Hashim, Gideon and Ramadan - such lovely people, all with professional yet personable service. They were an absolute joy to speak to each day and were helpful in too many ways to name. They really were the cherry on the icing on the cake. No ask was too big or small, and the attention to detail and effort put into service each day and night (including the surprise location table settings) was just unbelievable. We couldn't have asked for more - this really was the trip of a lifetime. Thank you so much to everyone at Hotel Matlai. We will 100% be back (assuming there is a suitably special occasion!) THANK YOU SO MUCH - HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Where do I start, this hotel is out of this world!.. Firstly, it isn't too far from the airport which is a big plus, to get further North it's a few hours drive which we didn't want after 2 weeks on Safari (we were tired). The hotel is super intimate,...

Where do I start, this hotel is out of this world!.. Firstly, it isn't too far from the airport which is a big plus, to get further North it's a few hours drive which we didn't want after 2 weeks on Safari (we were tired). The hotel is super intimate, only a few rooms which makes it even more incredible and means you aren't sharing a pool with anyone, it's literally like you've got your own private pool and outdoor area including beautiful beds, hammocks and canopies, and the beach is private to only this hotel and so it feels like you're the only one there! It's white and and clear water, and during the mornings there's a sandbank in the middle of the water, the tide is low in the mornings so you can walk out to it and it's a breathtaking view - it will give Maldives a run for it's money!! The food is incredible, there's a new 3-4 course menu every day and it's out of this world - fresh seafood is a must! The whole place oozes luxury which is what you want to rewind. There's a beautiful spa, a mini turtle sanctuary too! More than anything, the staff make this hotel incredible - each room has a wonderful butler who provided the most amazing service and can never do enough for you! Tim the owner was one of the loveliest people I've ever met, so genuine and down to earth, and being a family owned and run business makes it even better! I always say you can tell how good a hotel is, by the way they treat you once you've checked out - we checked out at 10.30am but our flight wasn't until 11pm that night, Tim said there was a spare room and allowed us to use this to sleep, freshen up, relax - service was 10/10. I would highly recommend this hotel if you're coming to Zanzibar!

Where do I begin? My husband and I travel quite often & I cannot begin to tell you how much of a gem of a property this is. 🎤 We came from Stone Town in a hired car (abt $50usd each way) & it was an approximate 90min ride. Our...

Where do I begin? My husband and I travel quite often & I cannot begin to tell you how much of a gem of a property this is. 🎤 We came from Stone Town in a hired car (abt $50usd each way) & it was an approximate 90min ride. Our trip to Africa was for our 31st wedding anniversary & I can’t express how happy we were that we chose this beautiful boutique hotel. The 2 buildings are adjacent to each other & we stayed in the 1 that has 4 rooms. The 4 rooms are separated by a covered outdoor space that has a little kitchenette type space with a small refrigerator that has various drinks, some alcohol - on the honor system. It’s all just a phenomenal setup! The other building has 2 suites. I chose our room because of the super cute claw foot tub. Our room was absolute perfection! The perfect amount of space for us 2 for our 6 day stay. Our stay was 1000% NOT long enough. The air conditioning worked very well & the room & patio area was impeccably furnished. You’re given a small cell phone to reach your butler, upon check-in. They supply bath salts for their cute tubs & you can change the scent every night if you desire. The rainforest, open shower was phenomenal. The food, absolutely amazing. Several choices on the menu. We loved, loved, loved that you can have breakfast delivered up until 1pm - ever day!! You choose where you want to dine for each meal, too…. Your patio, the bar, ‘surprise places’ - it was all so darn amazing! We had 2 ‘surprise’ locations for 2 of our dinners….. 1 was set on the beach!! Another was set in a really cute spot on the grounds - both were candle light dinners & you were given BLANKETS if needed! Our beachside dinner was a windy night with a slight chill in the air & I did NOT have to even as for a blanket, our butler had them out on the chairs for us already!! So I wrapped up in a blanket & enjoyed my meal. My husband was fine. We didn’t discover ‘the bar’ until a few days after we’d been there, but it’s so super cute!! You can order the same menu as on the room service menu. You should not miss their bar area, ok? You can have breakfast there, too! They offer a super inexpensive floating breakfast in their pool, too…. SUPERB! There’s a couple of hotels & 1 or 2 restaurants close by that you can dine @ also, if you choose. The Rock famous restaurant is within walking distance, but I would absolutely make a reservation during low tide! If you try to walk there during high tide, the tide gets VERY high on the beach & it’s not deep water, but the waves coming up were very choppy, splashy 😂 & messy!! The month of March was very warm in Zanzibar, but it was the rainy season, too. They were not quick passing tropical rains that last for 15-20 minutes, but these were 1/2 day good rain storms. Out of our 6 days, there were 2 full days with no rain, but it was still VERY restful for us. There’s also low tide & high tide - seemingly twice a day, which we’d never seen before. Very cool, but it also brings a great deal of seaweed to the beach, too. None of this was troublesome for us because we were just happy to be there! During low tide, there’s a beautiful sandbar that’s close to the hotel. The hotel has 1 person kayaks (they don’t have the clear ones), but you can borrow them for no fee AND there’s a guide who’ll get in their own kayak & lead you out to the sandbar. No charge, but we tipped the guide well. We stayed on the sandbar for about an hour & the guide took some pics for us with our phones. Our main butler, Gideon was beyond amazing. So humble, so sweet, so competent, so thoughtful, just such a gentle soul. Haseem was a great butler for us too, while Gideon was off. The housekeepers were so amazing as well!! Jennifer was the best! The manager, Inge, we talked to him several times & he was great also. Tip: Bring lots of dollar bills - there are small, cute kids who roam the beach, try to sell you shells & they want a dollar. Did I mention that we were the ONLY people there for a few days AND we still had FULL SERVICE….. EVERYTHING was available to us! At some point, another couple came, but out of 6 days, we saw them ONCE & that was when we dined at the bar 1 night. This was truly a once in a lifetime stay because where in the world can you go & be the literally the ONLY people there & still have all services & everything on the menu available??!!!! Boutique Hotel Matlai is a true gem 💎 & they’ll be NO regrets booking a stay here! Keep doing what you did so well for us!!! 🥰

We stayed 6 nights in Ashili House and it was the most perfect relaxation after a busy safari in Ruaha. The location is wonderful- right on the beach and we loved the sandbar at low tide to walk/swim out to. We absolutely loved our butler Derick who was fabulous and...

We stayed 6 nights in Ashili House and it was the most perfect relaxation after a busy safari in Ruaha. The location is wonderful- right on the beach and we loved the sandbar at low tide to walk/swim out to. We absolutely loved our butler Derick who was fabulous and great company - as were all of the staff. Food can be served whenever you require it and we loved the seclusion and beauty of the place. Our room was spotless and the art created on our bed every day was beautiful and a great joy! Would recommend doing the snorkelling and starfish tour that the hotel organised. The spa was also an amazing experience. Would not hesitate to recommend - a beautifully managed hotel. Thdd as no you so much Inge.

After an adventure gorilla trekking what better way to chill and relax. From the moment we arrived at Hotel Matlai it was like being transported to a world of peace and tranquility. A lovely personal welcome from Justus, gorgeous views and beach, spacious lovely room overlooking the Indian Ocean a...

After an adventure gorilla trekking what better way to chill and relax. From the moment we arrived at Hotel Matlai it was like being transported to a world of peace and tranquility. A lovely personal welcome from Justus, gorgeous views and beach, spacious lovely room overlooking the Indian Ocean a few yards away ( tide does go out a long way but the view stays the same). Our lovely butler care team Derek and Mohamad with attention to detail and persaobal and friendly support for the whole week. Food is to be expected supreme with what should be award winning crab specialities. Thanks to Monica for arranging our favourite table 4, overlooking the beach each evening. All in all an idyllic week ideal for a quiet peaceful lovely break. Couldn't be better...

It's hard to put into words how great this place was. We only stayed for 3 days after a weeks safari in Tanzania and wish it would have been longer. This could not have been a more perfect place for our honeymoon. We have travelled a lot and this is...

It's hard to put into words how great this place was. We only stayed for 3 days after a weeks safari in Tanzania and wish it would have been longer. This could not have been a more perfect place for our honeymoon. We have travelled a lot and this is the best service we have ever experienced. Tim was so friendly and welcoming and clearly this is embedded in all the staff. Mohammed and Justas were 2 staff in particular that were just fantastic and made are stay such a special one. They couldn't do enough for you and answered any questions you might have with ease as well as arranging all trips you might want to do. The flexibility of eating location combined with the really excellent food was a highlight of our eating experiences in Africa. I'm not sure I can do it the justice it deserves in this review but it really was the most perfect place to go on holiday. Thank you.

We visited only for food in the small beachfront restaurant and can highly recommend it for wonderful service and choice. We returned for a second visit - perfect ‘toes in the sand’ candle lit dining experience with lovely colourful. African table linen, beautifully chilled wine and icy cool water. I...

We visited only for food in the small beachfront restaurant and can highly recommend it for wonderful service and choice. We returned for a second visit - perfect ‘toes in the sand’ candle lit dining experience with lovely colourful. African table linen, beautifully chilled wine and icy cool water. I recommend the crab and coconut soup (served in a coconut). This was the best thing I tasted in Zanzibar. Asante sana x.