ZOI RETREAT HOTEL ZANZIBAR, Matemwe (Zanzibar)

Zoi Retreat Hotel Zanzibar - A beachfront retreat with ocean-view rooms, a pool, and locally sourced dining

Zoi Retreat Hotel Zanzibar, a 4-star property rated 8.8/10 on Booking.com, sits directly on Matemwe Beach, a white coral beach ideal for swimming at high tide. The hotel offers ten double rooms, including two with private ocean-view balconies and a family suite with interconnected rooms. Rooms feature dark wood furnishings, canopy beds with mosquito nets, and outdoor seating areas. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant, which serves European-inspired dishes and local specialties like spicy meat stews and pilau rice. The pool, surrounded by a limestone deck, is steps from the beach. Nearby attractions include Mnemba Island, known for snorkeling, and Nungwi, a 20-minute drive away, where turtles can be spotted seasonally. Airport transfers are available from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, 55 km from the hotel.

Pros

The beachfront location provides direct access to Matemwe Beach, known for its fine white sand and high-tide swimming.

The restaurant blends European and Zanzibari flavors, with dishes like biriani and cassava cooked in fresh coconut.

Rooms feature traditional Zanzibari design elements, including carved wood furnishings and canopy beds.

Proximity to Mnemba Island, a prime snorkeling and diving spot, is a key advantage for aquatic enthusiasts.

Cons

The beach's character changes with tidal cycles, limiting swimming opportunities during low tide.

The remote location requires a 60-minute drive from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.