Matemwe Retreat is one of the most exclusive lodges on Zanzibar, just north of Matemwe Bungalows' main lodge. The Retreat consists of three enormous, split-level beach cottages, which have been constructed using local materials and resources wherever possible. These are the ultimate in private luxury.
The ground floor at each of the Retreat's suites features an air-conditioned bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with showers and sunken bath, and a spacious open sided verandah with a private cocktail bar and lounge area. The second floor is a private roof-top terrace with sun-loungers, shaded lounge and a plunge pool as well. The views across the lagoon to Mnemba Island are stunning. Every room has access to a small private beach for guests of Matemwe Retreat.
Though the rooms are wonderful, it is the service at Matemwe Retreat which makes it such a special place to stay. Guests have a personal butler who will bring breakfast to the veranda every morning and stop to find out what they wish him to organize for the day – whether it be diving, a walk, or just a bottle of champagne on the terrace.
Lunch and dinner can be served on the private terrace of the rooms, or in the gardens of Matemwe Retreat. There is always the option of popping down to the restaurant at Matemwe Bungalows for a more sociable atmosphere.
When we visited Matemwe Retreat, we were very impressed. The rooms are really quite spectacular; it's certainly one of the most 'exclusive' places in the whole of Zanzibar. However, it's not for everybody. It is perfect for people who really want total privacy and solitude – but more gregarious visitors should know that there are absolutely no public areas here at all. So if you want to mix and be social, this probably isn't the right place for you.
Having said that, it's a 5-10 minute walk to reach the main areas of Matemwe Bungalows. If you want to relax by the bar or pool or interact with other guests, then you can always do this.
Directions: It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then its a further one hour by car to Matemwe Retreat.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Property Chain – Asilia Lodges
Staff: General Manager: Japheth Nzuna
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served on your own private veranda, though you can also have it on the roof terrace or in the gardens. The dining is very private and you will decide daily with your butler on the programme and menu for lunch and dinner.
When we were last here we did not sample the food – though being linked to Matemwe Bungalows, we would expect very good food with plenty of fresh seafood.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes - most of the meals are brought to your room for private dining.
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are included, except champagne and premium imported wines and spirits.
Special interests
Honeymoons: Matemwe Retreat is perfect for those wanting the ultimate in intimacy, seclusion and luxury. The service here is highly personalised and guests can expect to feel spoilt rotten!
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Zanzibar
Beach holidays: On the east coast of Zanzibar you will find seemingly endless stretches of white powdery beach. The water is usually crystal clear and great for swimming when the tide is high. When the tide goes out, it can go out for miles, and though you can't swim during these times, the exposed inter-tidal zone can be a fascinating place to walk. Matemwe Retreat has privatised a small stretch of the beach and made it exclusively for the use of their guests.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Zanzibar
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Matemwe Retreat – but there's not a lot of space for extra beds, and it'd be too dangerous for young children as its raised up without good barriers.
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions
Activities: Matemwe Retreat does not offer any special services for children.
Equipment: Cots are available for the rooms
Generally recommended for children: No
Notes: Matemwe Retreat is a very quiet and secluded place, and it is a bit of a walk to the main areas of Matemwe Bungalows where the pool is. Children might find it a little too quiet and would be in danger of getting quickly bored – and it'd be dangerous for young children
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There is mobile phone reception here, and there is also complimentary internet available at Matemwe Bungalows'.
TV & radio: Neither TV nor radio has made it to this quiet part of Zanzibar.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There is a first aid box on site at the next door Matemwe Bungalows for minor illnesses and injuries. For more serious medical problems Matemwe has contact with a doctor who lives only one hour away.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There are security guards on site.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers outside the rooms.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Included
Money: Matemwe will change US $ and they will also change travellers' cheques for a 10 percent charge.
Accepted payment: You can pay for any extra charges at Matemwe in US$ cash, travellers' cheques or by credit card. You can use Visa, Mastercard and Amex – though the use of a card will command a 5 percent charge.
Overall disappointing
Fantastic location and snorkelling but everything else was a complete diappointment. The concept of the lodge was fantastic but the fixtures and fittings were a disgrace.
Air Conditioning was brok...
Matemwe Retreat review
If you are able to stay at the Matemwe Retreat why try to go somewhere else? The villa is fantastic; the view is amazing, our butler Mwuyni made us feel so special with all his pampering!
It was a...
Matemwe Retreat review
The retreat was great. Our personal porter, Paul, couldn't have been any more helpful, attentive and interesting. He was great. Beautiful room.
The food was only ok here. Not the same level...
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