Matemwe Retreat, Zanzibar

The four elegant villas that make up the Retreat are set high in the palm trees with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views.

With its secluded location and dedicated private butler, the Retreat is considered one of the most exclusive choices of accommodation on Zanzibar Island.

If you are looking for pure escapism, these villas – which combine the spirit of Zanzibar with the highest standards of comfort – were designed for you.

Couple lying on couch being served a meal

“What a great way to end a month long trip in Africa. The Safina Villa was exceptional in every way!” - Explorer448440 on Trip Advisor

“We loved everything about Matemwe. Staying there was a great way to relax at the end of our trip. We especially enjoyed the boat trip to swim with dolphins, snorkelling on the reef and we enjoyed a wonderful lunch on a sandbar. An amazing experience. The staff are so friendly and helpful and the rooms are beautiful. We would highly recommend Matemwe. Thank you, Ross, Gina and team” - JaneMohr on Trip Advisor

“We were three honeymoon couples that spent four nights here. Everyone in the company was really impressed and satisfied with everything from the rooms, the service minded staff, the tasty food and the beautiful surroundings.” - e23e on Trip Advisor

“Perfect location and surround, amazing atmosphere, a great hospitality, wonderful food and the most friendly staff. My expectation was high, but the reality was only better than the pictures and reviews. All in all an amazing way go from safari to beach life - I could not ask for more.” - globetrotter497 on Trip Advisor

The private plunge pool, personal bar and spacious roof terrace with day bed and loungers are so appealing that we would not blame you if you relaxed in your hidden sanctuary for your entire holiday.

Ideal as a honeymoon retreat with total privacy and personalised service. Also enjoy our spa, white sand beaches, snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking, sailing and the Zanzibar island culture

At a glance

Accommodation & Amenities

All Inclusive (meals and local drinks)
4 villas, each with 1 double bedroom
No twins or triples available
Butler service
Private plunge pool
Personal bar
Air conditioning in the bedroom
Massage & spa treatments available
Not suitable for disabled guests
In-room lockable box
Hair dryer
Laundry service
Power: 240V mains
WiFi

Closest Airstrip

Zanzibar Airport: approximately 75 minutes

Activities

Reef walk
Village visit
Diving
Snorkelling

Dhow trips
Stone Town visit
Spice tour

Matemwe Retreat Dates

Closed 3 April to 31 May
High season 1 – 31 July; 1 September – 31 October
Peak season 1 – 5 January; 1 – 31 August and 20 – 31 December
Low season 6 January – 2 April; 1 – 30 June and 1 November – 19 December

Child Ages

Regrettably, children under 18 are not permitted at Matemwe Retreat, but are welcomed at the Matemwe Lodge and Beach House.

Need more information? Get in touch

Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation

Echoing the white sand beaches and the changing turquoise hues of the tropical waters, the fully air-conditioned Matemwe Retreat villas are a reflection of their tranquil island surroundings, filled with locally produced materials and furnishings.

The ground floor of each villa features a private bar area, cool and airy double bedroom with king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom with double basins, shower and a sunken bathtub with impressive views of the sparkling ocean.

Outdoors, impressively comfortable and very private lounge areas invite you to make the most of the tropical climate.The rooftop deck with sparkling blue plunge pool offers panoramic Indian Ocean views.

The Retreat is the ultimate luxury experience! The villa is spacious and has everything you need, not to mention perfect views and a rooftop pool!

A spacious veranda with comfortable day bed and loungers, made from locally produced coconut wood, is the perfect spot from which to watch the fishing dhows return with their catch.

Upstairs on the private roof terrace, enjoy lazy days beside the plunge pool with both sun and shade decks.

A Typical Day at Matemwe Retreat

Combining the spirit of Zanzibar with the highest standards of luxury, Matemwe Retreat’s secluded villas are considered the most exclusive choice of accommodation on this exotic island.

A stay at Matemwe Retreat is all about romance, and what could be more romantic than a romantic couple’s massage at the spa? Other dreamy experiences on offer include a romantic picnic in the Infinity Sandbank at low tide.

Location

Secluded Matemwe Beach on the northeastern coast of the island is perfectly situated opposite the spectacular diving and snorkelling reefs of the Mnemba Atoll and surrounded by some of the best beaches in Zanzibar.

The four villas of Matemwe Retreat are situated slightly north of the main Matemwe Lodge in an elevated position in the palm trees that allows uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and nearby Mnemba Island. Wooden walkways give access to the main lodge should you wish to use any of the facilities or dine in the open-air restaurant on a mouthwatering feast of local seafood, bought daily from the fishermen.

A 30-minute boat ride away is Mnemba Island and the world-renowned coral reef that provides some of the most spectacular diving and snorkelling in the world. Here you have a good chance of seeing turtles and wild dolphins, in addition to the colourful reef fish that dart around the coral.

Stone Town is just 60 minutes from the villas, allowing for easy day trips into the winding streets of the historic town, and excursions to all corners of this fascinating island.

Matemwe Retreat offers four exclusive private villas set just metres from the Indian Ocean. The spacious villas are decorated in a vibrant island motif.

The Retreat is all about indulgence, from the private butler catering to your every whim to the chef stopping by each morning to discuss your preferred menu.

Villa experience

Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements – our chefs will be happy to cater to your needs. We are able to accommodate most dietary requirements, unfortunately very strict kosher cooking is not possible.

Delicious Fresh Meals

All our food is sourced locally (including fruit and vegetables), and seafood is bought from local suppliers who use sustainable techniques. This means, for example, that we do not buy net- or spear-caught fish but only that caught on lines.

When you discuss your chosen menu with your personal chef each day, feel free also to choose where you would like it to be served. We offer picnic lunches during excursions to the sandbank and Muyuni beach. Guests who go on the Stone Town tour or spice tour can be taken to a restaurant in Stone Town if they wish.

In the evening, savour dinner cooked by your private chef under the stars or stroll down to the main lodge for a seafood buffet in the open-air restaurant.