Tui Blue Bahari Zanzibar

“Paradise on Matemwe Beach”

This is a lovely small hotel for those who seek to be outside the tourist masses. Maria and her staff are the kindest people, ensuring everyone has the best stay. We can only praise our time here, with a special focus on the food made by Hadija - some of the best we had on our entire holiday. We do… more

This is a lovely small hotel for those who seek to be outside the tourist masses. Maria and her staff are the kindest people, ensuring everyone has the best stay. We can only praise our time here, with a special focus on the food made by Hadija - some of the best we had on our entire holiday. We do recommend to take a cooking class if you enjoy cooking and getting to know the traditional way of food preparation. The hotel is located right on Matemwe beach, not even 2 steps away. Obviously the tides prevent you from being able to swim in the sea 24/7, but as we did our research we knew that about Zanzibar before. During low tide you can take a walk to the sand bank, seeing beautiful corals, fish, starfish etc (don't forget your water shoes and beware of the sea urchins). The hotel also helped us organise some trips, which was lovely. All in all I would 100% recommend staying here. A bonus was that our room (garden view) now has a balcony, which was not advertised and therefore a pleasant surprise. Do also to try out some of the local restaurants just outside the hotel, the food and the people there are also great. We felt safe inside and outside the hotel 100% of the time, even in the dark - so don't worry about safety in this area.

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“Truly a retreat”

At the tail end of a long trip to East Africa, the Zanzibar Retreat hotel was a GIFT: exceptional hospitality from the owners, Jan and Salome, as well as from the excellent and thoughtful team—Naima, Lusekelo, Newton, Aisha and Bwite to name just a few—Great food and many thoughtful gestures. Beaut… more

At the tail end of a long trip to East Africa, the Zanzibar Retreat hotel was a GIFT: exceptional hospitality from the owners, Jan and Salome, as well as from the excellent and thoughtful team—Naima, Lusekelo, Newton, Aisha and Bwite to name just a few—Great food and many thoughtful gestures. Beautiful design, charming setting and convenient to diving snorkeling and dining options along a magnificent beach. This resort is just exactly the right size. Big enough to have professional touches and great food. Small enough to feel intimate and like a "discovery."

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“Zanzibar Retreat Hotel was the best experience I’ve had.”

This has been the best hotel I’ve stayed at in a long time. I felt very safe and welcomed by the owner and the staff. They arranged everything from the spa on location to the diving and snorkeling centre. Food was amazing. Rooms were very clean and comfortable. Thank you very much. I will be back a… more

This has been the best hotel I’ve stayed at in a long time. I felt very safe and welcomed by the owner and the staff. They arranged everything from the spa on location to the diving and snorkeling centre. Food was amazing. Rooms were very clean and comfortable. Thank you very much. I will be back again.

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“disappointting”

We stayed at the hotel for 10 days in February. Are not really happy with this hotel. Below our standard. Overpriced. We booked six months in advance and asked for room 10 but were given room 9. Was told “a bit smaller” but it is really much smaller! Also no proper seating area with table in the ro… more

We stayed at the hotel for 10 days in February. Are not really happy with this hotel. Below our standard. Overpriced. We booked six months in advance and asked for room 10 but were given room 9. Was told “a bit smaller” but it is really much smaller! Also no proper seating area with table in the room. And for the same price. Not even a welcome drink on arrival. “Bar was closed”. Difficult to get drinking water in the room - selfservice. No hot water in the bathroom. Great restaurant, but sometimes too busy due to visitors from outside. Friendly staff. Some personnel (reception) must know their place. I really didn't think the room was clean. Strange small worms in the carpet. Small centipedes on the wall and I think woodworm larvae on the mattress. A beach umbrella broke off and fell on top of a client. It ended well, but resulted in bumps, bruises and muscle pain. No interest whatsoever from management (owners). Yes, a free massage after tour operator intervention. Yes after complaining, we did receive compensation - the last day we paid nothing for drinks and lunch used - but that was not our intention. Next time Diani Beach Kenya again and no more Zanzibar.

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