Matemo Island: Our full report

Stop press! Matemo has recently closed for major building renovations and there is no date currently set for its re-opening. Ask us for the latest details.

Matemo Island is part of the Rani chain of resorts – which includes Medjumbe Private Island, which is also in the Quirimbas, as well as Pemba Beach Hotel on the mainland, and Indigo Bay in the Bazaruto Archipelago, in southern Mozambique

Matemo sits on an inhabited island and with 24 rooms; it is the largest island lodge in the Quirimbas. The main areas are in a spacious open sided building, sitting on a small coral cliff above the sea. A high thatch roof, wooden floors and low stone walls are simple in design but optimize the natural breeze and make the most of the sea views. Arab furniture and curved archways are reminiscent of a Swahili style.

The bar has a lively atmosphere in the evenings and the swimming pool has great views across the beach and the sea. There is an impressive shop to buy curios and Matemo Island are planning a brand new spa for 2009.

The food and service is good here – seafood is commonly on the menu and you can dine in a variety of locations. There is an open dining area next to the poolside or on request you can have a table set for you on the beach.

The chalets are spread along Matemo's private beach. Each is air-conditioned, has large comfortable beds, and all of the little additions that you would expect of a 'resort'-style hotel. You will find a TV with satellite channels, a stocked mini-bar and a hair dryer. In terms of décor, these chalets have rather a strange combination of styles: wooden floors, wooden painted walls and striped curtains make them feel like a luxury beach hut, and yet these are mixed with Persian rugs and Arab light fittings.

Each chalet has an ensuite bathroom, where you will find a tiled bath and indoor shower, a single sink and a separate toilet. There is also a private and romantic outside shower.

The chalets at Matemo Island Resort are very comfortable and well appointed – although we think that a lot more thought could have gone into the interior design. When we were last there, in October 2008, we heard that they were planning to upgrade the soft furnishings which might make the rooms a lot more stylish.

Non motorized activities such as sailing, kayaking, shore-based snorkelling and windsurfing are included in the price of your stay. Diving, waterskiing, deep-sea fishing and snorkeling off a boat are all an additional charge.

Our view

Matemo Island is in a stunning location on a pristine beach. However but we couldn't help but feel when we were last there that they could do a lot more. Like its sister lodge Medjumbe Private Island - it just doesn't quite seem to do its location justice.

Geographics

Location: Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique

Ideal length of stay: Stay for four nights or a week if you love beaches and watersports.

Directions: To reach Matemo Island, take a light flight from Pemba for 50 minutes.

Key personnel

Owner: Property Chain – Rani Resorts

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: Breakfast is a buffet with a variety of cereals, fresh fruit and yogurts. You can also order tea and coffee as well as a full cooked breakfast.

Lunch is an a la carte menu with a variety of meals from fresh salads, to grilled fish and chips, burgers and sandwiches as well as a number of deserts to choose from.

In the evenings dinner is a smaller a la carte menu with a few choices for each course. Fish and seafood always features quite heavily on the menu though there are of course meat and vegetarian options as well.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Special interests

Family holidays: A very remote island beach with good facilities for children

See more ideas for Family holidays in Mozambique

Beach holidays: In Mozambique's Quiribbas Archipelgo - this is a very remote spot

See more ideas for Beach holidays in Mozambique

Diving & snorkelling: Matemo Island Resort sits in a pristine part of the Quirimbas, with access to numerous relatively-untouched dive sites for varying levels of diver. Shallow reefs work well for novice divers; whilst deep coral drop-offs are home to large pelagic fish and turtles, attracting more experienced divers. Snorkellers will love the brightly coloured reefs and abundant marine life around the island.

See more ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Mozambique

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Matemo Island Resort.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Matemo Island Resort is the largest resort in the Quirimbas and has a livelier atmosphere than some of the quieter and more romantic lodges. As a result families with children will feel more comfortable here.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: The internet at Matemo Island is free of charge and if you have a laptop, then WiFi is available in the lounge. There is no cell phone reception at Matemo but you can call internationally from your room for $6 a minute over a satellite link.

TV & radio: There are TV in rooms at Matemo Island

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: There are first-aid trained staff at the diver centre and Matemo Island have links to flying doctors in emergencies.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: There are safes in the each of the rooms at Matemo Island Lodge.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all rooms and main areas – and there are fire hoses around the lodge as well.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Extra Charge - $1 – 5 an item

Money: There are no currency exchange facilities here.