Brought to you by
A new hotel is opening in Zanzibar but this is no ordinary hotel. Matemwe Attitude is built on an ethos of balance: a sustainable stay that’s as good for you (the holidaymaker) as it is for the locals who make it all happen. Here are five reasons to put this new retreat at the top of your travel list.
The location
For more than 15 years, Attitude Hotels has been championing responsible travel in Mauritius. Now, the Mauritian hotel group has brought its ‘hotels that do good’ philosophy to Zanzibar. Set on the serene northeast coast, Matemwe Attitude overlooks a powdery white beach with views across to the snorkelling paradise of Mnemba Island. This adults-only, villa-only hotel offers a slow, restorative escape – the kind where you can truly switch off, tune in, and experience Zanzibar at a more authentic pace.
Every villa’s design tells the story of Zanzibar
Each villa reflects the island’s Swahili heritage and the craftsmanship of its people. Expect soft coral-hued walls, colourful stained-glass windows that scatter dappled light, and intricately carved wooden screens beneath traditional makuti roofs woven from coconut straw. Locally made terrazzo floors keep interiors cool, while furniture crafted from Tanzanian wood connects each space to its surroundings. Every villa features a private pool or access to a shared infinity pool – perfect for an unhurried dip with the sea breeze drifting through.
Beach front villa
The experiences are rooted in local life
This isn’t a resort designed to keep you within its walls. Matemwe Attitude encourages guests to discover Zanzibar’s culture and coastline. Unwind at the spa using locally grown, 100% natural products, or browse the boutique filled exclusively with handmade Zanzibari crafts. Snorkelling and diving trips to Mnemba Island - organised with certified local partners - reveal dazzling marine life, while new experiences created in collaboration with nearby communities are added regularly. Guests can participate in a coconut palm leaf weaving workshop, learn the art of henna design, explore Swahili textiles in a Kanga Class, or listen to Tales of Zanzibar – storytelling sessions that bring local myths and traditions to life.
Dining is a highlight too. Matemwe Attitude celebrates the island’s spice-rich cuisine with simple, fresh flavours, from fragrant curries to a 100% local barbecue served beside the ocean.
You get the luxury of time
Forget wellness challenges and over-curated itineraries – Matemwe Attitude offers something far rarer: time. The stillness of the northeast coast invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with what matters. Here, luxury isn’t about opulence; it’s about authenticity, simplicity and space. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over the Indian Ocean or reading under the palms, this is a place where doing less feels like the greatest indulgence of all.
Lounge Bar
There’s a genuine commitment to sustainability
Sustainability isn’t an add-on here – it’s the foundation. Matemwe Attitude is part of the B Corp-certified Attitude Group, meaning its commitment to people and planet runs deep. The hotel sources locally at every opportunity, supporting Zanzibari farmers, fishers and craftspeople. Guests are invited to refill their minibar at the bulk shop to avoid single-use plastics, or learn about marine conservation at the on-site Marine Discovery Centre. Behind the scenes, Attitude Hotels invests in its team with training, healthcare, career progression and profit-sharing – ensuring that its positive impact lasts long after you’ve checked out.
Matemwe Attitude opens in November 2025. Find out more about Matemwe Attitude
