Mnemba Island Lodge (now called &Beyond Mnemba Island) is a romantic, exclusive private island paradise situated on a tiny island just 4.5 kilometers off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar in the azure Indian Ocean. The island forms part of the Mnemba Atoll and is recognized as one of the most romantic islands in the world. It is large enough to ensure maximum privacy in villas yet everything is within walking distance, and can be easily circumvented in just 10 minutes. The resort is accessible by boat from Zanzibar and is one of the most exclusive boutique hotels in Tanzania.
Rooms
The lodge features only 10-12 luxuriously rustic, open-sided beachside bandas (bungalows) topped with palm-frond thatched roofs and constructed using local traditional methods, accommodating just 24 guests for ultimate exclusivity. The interiors are comfortable, rustic, and elegant, designed using traditional palm-leaf mats, hand-woven from palm leaves, light cotton fabrics, large pillows, and exquisite Zanzibari woodcarvings on the beds' headboards. All bedrooms, verandas, and central living areas are atmospherically designed with light cotton nets, soft African prints, and cushions with ocean views. The bandas are connected to the breathtaking Mnemba Atoll and sit on white coral sand beaches.
Surroundings
Mnemba Island lies within a marine reserve surrounded by coral reefs home to hundreds of species of fish and three species of dolphins. The island is a known breeding ground for endangered green sea turtles and is home to two species of small antelope: the Suni and the rare Ader's Duiker (introduced by Zanzibar's Forestry Department). The reefs offshore are excellent snorkeling and diving spots with large coral cliffs 40 meters deep. Whale sharks can be spotted in these waters, and from July to September humpback whales visit. The island is also a breeding ground for many local and migratory birds.
Activities
Activities include snorkeling (rated as the best in Zanzibar), diving, wind surfing, deep sea fishing, boating, bird watching, swimming with whale sharks, watching dolphins, jogging or walking barefoot around the island, romantic moonlit beach dinners, and star gazing. Water sports, diving, and fishing are included in the hotel rate. You can dive with whale sharks, the world's largest fish, and witness turtle hatching during your stay. The resort offers a spa, yoga deck, dive and activity centre, and stylish shop. The lodge is closed annually from April 8 to May 20.
The resort features a relaxed atmosphere with friendly hospitality, famous celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Tom Cruise, and Bill Gates being frequent guests. All meals and drinks are included in the all-inclusive rate. There is no TV in the bandas, but WiFi is available, which is intentional to maintain the natural, barefoot luxury experience. Famous for its peace, isolation, privacy, untouched nature, white sand, and turquoise waters, it's considered one of the best places perhaps in the whole of East Africa.
Destination
Tanzania Safaris
Style
Resort
