Boutique Hotel Matlai

Beach hotel with a full-service spa and an outdoor pool

VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

November 2025

December 2025

Suite with Sea View ( Villa Kidosho ) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Suite with Sea View ( Villa Kidosho ) | Terrace/patio

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Exceptional

Popular amenities

Bar
Pool
Room service
Spa
Air conditioning
Laundry

Explore the area

Michamvi Beach, Michamvi

Place, Pingwe Beach
‪2 min walk‬
Place, Michamvi Kae Beach
‪4 min drive‬
Place, Dongwe Beach
‪5 min drive‬
Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
‪73 min drive‬

Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.

Expect exceptional service
Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Learn more about VIP Access

Room options

Deluxe Room with Sea View ( Asili House )

Exceptional

538 sq ft
Sea view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed OR 1 Double Bed

Suite with Sea View ( Villa Kidosho )

Exceptional

753 sq ft
Sea view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Michamvi

Located within a 5-minute walk of Pingwe Beach, Boutique Hotel Matlai is within a few miles (5 km) of Michamvi Kae Beach. This 4-star hotel has 6 guestrooms and offers conveniences like a restaurant, a full-service spa, and an outdoor pool.

What's nearby

Pingwe Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
Michamvi Kae Beach - 4 min drive - 2.3 miles
Dongwe Beach - 5 min drive - 3.0 miles
Bwejuu Beach - 10 min drive - 6.5 miles
Paje Beach - 17 min drive - 10.7 miles

Getting around

Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 66 min drive

Restaurants

‪Bali Cafe - ‬4 min drive
‪Abdi’s Place - Best Restaurant In Zanzibar - ‬9 min drive
‪Kae Beach Restoraunt - ‬4 min drive
kae funk sunset beach bar
‪Kichanga Lodge Beach Bar - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Boutique Hotel Matlai

Beach hotel with a full-service spa and an outdoor pool

Guests of Boutique Hotel Matlai have access to a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and spa treatment rooms. Airport transportation is made easy with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 60 per vehicle one-way. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with concierge services, securing valuables, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this beach hotel include coffee/tea in a common area, free use of bicycles, and a library.

Beds sport premium bedding and pillow menus, and bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include furnished balconies, sitting areas, and minibars.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool and complimentary bicycles.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the onsite spa, which has 1 treatment room. Services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body scrubs.

Similar properties

Pool
Breakfast included
Spa
Parking included

$224 nightly

Nov 12 - Nov 13

Total with taxes and fees

Property amenities

Parking and transportation

24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge

Food and drink

A bar/lounge
A beach bar
A restaurant
Coffee and tea in common areas
Couples/private dining
Private picnics
Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

Several dining areas

Things to do

Beach volleyball
Boat tours
Free bicycle rentals
Full-service spa
Infinity pool
Kayaking
Library
Outdoor pool

Conveniences

Laundry facilities
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk

Guest services

Concierge services
Housekeeping (daily)
Multilingual staff
Porter/bellhop
Proposal/romance packages
Tour and ticket assistance
Turndown service
Wedding services

Outdoors

Barbecue grill
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Garden
On the beach
On the waterfront
Picnic area
Pool loungers
Terrace

Full-service spa

Body scrubs
Deep-tissue massages
Facials
In-room massages
Manicures/pedicures
Swedish massages
Treatment room

Accessibility

If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Accessible airport shuttle
No elevator

2 buildings
2 floors
Built in 2012
Mosquito nets
Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

Pillow menu
Premium bedding

Bathroom

Bathrobes
Deep soaking bathtub
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Separate bathtub and shower
Slippers
Towels provided

Food and drink

Champagne service
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
Limited room service
Minibar

Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Desk
Free local calls
Individual decor
Individual furnishings
Laptop-compatible safe
Phone
Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight

Late check-in subject to availability

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Late check-out subject to availability

A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Guests will receive an email within 2 weeks before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours

If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between April 2 and May 31.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

This property doesn't allow children 12 and younger (only guests older than 12 are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

Airport shuttle fee: USD 60 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 6)
Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted

Parties and events are allowed on site

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

Check-in: 2:00 PM—-midnight
Check-out: 10 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Parties and events are allowed on site.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

The hotel can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
There are no elevators.
No cribs or infant beds are available.
No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Boutique Hotel Matlai

Boutique Hotel Matlai Michamvi

Boutique Matlai

Boutique Matlai Michamvi

Hotel Matlai

Matlai

Matlai Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel Matlai Michamvi, Zanzibar

Boutique Hotel Matlai Hotel

Boutique Hotel Matlai Michamvi

Boutique Hotel Matlai Hotel Michamvi

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do close to Boutique Hotel Matlai?

This hotel is located in Michamvi, just steps from Pingwe Beach. You'll also find Michamvi Kae Beach and Dongwe Beach within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Boutique Hotel Matlai?

No, this hotel doesn't offer parking.

Is there a spa available at Boutique Hotel Matlai?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include deep-tissue massages, mani/pedis, body scrubs, and facials.

Does Boutique Hotel Matlai include a casino?

No, Boutique Hotel Matlai doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Boutique Hotel Matlai?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

Is Boutique Hotel Matlai good for couples?

At this beachfront hotel, there are many amenities for couples, including Champagne service and in-room massages in each guestroom with some featuring ocean views.

Are there hot tubs at Boutique Hotel Matlai?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Boutique Hotel Matlai feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Boutique Hotel Matlai serves breakfast for a surcharge at Several dining areas.

Will Boutique Hotel Matlai allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Boutique Hotel Matlai.

Are there connecting rooms at Boutique Hotel Matlai?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How close is the airport from Boutique Hotel Matlai?

The closest major airport to Boutique Hotel Matlai is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is about 20.7 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at Boutique Hotel Matlai?

Yes, every guestroom at Boutique Hotel Matlai comes with a furnished balcony with some featuring ocean views.

Does Boutique Hotel Matlai have a wedding venue?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at Boutique Hotel Matlai.

Boutique Hotel Matlai Reviews

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

joohee

Mar 7, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

youjin

Mar 6, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Traveled with partner

Feb 3, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

A beautiful small resort with just 6 rooms in two separate buildings. Very attentive and friendly staff. Lovely pool. Beautiful gardens. Long white sand beach right in front of the rooms is perfect for walks and swimming (with sea shoes, and somewhat tide dependent).

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pattaneeporn

Aug 27, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Roberto

Mar 4, 2023

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristina

Dec 29, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Thank you, Matlai, for super happy memories!!

There are lots of beautiful boutique hotels everywhere in the world, lots of them have just a beautiful facade, but missing that special personal touch that actually makes the difference by bringing up good emotions and making you always remembering the place. Matlai gives you that experience and you will want to come back, because everything here is simply very very very good - location, views, facilities, service, food, comfort, design and details, happy staff, peace ... you will not miss a thing from your luxury beach stay!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Traveled with partner

Nov 12, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

A Boutique Hotel worth of its name. The team will welcome you with a smile from the heart and you will have the most pleasant stay in a place that is close to a piece of heaven on earth! You will not have to worry about anything as the Matlai team will get all your needs covered from out trips to transportation to snorkeling gear to anything you might need. The outdoor cinema was a charm and the beach bar was great. Do not hesitate to book your stay with Matlai Hotel. You won’t be disappointed. special thanks to Justus and Mohammed from the Matlai team

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ellyn Dryden

Feb 14, 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best hotel I have ever stayed in!

If I could give this hotel a higher rating I would. Everything was perfect from the time we arrived to when we left, our only regret was we wish we had booked for longer! We stayed for 2 nights as part of our honeymoon. Inge arranged our airport transfer, when we reached the hotel we got out and didn't need to pay (they put it on our room bill) and took our cases to our room, handed us fresh coconuts with Malibu and got us checked in quickly. We arrived late and ordered our dinner which we ate on our balcony served by the hotel butler. I love the little quirks of this place: - You can eat anywhere you like and there are SO many beautiful spaces! - Cooked to order breakfast you can eat whenever you like and as much as you like with local delicacies - The room balcony was beautiful and incredible views - Food is exceptional and well priced - Service is also exceptional - It's so relaxing, peaceful and quiet - The bath and local bath salts are a beautiful touch - I LOVED the bedtime stories! - The room spray choice is such a nice touch - The hotel bar/ restaurant is well decorated - All the décor is outstanding - You can pay for everything on your card, even hotel transfers Do not hesitate about booking this, we would absolutely come back. Traveller tip: Don't waste your money going to the Rock Restaurant for over priced, below average food and poor service. Eat here and get amazing food for incredible quality with exceptional service!

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner

Jan 29, 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Mátlai boutique hotel is a dream and a little piece of paradise, the owners (manager, director) Tim, Inge and the rest of the staff specially Muhammed, justice and Regina made our stay very special, the view of our room was amazing, the food and service was impecable and We were able to borrow the snorkeling gear (free to use) and we were also able to watch a movie in the outside cinema setting at the hotel (quite romantic and another movie 🍿 in our room. The matlai hotel is my favorite place and I hope I can be lucky enough to come back every year, it was the most special 5 days I have had in a long time. Thanks to the matlai team for sharing and giving us such a special time. Ana Beltran

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Julian

Jul 7, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A piece of paradise in Zanzibar!

Paradise! Both in terms of service and grounds. Totally recommend this hotel to those looking for a unique experience in Zanzibar.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Simone

Mar 22, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best hotel we have ever stayed at!

This hotel is a 10/10, you will not regret booking it. The owner Inge is very helpful and attentive from the moment you book and all the staff during our stay was phenomenal. This hotel is a very good value, especially considering other hotels with similar offering are more than double the price. From the food, to the service, to location, to the individually decorated rooms, everything was perfect! Given there are limited rooms and the hotel is located on a large property, it also never feels crowded and you can enjoy your privacy.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Oct 16, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Feb 20, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Book it already. Amazing time.

Amazing hotel with the bestest of service. The owners were beyond nice and the staff was the most enjoyable and professional. Great experience and would definitely stay again. Only thing that could be improved is the wifi speed.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Dec 6, 2017

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great hotel, amazing staff

I turned up and was very slightly disappointed. However, the staff are amazing and more than made up for my initial thoughts Great location and a walk away from The Rock

Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Terri, canada

Nov 20, 2017

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Heaven on Earth!

Never in my life have I been to such an amazing hotel! Beautiful ocean views, gardens, lounging areas. The only thing better than the breathtaking hotel itself is the amazing staff. So incredibly friendly and helpful, they made you feel like you were the most important person there. And the food....delicious! If there was more than a 5 star rating, this place deserves it! Everyone should have a chance to visit this place at least once in their lives, truly paradise on Earth! - Adam and Terri

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Roberta

Sep 7, 2017

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

zanzibar paradise

Boutique Hotel Matlai is a wonderful place to stay - everything from the beginning to end was perfect! All the staff was amazing, Tim the general manager was friendly and helpful. The room was well designed, spacious, had every comfort needed. Our room was a few feet from the beach - incredible view - couldn't ask to for a better location. With only 6 rooms great attention was paid to all details and to making every guest feel as if they were at home. Food was very good and it was the only place in Zanzibar that we found could make a good aperol spritz! We had a fantastic 4 day stay - I would only change one thing - to have stayed longer!

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Nov 23, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful!!!

Breathtakingly gorgeous private place right on the beach! Wonderful staff and delicious food! Its like a private paradise and once youre there you just want to remain napping on the bahari overlooking the ocean and never leave! Only fault is slow wifi but its not even needed because you just want to forget the outside world when youre there. Definitely will recommend it and be back!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Aug 7, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful hotel, great experience

True luxury, beautiful hotel by the sea. Recommend Villa Kidosho for honeymooners

10/10 Excellent

Heather, Canada

Apr 17, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A little piece of indulgent paradise!

What an amazing stay at Boutique Hotel Matlai! From the butler service to the private pool to the great transport to and from the airport - will definitely come back!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Apr 12, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Opulence at a great price

We stayed at the Villa Kidosho, Mwezi (Moon) room, which is a 2-room house with private balcony, salt water pool, dining area, and plenty of reading and lounging areas inside and outside. Also, there was a butler. Yes, you read this right, there is a butler 24/7. You can summon the butler with a cell phone that you can use in town (might need to reset the phone when you get off the property). Tim, the co-owner/manager with his mother, Inge, did a wonderful job of coordinating trips to Stone Town and to Cheetah's Rock, a must-do. The taxi people he uses are secure and prompt, so leaving things in the taxi for a while is no issue with security. This was low season, and we were the only ones in the entire hotel for a few days, which was quite pleasant. 1/2 board is breakfast and dinner included, which has a large menu selection that is made to order. This was truly a royal treatment.

10/10 Excellent

Jeroen, Antwerp

Nov 27, 2015

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Like royals

We had a great stay here on the final days of our honeymoon. The service and facilities were just perfect, we were treated like royals!!

8/10 Good

Thomas, Dubai/London

Oct 1, 2015

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Small and friendly

Beautiful small property with great rooms and gardens. Loved the ability to eat when and where you like. Service was very friendly if a bit slow at times. While you are free to request dishes, the actual range and quality delivered depends on the limited availability of produce and sometimes lead times that surprised us. The beach is nice for long walks, but swimming is subject to the tides as everywhere on Zanzibar. During low tide the plentiful rock pools are an attraction for explorers.

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Jul 28, 2015

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very convenient boutique hotel

Four great rooms with each a butler for all your wishes. Nice pool almost on the beach. For quietness and relaxing. Superb!

10/10 Excellent

Joeder

Jun 25, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Håkan

Mar 18, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Ett underbart supermysigt boutiquehotel.

Fantastiskt mysigt boutiquehotel. Verligen en pärla. Mycket god mat som serverades i restaurant, på rummets balkong eller på ett av flera ställen i den fina trädgården (man valde själv ställe varje dag). Mycket trevlig personal, alla hälsade och pratade gärna. Ett drömställe - vi längtar tillbaka.

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

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Explore the area

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View all photos for Deluxe Room with Sea View ( Asili House )

Deluxe Room with Sea View ( Asili House )

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Suite with Sea View ( Villa Kidosho )

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About the neighborhood

Michamvi

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

About this property

Boutique Hotel Matlai

Similar properties

Breezes Beach Club & Spa – Half Board

Property amenities

Parking and transportation

Food and drink

Restaurants on site

Things to do

Conveniences

Guest services

Outdoors

Full-service spa

Accessibility

More

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bathroom

Food and drink

More

Policies

Check-in

Check-out

Special check-in instructions

Renovations and closures

Access methods

Pets

Children and extra beds

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Optional extras

You need to know

We should mention

Property is also known as

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Boutique Hotel Matlai Reviews

Exceptional

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

joohee

joohee

10/10 Excellent

youjin

youjin

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Jonathan

10/10 Excellent

Pattaneeporn

Pattaneeporn

10/10 Excellent

Roberto

Roberto

10/10 Excellent

Kristina