Zanzibar Retreat Hotel
I didn't stay here, I was at Matemwe Beach Village but I dropped in for a snoop around.
The hotel wasn't actually open but a lovely kind man came out to great meet from behind the big wooden gate and then quickly showed me round.
I didn't stay for long as the builders were in, groundsmen were in the garden, and lots of things seemed to be going on behind the scenes in preparation for the hotel opening.
It's about 1km south of Matemwe Beach Village and down a short bumpy track. Like most of the other hotels/lodges it's thatched. As you walk through the main gate it's only a very short walk to reception. Once through reception you come out to a little garden area which forms part of the main building. I noticed some steep stairs but wasn't quite sure where they lead to. The gardens are beautiful and filled with bright bougainvillea and the gardener was hard at work.
The actually hotel seemed quite small, cosy with everything within easy reaching distance or a stone's throw away. All the rooms are to the side of the main building, down a wooden decking path and off to the right. The rooms I saw were all a good size, nice little features, dressing table, chairs, mosquito drapes but the bathrooms did seem a little bleak. I feel slightly unfair when I say this though as the final touches were still to be done.
As you walk down the wooden path, the rooms are to your right and to your left is a lovely swimming pool. Continuing down the path to the end, it opens out to a open lounge area with a little bar and BBQ area, all awaiting their finishing touches.
A slightly cheaper alternative to Matemwe Beach and once it's finished, I'm sure will be delightful to some tastes, I wouldn't stay there but again, difficult to say as it's awaiting the finishing touches and wasn't open.
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Please note that although this review has been provided by an ATR staff member it is a personal opinion and does not necessarily constitute a recommendation on behalf of the company.
