Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel: Our full report

Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel was formerly known as Matemwe Beach Village.

The property was extensively renovated and is under new management since re-opening in 2019.

Arriving at Zanzibar Pearl you'll walk up the sandy path to the large central open-sided thatched structure which is the heart of the hotel and provides the lounge area, with curved cement benches scattered with cushions. Just past this is the restaurant and bar, with wooden tables overlooking the pretty beach below. The small reception office is here, together with a gift shop selling locally produced handicrafts and souvenirs.

The 24 rooms are inspired by local architecture and consist of: 10 Pearl Suites, 1 Pearl Villa, 10 Oyster Suites and 5 Oyster Villas. The Pearl Suites and Villa are oceanfront, and the Oyster Suites and villas overlook the luxuriant tropical gardens. Inside, the villas are the same, with makuti-thatched roofs and stone washed walls. Large beds with crisp white linen are draped in silk-edged mosquito nets. The neutral décor is broken up by primary coloured cushions, fresh flowers and local art. Extra beds can be added to nearly all the suites, so it’s easy for children to share with their parents.

Despite being fairly simple all the rooms are comfortable and stylish, with everything you need, and nothing you don't. They’re equipped with a ceiling and a free-standing fan and tea- and coffee-making facilities. The cement-floored bathrooms are bright and airy and you'll find fluffy white towels and complimentary toiletries, as well as bath robes and sun hats.

The air-conditioned Oyster Villas are larger and have a separate living area. Honeymooners might appreciate the privacy of the Pearl Villa which has its own plunge pool. This is the largest of all the room types, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, so it would also suit families or groups travelling together.

Please note: some of the hotel's balconies may be unsafe for small children. Please ensure you have ground floor accommodation if you have a young family.

The hotel’s wonderful, white, sandy beach is Zanzibar Pearl's real selling point. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available, and when we visited in 2019, this 250-metre stretch was really quiet, with no sign of beach boys.

The hotel’s swimming pool and shady seating area are the location of the well regarded One Ocean dive centre, making Zanzibar Pearl a great option for qualified divers – or if you’re keen to give it a try. They have a teaching pool and offer a range of certifications. However, please note when using the pool that it has very limited depth markings.

The lodge offers similar activities to other lodges in Zanzibar, including snorkelling, diving and bicycle loan, and excursions to spice plantations and Stone Town.

Our view

We are excited to see that this property has been completely renovated and is under new management. The new, energetic managers have been working hard to showcase the vastly improved property. Zanzibar Pearl offers a welcoming beachside lodge, which isn't overly luxurious. However its excellent location, beautiful beach and friendly service make it superb value - a relaxed and peaceful beach getaway at a very good price.

Jessica Plumb

Zanzibar expert

Geographics

Location: East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
Ideal length of stay: 3-5 nights, or even longer if you enjoy the beach.
Directions: It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then then it is a further one hour by car to Zanzibar Pearl. As with many of the beach properties on Zanzibar the immediate approach to the resort can seem a bit a rough, but do not be alarmed - the bumpy journey is worth it when you get there.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: Meals are served from the central restaurant and bar overlooking the ocean. When we visited in 2019 there were plans to build a boma BBQ area in the garden, to offer a more authentic Swahili outdoor dining space.

We have not had the opportunity to extensively try the food at Zanzibar Pearl, but what we did try, we enjoyed - a light lunch of Zanzibar falafel with mango relish and crispy fries was fresh, tasty and well presented.

Breakfast is a typical set-up with a choice of tropical fruit, bread, jams and spreads, as well as the option to have a cooked breakfast.

If you choose to eat lunch there is a selection of light snacks and meals including salads, burgers, fish cakes and kebabs.

Dinner is a nightly rotating à la carte menu with a limited choice of various hot dishes including fish, seafood and curries. The chef takes inspiration from local ingredients and spices.

Special requests and diets can be catered for with advance notice.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: On request.
Drinks included: Extra cost.

Children

Attitude towards children: Zanzibar Pearl happily welcomes children.
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions at Zanzibar Pearl, and under-3s stay free of charge.
Special activities & services: There are no special activities or clubs for children.
Equipment: Cots and highchairs can be provided.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Children are warmly welcomed at Zanzibar Pearl. However parents should be aware that children are their responsibility for the duration of their stay.

Communications

Power supply notes: Back up generator
Communications: Wifi throughout and patchy cellphone signal.
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Mains
Water supply notes: Fully plumbed.

Health & safety

Medical care: There is a first aid box on site for minor illnesses and injuries. For more serious medical problems a local doctor can be called.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Zanzibar Pearl is gated and has guards.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are postioned on site, but the hotel is not clear on how often fire training is undertaken by staff.

Activities

Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Yes at an extra charge.
Money: There is no currency exchange.
Accepted payment on location: US Dollars, Tanzanian Shillings and Euro are accepted as are all major credit cards (with a 5% surcharge).