Matemwe Attitude: a new sustainable hotel in Zanzibar 

Switching off and sustainability. Both are top of the priority list at Matemwe Attitude in Zanzibar! This four-star adults-only hotel is located on the unspoilt northeast coastline of Zanzibar and it is the first hotel outside of Mauritius from Attitude Hotels, the eco-conscious hotel brand. 

Matemwe Attitude invites guests to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace a lifestyle free of schedules and expectations. You don't stay at Matemwe Attitude to follow the latest health trends. There are no detox challenges or perfect yoga poses. Just the essentials: a return to yourself, to nature, your desires and the present moment. Located on a peaceful corner of the island, the setting lends itself to this perfectly.

Who is Matemwe Attitude for?

Matemwe Attitude is for adults over 18 looking to experience Zanzibar in an eco-conscious way. Its slow pace and chance to take in every moment make it perfect for a solo holiday intended to soothe burnout, or for honeymooners looking to start married life somewhere truly away from it. Guests can stay in Matemwe for a whole trip, taking time to explore what Zanzibar has to offer; or add a stay to a Tanzania safari for the perfect beach and wildlife combination. 

Accommodation and design

Matemwe Attitude has 74 villas spread over 80,000m², allowing plenty of space beside the ocean on this quiet and unspoilt part of the island. You can wake up to walks along the fine sand beach, watch the wind fill the lateen sails of traditional dhow boats on the lagoon, and take the opportunity to snorkel or dive at Mnemba Island opposite the hotel – one of Zanzibar’s best snorkelling spots. 

Each of the light-filled villas has access to a shared or private swimming pool, and each villa has been crafted by local artisans using locally-sourced materials. There are curved coral-coloured walls, stained-glass windows, beds with soft drapes and private outdoor spaces. There is no single-use plastic within the guest journey, so guests can visit the hotel bulk shop to stock up their minibar with tea, coffee and snacks using reusable glass jars; and rooms have eco-conscious amenities and no TVs, an intentional choice to help guests truly disconnect.  

There are five villa categories to choose from:

• Swim-Up Villas (74m²) have a shared infinity pool, an outdoor shower and are only a 5-minute walk to the beach.
• Deluxe Villas (78m²) have a private pool, double walk-in shower and tropical canopy views.
• Deluxe Villas with Partial Sea View (78m²) have a private pool and a breathtaking view of the ocean and lush greenery.
• Seafront Villas (101m²) have uninterrupted lagoon views, an outdoor shower, and are only steps from the beach.
• Beachfront Villas (101m²) have a private pool, panoramic lagoon views, and an exclusive beach area with a dedicated straw hut and deckchairs.

Experiences rooted in nature & culture

Zanzibar is an island where losing track of time and living ‘pole pole’ (slowly) is good for the soul. Guests can head to Stone Town an hour and 10 minutes away to get lost among the stalls in Darajani Market, a riot of buzz, smells and colour. Or they can visit the Freddy Mercury Museum – possibly the world’s smallest museum, but one richest in charm and Queen vinyls. 

There will also be experiences at the hotel to help guests immerse themselves in Zanzibar’s landscapes and traditions, which include:

• Dhow sailing: experience Zanzibar’s maritime heritage aboard a traditional dhow boat;
• Spa treatments: enjoy treatments inspired by nature using artisanally-made products that are 100% natural and vegan-friendly;
• Craft & gift shop: a curated collection of 100% locally-made souvenirs and handicrafts to support local artisans;
• Snorkelling & diving: explore vibrant coral reefs responsibly with the advice of the dive centre. Mnemba Island is one of the island’s best snorkelling spots;
• And more! Between now and the opening, the hotel will be adding new experiences in collaboration with local partners.

A commitment to sustainability & community

Since 2008, Attitude Hotels has championed responsible tourism, creating eco-conscious stays that benefit both travellers and the communities they visit. There are nine Attitude Hotels: eight in Mauritius and Matemwe Attitude in Zanzibar – all part of a B Corp-certified group that has a passion for promoting local culture, preserving its environment and supporting the local economy.

Attitude Hotels has always been a company driven by purpose. Matemwe Attitude may be the first hotel outside of Mauritius, but it will continue the commitments by integrating sustainability into every aspect of the guest experience:

• Supporting the local community: from handcrafted decor to locally-sourced ingredients, the hotel works closely with Zanzibari artisans and suppliers to promote the local economy.
• Protecting the environment: guests can explore an on-site organic garden, remove single-use plastic by using the bulk shop, and visit the Marine Discovery Centre to learn about ocean conservation efforts.
• Caring for people: With over 1600 employees, Attitude Hotels is dedicated to employee well-being, offering training, career development, health benefits, and profit-sharing opportunities.

Locally-sourced food celebrating Zanzibar’s rich culinary heritage is also a big draw to the hotel, which has two restaurants and three bars. Guests can try local specialities at the buffet (international dishes also available), or embrace a table d’hôte barbecue experience on the beach with a menu that’s 100% local. There’s also a beach shack for lunchtime snacks. Guests can order cocktails from the Pool Bar and embrace slow-living with a drink in the Lounge Bar.

Matemwe Attitude is not just a hotel; it’s an invitation to discover Zanzibar at the pace of its people, its traditions and its landscapes. A place to experience the island through sustainable and authentic encounters, where human connection and respect for nature come first. Matemwe Attitude opens the door to a different way of travelling – one that is simple, genuine, and creates a true sense of place.