Matemwe Lodge

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Shaded by lush tropical gardens on the edge of a turquoise lagoon, Matemwe Lodge is an idyllic resort on the romantic island of Zanzibar.

Luxury accommodations consist of twelve chalets made from locally sourced materials and set within a beautiful garden. Six triple-bed chalets are available, and there are two that have a private plunge pool. The large en suite bathrooms feature deep bathtubs and walk-in showers. Each chalet enjoys a private veranda with a hammock and comfy sofa making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the island views.

Set on the exotic spice island of Zanzibar, the hotel boasts stunning ocean views. Once the world’s largest producer of cloves, this spice island also provided nutmeg and cinnamon to Europe, the Middle East, and China for over 500 years. Originally founded by Africans, the island was discovered by the Persians in the 10th century. Since then it has had a strong Arabic influence with a brief period where the Portuguese conquered the seaports, only to revert back to Arabic control. The sultan of Oman relocated his capital here. Zanzibar is actually an archipelago with two main islands: Unguja and Pemba.

With the shore beckoning each day only steps from the front door, there is plenty of sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking on the beach. A manager or guide can assist with booking various other activities such as snorkeling trips, reef walks, and village visits. For an extra charge, guests can enjoy a scuba-diving adventure, dhow boat trip, visit to nearby Stone Town, or a spice tour. A cultural tour on a working spice plantation illustrates how nutmeg, vanilla, and cardamom produced. There is also kayaking, kite-surfing, and deep-sea fishing available. A 30-minute boat ride away is Mnemba Island and the world-renowned coral reef that provides a high chance of spotting turtles and wild dolphins.

The open-air restaurant sits just above the ocean, with magnificent views of the palm-fringed beach and gently rocking dhows. Meals at the lodge consist of a lot of fresh crab, lobster, and fish from the fishermen who net seafood offshore during high tide. Tuesdays and Fridays are barbecue night with a range of seafood and meats and Sunday is a Swahili buffet. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the multi-level swimming pool while sipping a cocktail at the poolside bar. The lodge’s Sea and Spice Spa has a wide menu of relaxing treatments available in either the spa or the chalet.