Luxury Beachfront Villas
in Zanzibar
Asili House & Villa Kidosho
Asili House vs Villa Kidosho – Key Differences
While both villas offer a private beachfront setting, ocean views, and personalized service, the experience of each villa is quite different.
Asili House –
Natural, Social, Spacious
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4 themed deluxe rooms (Dunia, Maji, Hewa, Moto)
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African design with natural materials and palm-leaf roofing
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Set within lush tropical gardens
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Large shared lounge and dining area
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Pool connecting indoor and outdoor spaces
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Ideal for couples and honeymooners as well for families, small groups, or relaxed stays
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Rooms approx. 56 sqm
Villa Kidosho –
Private, Elegant, Intimate
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2 spacious suites (Jua & Mwezi)
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Arabic / Omani-inspired architecture
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Elevated infinity pool with ocean view
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More privacy between suites
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Private terraces, hanging beds, and outdoor areas
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Ideal for couples and honeymooners as well for families, small groups, or relaxed stays
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Suites approx. 80 sqm
👉 Both villas can be booked room by room or entirely for exclusive use.
Why Guests Choose Boutique Hotel Matlai
Boutique Hotel Matlai is not about size — it’s about how a stay feels.
With only six rooms set on a 10,000 sqm beachfront property, guests experience a level of space and calm that is rarely found in Zanzibar. Even when the hotel is fully booked, it never feels crowded — there is always a quiet place to relax, whether by the pool, in the garden, or overlooking the ocean.
Private Villa Experience in Zanzibar
Staying in a private villa in Zanzibar is very different from a traditional hotel experience. At Boutique Hotel Matlai, guests enjoy the privacy of their own space combined with the service and comfort of a luxury boutique hotel.
Whether you stay in Asili House or Villa Kidosho, the entire property is designed to give you freedom — no fixed schedules, no crowded areas, and complete flexibility throughout your stay.
You can enjoy breakfast on your private balcony, dine in the tropical garden, relax by the pool, or choose a special location anywhere on the property. Our team can set up private dining experiences in unique spots, creating unforgettable moments during your stay.
👉 For more inspiration, explore our Zanzibar Travel Guide and discover what makes this island so unique.
What to Do During Your Villa Stay
in Zanzibar
Many guests arrive planning to explore Zanzibar — but often choose to spend most of their time at the villa.
The 10,000 sqm beachfront property offers space, privacy, and a wide range of experiences:
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Open-air cinema nights under the stars
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Kayaks and snorkeling directly in front of the hotel
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Access to the sandbank and natural lagoon
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Beach volleyball, boule, and garden games
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Bicycles to explore Michamvi village
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Bustani Spa for massages and wellness treatments
Even at low tide, swimming is possible in the natural creek in front of the sandbank — a unique feature of this part of Zanzibar.
👉 Discover more in our guide to Things to do in Michamvi or explore the best snorkeling in Zanzibar.
Dining Without Limits
Dining at Boutique Hotel Matlai is designed around flexibility and personal preference.
There are no fixed dining locations or strict schedules. Breakfast can be enjoyed until late morning, often served on your private balcony, while dinner can be arranged at different times depending on your plans.
Guests can dine:
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At the beachfront restaurant
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In the tropical garden
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On private terraces or balconies
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At specially arranged locations across the property
With two kitchens — Zatiny and Duyen — we offer a wide variety of international and Asian cuisine, and we are happy to accommodate dietary requirements and personal preferences.
Why This Location in Zanzibar Is Special
Boutique Hotel Matlai is located in Michamvi Pingwe, on the quiet and more untouched side of Zanzibar’s east coast — a place known for its calm atmosphere, natural beauty, and sense of space.
Unlike the busier northern beaches, Michamvi offers a more peaceful and authentic experience. Even during high season, it never feels crowded, making it one of the best choices for travelers seeking privacy and relaxation.
One of the most unique features of this location is the sandbank directly in front of the hotel. Depending on the tide, it reveals itself as a stunning natural landscape where guests can walk, relax, or explore the shallow waters. Just behind it, a natural lagoon and creek allow swimming even at low tide — something that is not common in many parts of Zanzibar.
Another highlight is the sunrise over the Indian Ocean. Each morning, the light transforms the beach and the ocean into a calm and peaceful setting — a moment many guests describe as one of the most special parts of their stay.
👉 If you are exploring different areas, have a look at our guide on best beaches in Zanzibar or learn more about where to stay in Zanzibar to find the location that fits your travel style best.
Discover Our Villas in Motion
Asili House – Space, Nature & Garden Living
Asili House & Garden
Tropical Garden & Hidden Spaces
Villa Kidosho – Private, Elegant, Intimate
Villa Kidosho
Explore Zanzibar from Matlai
Many travelers combine their villa stay with experiences across the island — from snorkeling and sandbanks to cultural visits and safari extensions in mainland Tanzania.
From Matlai, you can easily explore the quieter side of Zanzibar or simply enjoy the unique natural setting directly in front of the hotel.
👉 Discover more in our Zanzibar Travel Guide
👉 Explore the best things to do in Michamvi
👉 Find the best beaches in Zanzibar
👉 Learn about the best time to visit Zanzibar