Time moves differently here. Schedules and expectations become a thing of the past as you begin married life together, just the two of you. It’s the hotel’s understated definition of wellbeing: no rushing, no distractions, no sense that you should be anywhere other than exactly where you are. For newlyweds easing into married life, that gentle rhythm feels especially fitting. Seventy-four villas are gently scattered across 80,000 square metres of lush greenery, edging a quiet, unspoilt stretch of Zanzibar’s north-east coast. Privacy is a given. There are no hotel rooms here, instead, you’re handed the keys to your own villa and invited to settle in. Do you choose a villa with private pool, or one allowing you to step straight onto the sand? Either way, the feeling is one of complete, unhurried bliss. Inspired by Swahili culture and its many influences, the villas are shaped by local craftsmanship. Curved, coral-hued walls soften the spaces; stainedglass windows scatter colour across the floors as the light shifts; decorative screens carry individual motifs, and makuti roofs are woven from coconut straw. Inside, hand-cast terrazzo keeps the rooms cool beneath bare feet, while furniture crafted where possible from Tanzanian materials grounds the design firmly in place. As the tides come and go, you can watch traditional dhows glide across the turquoise waters with their daily catch. Closer to shore, local women wade into the shallows to tend seaweed farms, a vital industry that provides both income and independence, and supplies raw ingredients for beauty and skincare products. Beyond them lies Mnemba Island, home to some of Zanzibar’s most celebrated snorkelling sites. Slipping into the water myself, mask and flippers in place, I found it quietly magical. There were no sea turtles that day, but parrotfish, angelfish and clownfish darted through the coral. The on-site Marine Discovery Centre was an amazing area to learn about Attitude’s ocean conservation efforts. Here, you’re invited to learn about Zanzibar’s ecosystems – from mangroves to coral reefs – through creative, interactive exhibits designed with local artists. Again, doing what they can to give back to the planet. EXPERIENCES CONNECTED TO LOCAL LIFE Matemwe Attitude encourages couples to step beyond their cosy villa and discover Zanzibar’s culture and coastline. A culture the staff speak about with unmistakable pride. You’ll quickly become familiar with the phrase pole, pole (slowly, slowly), a Swahili mantra that feels particularly apt for a honeymoon. An invitation to let go of urgency and move at the island’s pace. Days can be shaped as you wish. Start with yoga on the beach or a guided meditation, wander hand in hand along HONEYMOONS 75
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