Matemwe Bandas

Zanzibar – East Coast – North

Matemwe Bandas is comprised of just three spacious en-suite, standalone thatched bandas. They are situated on a stunning palm-fringed stretch of beach just opposite the Mnemba Island Atoll.

Overview

In recent years, Matemwe has emerged as Zanzibar’s low-rise, chic beach destination away from major hotel developments. Set on pure white sand that stretches for miles, Matemwe Bandas promises to be a private, luxury and peaceful retreat – your home away from home.

Matemwe Bandas is as faithful to the highest levels of luxury as it is to millennia-old traditions of local master craftsmanship. With private direct access from your veranda, Matemwe’s breath-taking beach is only a step away.

Everything is included to make your stay as comfortable and care free as possible: from airport transfers, to all food and drink and even butler service.

Accommodation

Each exceptionally spacious 50m2 en suite, stand-alone thatched ‘banda’ (Swahili for hut) is built on stilts and a platform made using only the ancient building materials of palm frond and wood.

Choose between a banda where your shower could be a palm or fir tree rising through the floor and out again through the thatched ‘makuti’ roof.

The furniture is built from of exceptionally well finished, locally made coco wood, and includes four safari chairs with tables. Chill out in style and comfort as you gaze out dreamily on to Matemwe’s turquoise lagoon.

The traditional design of the cottages together with double layered platted palm leaf walls will ensure a natural and on-going air conditioning throughout. Each banda has its own veranda and is perched right on Matemwe’s stunning white powder beach.
Mosquito netting seals the roof and the walls.

Inside the buildings finishing touches include White Company toiletries, 1,000 thread Egyptian cotton sheets, local artifacts, decorative lanterns and modern top of the range dimming bedside table lamps.

Facilities

On arrival at the lodge guests are greeted by their personal butler and given a Nokia mobile phone from which they can contact them any time. There is Wifi broadband (which is unusual to say the least!) available throughout the lodge.

The locally thatched reception and other buildings stand back from the beach surrounded by white sand and Pemba grass. Facilities include:

• A massage banda
• A covered cafe / bar area on wooden decking
• A large 10m x 5m bathing pool for those who prefer fresh water dips
• Swings and hammocks that hang from the garden trees for chilling by the pool
• Day beds and parasols can be moved on to the beach in front of your veranda at your request
• Room service provided by dedicated butlers. Enjoy any of your meals and drinks on your veranda or in your banda.
• Request a candle lit dinner on the beach for two of course.
• Satellite WIFI is freely available throughout the lodge and is powered by solar cells

Hampers of fresh tropical fruit & vegetables, fish, prawns and crab are sourced every day from local suppliers. Tea, coffee and fresh juices are also available at all times.

In case of power cuts there is a solar back-up system, as Matemwe Bandas prefer only to use the generator when absolutely necessary.

Other activities

Yoga and beach
The vast expanses of soft white sand and rose-tinted sunrises provide stunning vistas for early risers. What better way to greet the day by saluting the sun on Matemwe’s lagoon beach. The fresh and invigorating Indian Ocean air is a pleasure to breathe.

Kite surfing
Try out this exhilarating sport, combining aspects of sailing and boarding, with a complementary introductory lesson with trainer kits on the beach. Kite surfing courses are available with Zanzikite, the leading centre on the northeast coast lagoon.

For advanced kiters take advantage of their offer unique of a downwind trip (accompanied by a support boat and can be individually tailored from a variety of starting points).

Environment and local community

Matemwe Bandas is founded on the principle of international and local partnership. They take their social responsibilities seriously.

Matemwe Bandas draws faithfully on Zanzibar’s ancient traditions and culture while ensuring the highest standards in sustainable tropical luxury.

The lodge has a “village first” employment policy for which it is loved by the locals. Whilst the senior team is both local and British; the overwhelming majority of staff are from the Matemwe area, making the resort a genuinely local business which invests in its community.

The most impressive commitment to the people to date has been the signing over of 40% equity to the original land owners in the village, and there are future community projects in development stages.

Zanziplanet reviews

Great value for an all-inclusive with fantastic service and extras thrown in such as a free kite surfing lesson for beginners.

Matemwe Bandas offers luxury, privacy at a resort that is sensitive to the local community and environment.

There is a really peaceful feel to this place and the staffs are great. They strike the perfect balance between privacy and service. This lodge is perfect for couples and honeymooners.