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Perched on the popular Matemwe beach, just opposite the magnificent Mnemba Island, a lush and leafy Zanzibarian hideaway called Sevi Hotel Zanzibar exists. About an hour from central Stone town, on the north-eastern side of the island, the scene is relaxed and rustic with local villages dotted along palm fringed beaches. Designed around an oasis of beautiful gardens, this boutique lodge is a low-key haven for those seeking to escape and unwind without distractions. Good food, welcoming service, and of course that view, are a few of the foundations that this lodge prides itself on.
From $150 person/night
SeVi has set itself the goal of being the best restaurant on the island - and they are well on their way! Enjoy the delicious culinary flavours of Spice Island on a raised platform overlooking the ocean.
Not all the bungalows have a sea view so be sure to request one if you can't get enough of those washing waves.
With a dynamic tide that often brings seaweed and coral onto the beach, Matemwe might not be as manicured as you might imagine.
Compact and intimate in layout, Sevi Hotel offers a very relaxed and authentic feel. Island-style Makuti roofs and traditional Zanzibarian brickwork disappear into dense gardens, creating a feeling of seclusion and privacy. A large wooden-decked restaurant is strategically perched to maximize the beach view, with distant island atolls beyond. Water is a key ingredient, with the expansive ocean nearby, as well as two pools, one overlooking the sea and one the gardens.
Dotted around the property are 13 bungalows and one large villa, each tastefully decorated in simplistic island style with locally designed touches. Not all have views, but each comes with neat outside seating and a small plunge pool. Open-planned, minimalist architecture with cool, white washed walls and stained concrete flooring is perfect for time-out in the shade. As is to be expected, the sea front villa is the pick of the bunch when it comes to space and location.
With the famous Mnemba reef right on your doorstep and a PADI Scuba Diving School nearby, water sports are the order of the day! Diving and snorkeling are a must, or opt for the more chilled-out, traditional dhow (typical wooden sailing boat) cruise at sunset. If you're not craving lazy days around the pool soaking up the Tanzanian sun or in the spa having your troubles massaged away, fascinating day trips to Stone Town and spice farms can be arranged.
In the gin-clear ocean around Zanzibar, marvel at bright corals with over 450 species of tropical fish, octopus, stingrays, moray eels, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, and if you are very lucky: whales sharks and manta rays. In the coastal forests, spot the colobus and Sykes monkeys, bush babies, more than 50 species of butterfly, as well as brilliant bird species.
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