Matriki Beach Huts

We stayed for 8 nights in this absolute beach front hut. This is not the place if you want aircon and other luxuries, but these back to basic huts were perfect. A few metres to the beach, SUPs available, and on a beach that was fantastic for the sunsets and the snorkelling out from the huts. We took a lagoon cruise with the owner- great all day cruise to beautiful spots- highly recommended. We hope to return and do it all over again.

Not your typical commercial resort experience. This small family run accommodation is a real joy, placed right on the beach with the option of an epic lagoon boat tour by the owner. He knows the best spots to make your stay truly memorable. Everything you need for that castaway feeling.

We stayed in the garden unit, slightly back from the beach, but the indoor bathroom made it worth it. We cooked at home some nights - fill your suitcase with groceries in NZ if you can, because shopping is limited. Matriki has a new gas BBQ near the shore where the spectacular sunsets happen, so bring meat too! The picnic tables on the beach are a great place to socialise with other guests. One night we even had a fire on the sand. I highly recommend the Island Night at the next-door Tamanu Beach Resort, but suggest reserving a table as soon as you have flights booked because it is popular. We found it difficult to get tables at other restaurants and resorts as well. Matriki's owner Matthias took us on the best snorkelling tour we have ever done, so we did it a second time. Swam with humpback whale and calf, green turtles, flocks of eagle rays, heaps of coloured fish, landed on several islands to see rare birds, giant clams, a shipwreck, and finally a dozen giant trevally and a Napoleon wrasse all about a metre long and swimming all around us. I think it fairly likely I will make a return visit one cold winter.

We loved this accomodation but if your looking for a flashy resort Holiday this may not be for you. The spot is magic! Rustic beach HUTS , built by your host Mattius , nestled among the coconut palms and a lovely tropical garden. The outdoor shower is solar and the toilets were separate but spotlessly clean. Step out out of your hut and onto the beach to go snorkeling (see the giant clams!) Light a small fire on the beach snd watch the sunset. All equipment including bikes ( not the flashiest but fine) provided free. We paid for Mattius to take us on a snorkeling tour ( cheapest on the island) and found once again we had avoided the main tourist industry to experience something unique. Not only did we did we see whales, swim with turtles and Giant Trevally but we got to see and learn about the nesting birds and the problems they face on the outer islands. Nesting boobies and Red Tailed Tropic birds. A delicious lunch ( described by the very understated Mattius as a light snack. ) was perfect. It was also nice to know that our money was going 100% into the local economy. We didn't want to leave and can't wait to get back.

While its not everyones cup of tea, we just loved this cute bungalow experience. Back to the basics, beach front holiday. While its prob only a 2 star accommodation it is all we needed. Everything supplied, sheets, towels, fully equipped kitchen, fly spray, bug burners, mosquito net over bed, mesh on windows, fan, fridge with wee freezer box and ice trays, drinking water, great snorkeling directly infront, white sand, onsite scooter hire, bonfires, amazing island/lagoon cruise and more. (Shared Toilet is 1 min walk from bungalow)