On Zanzibar’s southeast coast lies a retreat that redefines barefoot luxury. Boutique Hotel Matlai, set in Michamvi Pingwe, offers an exclusive escape where privacy, intimacy, and exceptional service are the hallmarks. With just six rooms divided across two beachfront villas, the property feels less like a resort and more like a private sanctuary.
Unlike many areas on the island’s east coast, the beach in front of Matlai remains swimmable even at low tide. Just offshore, a pristine sandbank — known locally as Matlai Mchanga Island — emerges from the sea, creating a private island atmosphere for snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply a quiet stroll along the sand.
Villas Designed for Seclusion
Matlai’s two villas offer distinct atmospheres, yet both are perfectly suited to couples and honeymooners as well as families or groups. Guests can choose to reserve an individual room or book an entire villa exclusively.
Both properties combine coastal elegance with understated design, ensuring every stay — whether in a single room or a private villa — feels intimate, luxurious, and deeply personal.
Service with a Personal Touch
What distinguishes Matlai most is its dedication to personalized service. Every guest enjoys the care of a butler, discreetly attending to each detail — whether arranging a snorkeling excursion, serving dinner under the stars, or preparing a morning coffee to exact preference.
The hotel’s management team, fluent in English, German, and Arabic, provides round-the-clock support, ensuring an effortless stay for an international clientele.
Culinary Excellence: From Zanzibar to Vietnam
Dining at Matlai is an experience in its own right. Zatiny Restaurant & Beach Bar offers African and international cuisine, while Duyen Kitchen introduces guests to authentic Vietnamese flavors — an unexpected discovery in Zanzibar.
The property also features a live lobster tank and an on-site smokehouse, elevating the dining experience with ingredients that are as fresh as they are distinctive. For romance, private candlelit dinners are arranged throughout the tropical gardens and along the beachfront, transforming each meal into a memorable occasion.
Wellness at Bustani Spa
Surrounded by lush greenery, the Bustani Spa by Mariam invites guests to unwind with massages, scrubs, and wellness rituals. Couples can enjoy partner treatments or soak in handcrafted wooden bathtubs set in the gardens, blending nature with indulgence.
Activities and Experiences
Adventure is never far from Matlai. Guests can snorkel among corals behind the sandbank, kayak in the calm lagoon, or explore the nearby Blue Lagoon and starfish area. For evenings, the hotel arranges sunset cruises to the mangroves of Michamvi Kae, where the sky glows crimson above the still waters.
On land, activities range from cycling, private open-air cinema to games such as volleyball and boule, all set against the backdrop of the property’s 10,000 sqm tropical garden.
A Blend of Authenticity and Luxury
Located at the edge of a traditional Swahili fishing village, Matlai offers guests a sense of cultural authenticity without compromising comfort. Traditional boats sail past the beach each morning, while within the property’s boundaries, tropical gardens, pools, and intimate dining spots create an atmosphere of serenity and refinement.
The Best-Kept Secret of Zanzibar
With its small scale, attentive service, and idyllic setting, Matlai remains one of Zanzibar’s best-kept secrets. It is a destination for honeymooners seeking romance, couples desiring privacy, or families wishing to reserve an entire villa.
In a destination known for its beauty, Matlai manages to stand apart — not through size or grandeur, but through a rare combination of seclusion, authenticity, and luxury. For those seeking an intimate, tailor-made island experience, Matlai is not just a place to stay, but a place to remember.
