Michamvi Pingwe · Zanzibar
Two villas on a quiet bay,
where the tide sets the rhythm.
Six rooms. Two infinity pools. A private beach where the Indian Ocean breathes in and out — and a sandbank that appears just for you.
The short answer
The only luxury boutique hotel in Michamvi Pingwe.
Boutique Hotel Matlai is an intimate two-villa property on Zanzibar's east coast:Asili House with four rooms around an oceanfront pool, andVilla Kidosho with two suites above the lagoon. Half board is included, the airport transfer takes 1h15–1h30, and rates start from USD 535per night. The bay holds water at every tide — you can swim at any hour.
See rooms & rates →| Rooms | 6 — across two private villas |
| Pools | 2 infinity pools |
| Board | Half board included |
| Beach | Private · swimmable at high tide |
| Airport | 1h15–1h30 private transfer |
| From | USD 535 / night |
Villa Kidosho
Two suites above the lagoon
Jua and Mwezi — sun and moon — share a carved-stone villa in Swahili-Arabic style and an infinity pool that hangs over the beach. The honeymoon address of the east coast.
Villa KidoshoAsili House
Four rooms, one oceanfront pool
Moto, Hewa, Maji and Dunia open onto private balconies around the garden pool — bookable room by room, or as one exclusive villa for families and small groups.
Check dates
Signature moments
Breakfast that floats. A sandbank that appears.
Zatiny & Duyên
Two kitchens on one beach
Zatiny serves the morning's catch metres from the water; Duyên brings Vietnamese home cooking to the spice coast. Half board for guests — and a table for travellers who find their way to Michamvi.
Dining at Matlai“The kind of place you arrive at for two nights and stay for six — the tide goes out, the sandbank appears, and time stops mattering.”
Guest review · February 2026
Good to know
Questions guests ask
How far is Matlai from Zanzibar Airport?
About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by private car. We arrange transfers for all guests — send your flight details on WhatsApp.
Can you swim at low tide?
The bay holds water better than the open east-coast beaches, and both villa pools are always there. At low tide the lagoon empties toward the Mchanga sandbank — the walk out is an experience of its own.
What's included in half board?
Breakfast and dinner at Zatiny, with Duyên's Vietnamese dishes available alongside the main menu.
Which rooms are best for a honeymoon?
Villa Kidosho — the Jua and Mwezi suites share an infinity pool with uninterrupted ocean views, plus private dining and couples treatments at Bustani Spa.
The bay is waiting.
Book direct for the best rate and free early check-in when available.
Check availability