Frequently Asked Questions - Hotel Zanzibar

Zoi Retreat Hotel Zanzibar is a boutique beachfront hotel located in Matemwe on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The hotel combines:

• Authentic Swahili architecture
• Tropical island atmosphere
• Personalized hospitality
• Luxury beachfront accommodation
• Relaxing boutique experience

Originally built as a private residence, the property was transformed into a boutique hotel while preserving its local character, natural materials, and island-inspired design.

Zoi Retreat Hotel is located in Matemwe, Zanzibar, Tanzania, directly on the Indian Ocean beachfront.

Distances:

• 50 km from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
• Approximately 60 minutes from Stone Town
• Close to Mnemba Island

Matemwe is famous for:

• White sandy beaches
• Turquoise waters
• Snorkeling & diving
• Peaceful atmosphere
• Authentic Zanzibar culture

Matemwe is considered one of the best areas to stay in Zanzibar for travelers seeking:

• Quiet beaches
• Luxury boutique hotels
• Romantic vacations
• Honeymoons
• Relaxation
• Diving & snorkeling
• Authentic island atmosphere

Unlike busier parts of Zanzibar, Matemwe offers a more peaceful and exclusive beach experience.

Yes. Zoi Retreat Hotel is a true beachfront hotel in Zanzibar with direct access to Matemwe Beach and panoramic ocean views.

Yes. Zanzibar experiences natural ocean tides throughout the day.

During low tide:

• Guests can walk far into the shallow lagoon
• Discover coral formations
• Explore marine life
• Enjoy unique beach landscapes

The tidal experience is part of Zanzibar’s natural beauty and authentic island charm.

Zoi Retreat Hotel offers:

• Boutique Experiences
• Personalized service
• Authentic Zanzibar atmosphere
• Peaceful beachfront location
• Swahili-inspired architecture
• Tropical gardens
• Relaxed barefoot luxury experience

The hotel focuses on tranquility, nature, and meaningful travel experiences.

The hotel offers stylish boutique accommodation inspired by tropical island living and traditional Zanzibar aesthetics.

Room features may include:

• Ocean views
• Garden views
• Private terraces
• King-size beds
• Air conditioning
• Ceiling fans
• Handmade décor
• Spacious bathrooms

Yes. All rooms include:

• Air conditioning
• Ceiling fans
• Mosquito nets

Designed to ensure maximum comfort in Zanzibar’s tropical climate.

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available:

• In all rooms
• Around the pool
• In the restaurant
• In public areas

No. Rooms are intentionally television-free to create a peaceful and relaxing environment focused on:

• Wellness
• Nature
• Disconnecting from stress
• Slow travel experiences

Yes. All beds are equipped with mosquito nets for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Rooms do not include minibars by default.

Mini fridges may be available upon request depending on availability.

Generally, the hotel does not provide in-room dining in order to maintain:

• Cleanliness
• Comfort
• Natural balance in the tropical environment

Guests are invited to enjoy meals at the restaurant and bar areas.

Yes. Zoi Retreat Hotel features an adult swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens and relaxing lounge areas.

The hotel offers:

• Bed & Breakfast
• Half Board
• À la carte dining

The restaurant operates daily from:

• 07:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Yes. The hotel can accommodate:

• Vegetarian diets
• Vegan diets
• Gluten-free diets
• Lactose-free diets
• Halal requests
• Kosher requests

Guests are encouraged to inform the hotel in advance.

Yes. The hotel can arrange:

• Honeymoon surprises
• Romantic dinners
• Beach dinners
• Birthday celebrations
• Anniversary setups
• Flowers & decorations
• Cakes & sparkling wine

Additional charges may apply.

• Check-in: from 02:00 PM
• Check-out: until 10:00 AM

Yes, depending on room availability.

Guests arriving early may:

• Store luggage safely
• Use hotel facilities
• Relax by the beach or pool

Additional charges may apply for guaranteed early check-in.

Yes. Guests arriving after 11:00 PM should inform the hotel in advance.

Yes. Luggage storage is available before check-in and after check-out.

Nestled between the whispering palms and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, our restaurant is opened daily from 07:00 AM to 10:00 PM and invites guests to savour a true taste of Zanzibar. Half Board guests enjoy a thoughtfully curated set menu, while all visitors may explore our vibrant à la carte selection, inspired by the island’s rich culinary heritage.

Our chefs celebrate the ocean with dishes that blend local tradition and modern fusion artistry. From a refreshingly bright tuna tartare to our signature crab soup served in a hand carved coconut shell, every plate captures the soul of the island — its colours, its aromas, its effortless elegance.

Crafted with the freshest ingredients and the spirit of Zanzibar’s coastal abundance, each dish is an invitation to slow down, breathe in the tropics, and discover flavours as warm and unforgettable as the island itself.
This is more than dining — it is a tropical journey you simply cannot miss.

The Main Bar welcomes guests daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering a serene space to unwind beneath the gentle rhythm of the island. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of local refreshments, fresh juices, aromatic teas, and carefully chosen international beverages, all served with the warm hospitality of Zanzibar.

Whether sipping a cool drink after a day by the sea or relaxing in the evening breeze, the bar invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and enjoy the effortless charm of island life.
Please note that our dishes use fresh ingredients and are subject to seasonal availability and may need advance ordering.

We offer Bed & Breakfast, Half-Board and all day à la carte choice. Please see the restaurant section for more details.

We are pleased to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences and needs, including halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan, lactose free, gluten free, and more. Our team can also customize certain dishes from our restaurant menu to suit your requirements.

If you follow a specific diet, you are welcome to discuss it directly with our manager or chef upon arrival, so we can ensure your meals are prepared with care and attention.

We are delighted to help you celebrate life’s special moments. If you are planning a birthday, anniversary, or any other occasion, please feel free to contact us in advance or speak with our reception team during your stay. We will be happy to make your experience as memorable as possible.

We can arrange birthday cakes, flowers, selected wines or sparkling options, and even private candlelit dinners by the beach or in a romantic setting. Please note that some services may involve additional charges.

Yes. Guests can enjoy relaxing wellness treatments including:

• Swedish massage
• Traditional local massage
• Coconut body scrub
• Body polish treatments
• Cooling cucumber therapies

Treatments are designed to reflect Zanzibar’s natural wellness traditions.

Yes. The peaceful beachfront atmosphere makes the hotel ideal for:

• Wellness travel
• Yoga retreats
• Relaxation holidays
• Slow travel

Popular Zanzibar activities include:

• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Mnemba Island tours
• Sunset dhow cruises
• Spice tours
• Stone Town tours
• Dolphin tours
• Fishing trips
• Cultural experiences

Mnemba Island is located very close to Matemwe and is one of Zanzibar’s most famous snorkeling and diving destinations.

Yes. Matemwe is considered one of the best snorkeling areas in Zanzibar thanks to:

• Coral reefs
• Clear turquoise waters
• Rich marine life
• Proximity to Mnemba Atoll

Yes. The hotel team can assist guests with organizing excursions and activities through trusted local partners.

The hotel can assist guests in arranging diving experiences with professional local dive centers in Zanzibar.

Yes. Private airport transfers can be arranged directly with the hotel.

Transfer Details:

• USD 55 per way
• Up to 4 guests

Advance booking is recommended.

Distance:

• Approximately 50 km
• Around 60 minutes driving time

Nearest airport:
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

Yes, through external rental providers.

Important:
Driving in Zanzibar requires:

• International driving licence
• Local Zanzibar driving permit

Rental companies usually arrange the permit.

Yes.

Children policy:

• Children up to 2.99 years stay free
• Children up to 11.99 years may receive discounted Half Board rates

Yes. The hotel is ideal for:

• Couples
• Honeymooners
• Romantic escapes
• Anniversary trips

The atmosphere is peaceful, intimate, and adults-oriented.

Yes. Zoi Retreat Hotel is one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Zanzibar thanks to:

• Beachfront setting
• Private atmosphere
• Ocean views
• Romantic dinners
• Boutique luxury experience

Yes. Honeymoon services may include:

• Romantic room decoration
• Candlelit dinners
• Flowers
• Sparkling wine
• Private beach experiences

Yes. Zanzibar is considered one of the safest and most popular travel destinations in East Africa.

Tourist areas such as Matemwe, Nungwi, Paje, and Stone Town are widely visited by international travelers.

The local currency is:

• Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

However:

• USD is widely accepted
• EUR is accepted in many tourist areas

The official language is Swahili.

English is widely spoken in:

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Tourist areas

The best travel periods are generally:

• June to October
• December to March

These seasons offer:

• Sunny weather
• Warm ocean temperatures
• Ideal beach conditions

Visa requirements depend on nationality.

Many travelers can:

• Apply online
• Obtain a visa on arrival

Guests should check official Tanzania immigration requirements before travel.

Direct bookings offer:

• Best Rate Guarantee
• Exclusive offers
• Flexible communication
• Priority support
• More personalized service

Official Website:
Zoi Retreat Hotel Zanzibar Official Website

Yes. Reservation modifications depend on:

• Room availability
• Booking policy
• Rate conditions

Accepted payment methods:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• USD cash
• EUR cash
• Tanzanian Shillings

Cancellation policies vary depending on:

• Booking platform
• Selected rate
• Promotional offers

Guests should review booking conditions before confirmation.