The Matemwe Retreat is built by local craftsmen, where possible from local materials. Walls are of local stone and roofs are made of makuti (woven palm leaves) and most furniture is made of locally produced coconut wood. Soft furnishings are locally produced by women groups and the matting is produced by the blind association in Stone Town. The sun, through our solar system, supplies hot water to the lodge. Only where local produces would jeopardize the quality of the experience, materials from outside the region have been applied. Of the lodge staff, over 60% is from the villages close by Matemwe.

Full room service, with drinks and private dining,
Included while staying at the lodge: full board accommodation, all drinks (except champagne, cellar wines, premium brand spirits)

Retreat
Matemwe Retreat is constructed on a private stretch of land, just north of Matemwe’s main lodge and right opposite the Mnemba Atoll.

The service in the Retreat is of the highest standards. Breakfast will be served on the veranda of the room, without the need to disturb guests still in bed. Every day the manager or chef will stop by to discuss lunch and dinner preferences: the catch of the day served in the privacy of the garden or roof terrace or a dinner at Matemwe’s main lodge, to enjoy the company of other guests. Drinks are served in the room or on the beach and guests can receive massages and beauty treatments in the comfort of their roof terrace.

Meals
Dinners offer a choice of main courses between fish, meat and vegetarian, with fresh seafood being the absolute specialty of the house. Breakfast offers a wide choice of fruit juices, fruits, yoghurt, cereals, pancakes and full English breakfast. Lunches are delicious buffets with a mix of African and European flavors. For the early birds the sunrise is a sight to savor. Early morning, tea and/or coffee and delicious cookies will be served at your veranda. In the evening, the full moon rising out of the sea is a wonderful romantic experience you're not likely to forget. On moonless nights gaze and get lost in the star-filled sky.

Matemwe offers a wide range of activities that can be undertaken in and around the lodge.

The temperature of the sea is very pleasant all year round, but du to tidal differences on Zanzibar swimming at low tide isn't possible. The lodge' main pool and all Retreat rooms have a private plunge pool on their roof terrace so that guests can cool off any time of the day.

The Retreat offers PADI diving, deep sea fishing, local fishing trips in traditional boats, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing with local dhows, guided walks to the nearby village and fish market, reef walks, cycling and more... Furthermore massages and beauty treatments (henna and hair braiding).

Matemwe Retreat has created several strong, mutually beneficial relationships with its neighbors and has undertaken various community projects, including infrastructural projects (road, water, electricity) and the building of a local library

Weddings and honeymoons
Candlelit private beach dinners under the stars, Champagne breakfast, honeymoon suites, aromatic massage oils…Matemwe Retreat offers special packages and dream weddings for honeymooners at its pristine beaches.

Matemwe Retreat is closed in April and May.