3 nights in hot season. Received with fresh coconut water; gorgeous shower to wash off sweat and salt water; obligatory bathtub annexed to palace size room; circular swimming pool in lobby facing the sea; swimming at high tide in 30 degree ocean; walking with octopus fisher women from the village at low tide. Probably the best coral reef on the... More

My husband and I just spent 7 nights in boutique hotel Matlai, and have been blown away by the service and quality from the moment we arrived. We hope to come back to this superb hotel very soon. We've been in some great hotels, but this is a very special place with high quality at a small and intimate scale,... More

Very good location with perfect view from your room (bed). Boutique room interior with small details. Amazing looking outdoor bathroom, but shower was very unpractical and it is very windy in the evenings. Be informed that the outdoor pool contains salted sea water, so be ready to shower after each pool visit. Personal and kind attitude form the owners as... More

We stayed in the hotel for 2 Weeks before Xmas 2012. The owners are extremly friendly and helpful and the best is that they have service totally tailored to your needs. You tell them what you want to eat and the cook cooks it for you. The Butler "Omari" was really nice & helpful and made sure all our wishes... More

This was the culmination of a three week holiday to Tanzania and turned out to be the icing on the cake. We arrived on an evening flight from Kilimanjaro (Precision Air) and were promptly met at the airport by our driver (complete with air conditioned vehicle - a first for the holiday and very much welcomed!) who took us on... More

My wife and I found this gem via Tripadvisor, and decided to spend a few days here during our 20th wedding anniversary trip to Zanzibar. From the moment we arrived (after quite a long drive from Stone Town; note that the taxi driver may need to search a bit!) I know this would be heaven. Tim, the General Manager, welcomed... More

This place is outstanding, one of the nicest places I’ve ever been. We spent a couple of wonderful days in this small boutique hotel in the Northeast of Zanzibar. The German family-run place has only 4 rooms, all beautifully designed according to the 4 elements: a fire, water, earth and air room. All rooms and their terraces/balconies face the stunning... More

It was the second time staying at Matlai. It is indeed a piece of paradise on earth. Spacious luxury rooms with superb bathroom. Excellent service and very good food. Breakfast can even be taken in the afternoon. Very friendly and professional management. Inviting nice swimming pool located right at the beach.

We stayed at Matlai boutique hotel in August 2012 after a few days safari in Tanzania. From the very moment of our arrival until the end of our vacation week we have enjoyed every single moment. The rooms, the swimming pool and all the other common spaces are really very special. The rooms are all furnished with natural materials and... More