Matemwe Retreat is one of the most exclusive lodges on Zanzibar, just north of Matemwe Lodge main lodge. The Retreat consists of four enormous, split-level, self-contained villas, which have been constructed using local materials and resources wherever possible. These are the ultimate in private luxury.
Each villa is entered through a large Zanzibari door. The ground floor features an air-conditioned bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with showers and sunken bath, and a spacious open-sided veranda with a private cocktail bar and lounge area. The second floor is a private roof-top terrace with sunloungers, 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, exclusive to guests at Matemwe Retreat.
Though the rooms are wonderful, it is the service at Matemwe Retreat that 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 to organise for the day – whether it be diving, a walk, or just a bottle of champagne on the terrace. The butler can be called from the room phone.
Lunch and dinner can be served on your private terrace, or in the gardens of Matemwe Retreat. For a more sociable atmosphere, it's just a 5–10 minute walk down to the restaurant at Matemwe Bungalows, where you can also relax by the bar or pool or simply interact with other guests.
Our view We were very impressed by the spectacular villas at Matemwe Retreat; it's certainly one of the most exclusive places in Zanzibar. However, although it is perfect for people who really want total privacy and solitude, 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.
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: Asilia Lodges
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Matemwe Retreat are usually served on your private veranda, though you can choose to eat instead on your roof terrace or in the gardens. 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 as it is linked to Matemwe Lodge, we would expect a high standard 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.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Zanzibar
Beach holidays: On the east coast of Zanzibar, with its seemingly endless white powdery beaches, a small stretch below the villas is effectively for the exclusive use of the guests here. The water is usually crystal clear and great for swimming when at high tide. When the tide goes out, it can go out for miles; although you can't swim during these times, the exposed inter-tidal zone can be a fascinating place to walk.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Zanzibar
Children
Attitude towards children: No children under 16 are allowed at Matemwe Retreat.
Activities: Matemwe Retreat does not offer any special services for children.
Generally recommended for children: No
Notes: Families with children under 16 can stay at Matemwe Beach House.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There is mobile phone reception at Matemwe Retreat, and there is complimentary internet access available at Matemwe Lodge.
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 There is a first-aid box for minor illnesses and injuries at the neighbouring Matemwe Bungalows. For more serious medical problems Matemwe has contact with a doctor who lives one hour's drive 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 dollars cash, travellers' cheques or by credit card. Visa, MasterCard and Amex are accepted with a 5% surcharge.
Wonderful Matemwe Retreat
Matemwe Retreat could not be more appropriately named – it is a relaxing haven with all you could wish for in an idyllic setting. The rooms are beautiful with rustic-chic styling, and the top deck wit...
Matemwe retreat review
We really enjoyed the space and privacy of our villa, Safina. Our butler Daniel was superb, could not do enough for us, and his calm quiet manner was delightful.
Sally took the trouble to check th...
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...
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