Matemwe Beach Village

Well-run budget guesthouse on idyllic beach, with acclaimed dive centre, simple bungalow rooms and 6 fabulous suites

Matemwe Beach Village – or MBV as it would no doubt be known if it had any pretensions of grandeur (thankfully, it doesn't) – attracts a variety of people. Young travellers on a budget come because it’s the best accommodation and food you can find on Zanzibar for these prices. Keen divers come because the dive school, One Ocean, was the island’s first 5-star PADI centre and maintains its excellent reputation. Romancers come for the gorgeous honeymoon suite, with its stylish circular design, its jacuzzi and its almost private stretch of beach. And sun-lovers of all backgrounds come to soak up the rays on its near-deserted, palm-fringed beach.

With such diverse guests, it’s no surprise that the atmosphere is lively and sociable. In the evening, travel stories and card games are exchanged over a beer at the open-sided sitting area. By day, you can cruise across the lagoon on the hotel’s dhow, reading, chatting or snorkelling. There’s something for everyone to do (or not to do). And, if you happen to be a young, honeymooning, sun-loving diver on a budget, then it couldn’t be better!

Highs

• The atmosphere is really easy-going and sociable, but everything still runs like clockwork, thanks to South African manageress Gail
• There's an endless beach on your doorstep, and an acclaimed dive school run by Gail's husband Gary
• Since our visit, there are lots more spaces for chilling out - a new bar, pool terrace and wooden sitouts on the beach
• We loved the stylish Asali suite, set apart from the main lodge, with its private dipping pool and indoor-outdoor living
• And the split-level Shamba suites are great for couples with 1 or 2 children

Lows

• It’s often booked up
• The Kijiji rooms are rather charmless - but still clean and comfy, with netted beds and great value
• You can’t really swim at low tide (anywhere along this coastline) but the pool compensates