Boutique Hotel Matlai
BOUTIQUE HOTEL MATLAI IS A SMALL OWNER RUN HOTEL LOCATED ON THE SOUTH-EAST COAST OF ZANZIBAR, ON THE EASTERN SIDE ON THE MICHAMWI PENINSULA.
Boutique Hotel Matlai offers guests a very intimate peaceful atmosphere and personal service. Accommodation for up to 12 people is split across two beachfront houses, each with their own pool, and rooms can be booked on an individual basis, or each house on an exclusive basis. Either way, the hotel is perfect for those looking for a personalised and relaxed stay with a discreet and understated service, flexible meal planning with choice of dining settings, and lots of corners in which to hideaway and relax.
Rooms
Accommodation is split between two different ‘houses’, accommodating up to 18 guests across a total of six individually designed rooms. Each house has a sea front location and each has its own pool.
Asili House has an African style, with two bedrooms upstairs and two bedrooms downstairs. The en suite bathrooms each have a bathtub, shower, toilet and double vanity and the ground floor bathrooms have part solid/part thatched ceilings. There is an outdoor lounge area leading out towards the swimming pool.
Villa Kidosho has more of an Arabic influence in the decor and is made up of two bedrooms leading off a shared lounge/entrance hall. The en suite bathrooms are indoors and have a double shower and bathtub. The rooms both lead out onto another large swimming pool. All bedrooms have a sea view.
Central Areas
Throughout the property there are lots of little corners to hideaway in – swing chairs, daybeds, sun loungers and such. There is an open air cinema which you can book privately. There is a simple spa and also a massage hut directly on the beach. There is a beach bar and restaurant but dining can be very flexible. You can choose to dine in the beach bar, in your room, on your private verandah or one of the many private locations dotted throughout the gardens.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
Zanzibar’s, or more correctly Unguja’s (Zanzibar is the name of the archipelago which includes both Pemba and Unguja islands), history dates back more than 2000 years when the islands traded with ships from Persia, Arabia and India. From about the 10th century, groups of immigrants from Shiraz (Persia) settled on the island and mixed with the local people. In the 16th century, the Portuguese established a trading station before being ousted by Omani Arabs a couple of centuries later. In 1840, the Sultan Said moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar with the Omani Arabs forming an elite group of landlords and rulers. Indian settlers formed a merchant class and the island became an important centre of regional politics and the focus of the slave trade.
In 1890, Zanzibar became a British protectorate before gaining independence in 1963. In 1964, the Sultan was overthrown and nearly all Arabs and Indians expelled. Later that year, Zanzibar and Tanganyika combined to form Tanzania. Since then, many of the expelled peoples have returned.
In Zanzibar’s Stone Town (the old quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage site), a fascinating maze of narrow streets and alleyways lead past numerous old houses, mosques, ornate palaces, shops and bazaars reflecting the various influences through the ages – Arab, Persian, Indian and European. Many of the buildings date back to the 19th century and depict the wealth of its builder. Arab houses have plain outer walls with large doors leading to an inner courtyard. Conversely, Indian houses have a more open facade and large balconies with railings and balustrades. Take the chance to savour the atmosphere by dining at one of the rooftop restaurants.
The area outside the Stone Town is called Michenzani (New City), a failed attempt at becoming a modern city.
Depending on where you are staying on the island, there are a number of interesting excursions to consider. Visit a Spice Plantation, take a trip to the Jozani Forest (southern part of the island) where the rare red colobus monkey is found or visit Chumbe Island Coral Park (either as a day trip from Stone Town or overnight). Sundowner trips by traditional sailing dhow are available out of Stone Town. Due to environmental concerns, we no longer recommend swimming with dolphins.
Please remember that Zanzibar, like much of the East African coastline, has a strong Islamic culture, and that you should dress appropriately when in public areas and the Stone Town. During the month of Ramadan, further courtesy should be shown to those observing their faith, particularly in respect to service which you may find slower than usual.
The best beaches on the island are those found on the north and east coasts. However, please note that there are large tidal movements and sea swimming from most beaches during low tide is difficult. The best snorkelling is found around the Mnemba and Chumbe islands, but snorkelling is available along the length of the east coast where it is usually necessary to go out by boat to enjoy the best locations.
Like most of East Africa, the islands are affected by the monsoon winds – the Kuzi (or sometimes Kisi) which blows from April to September/October is a south-easterly which brings choppy sea conditions and seaweed to the shorelines, whereas the Kaskasi blows from the north-east from October/November to March producing calmer seas and slightly higher temperatures.
Activities
There is a recreation area for boules, ladder golf and beach volley ball, while fishing, water sports and excursions around the island can be arranged locally.
Seasons
Boutique Hotel Matlai is open all year round, though Zanzibar is best avoided during the main rainy season in April and May.
Families with children under the age of 14 years would need to book one of the houses exclusively and the design of the hotel does not lend itself to those travelling with young children. However, for those travelling with older children, especially if taking one of the houses on an exclusive basis, the hotel offers a fantastic and exclusive beach experience.
Boutique Hotel Matlai is committed to sustainable business practices and responsible tourism. Eco-friendly practices in the hotel include using energy efficient appliances and using solar panels for water heaters in the bathrooms.
They have a waste management policy which includes recycling, composting organic waste from the kitchen, eliminating single-use plastics wherever possible. The team also conduct a litter pick twice a week on the beach and public pathways around the hotel.
The hotel restaurant sources fresh, organic product from local farmers and seafood is purchased directly from local fishermen (making sure seasonality for seafood is adhered to).
The hotel is also actively involved in local community projects supporting education, healthcare and conservation efforts.
