Escape to Mnemba Island, an exclusive barefoot paradise hidden on the northernly tip of Zanzibar
Mnemba Island, Zanzibar offers the rare opportunity to unwind on the white sands on a World Heritage site in one of twelve exclusive suites.
Located on the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island offers a private island escape like no other. The resort island is just one and a half kilometres in length, creating an idyllic sanctuary to rejuvenate and connect with nature. The island has twelve rustic palm-fronted bandas tucked into a tropical forest fringed by a white coral sand beach. Upon arrival, guests are transported from azure blues of the Indian Ocean to the earthy tones of the living quarters, designed to complement the grains of sand, just a footstep away.
The private beach salas remains the gem in the bejewelled crown of Mnemba Island’s living quarters, where the visitors can watch the gentle lapping of the waves from quality plush furniture, signature beverage in hand from the personal bar.
In the bedroom, a four poster bed welcomes guests with comfortable linen and traditional woodcarvings, designed by esteemed artisans and created on the island itself. Rooms are equipped with mosquito nets, overhead fans and air conditioning to ensure the bedroom remains the optimal environment for relaxation and restoration after a long day of activities.
Both the living and sleeping quarters allow the visitor to be at one with the natural surroundings with natural linen and a minimal design, offering the perfect harmony between contemporary and traditional Zanzibar interior design. Take the covered walkway to a shuttered en-suite bathroom adorned with glass beads and woodcarvings, an infamous trait of the island.
Guests are also encouraged to take advantage of their personal butler throughout their stay for discrete but impeccable personal service. Meals can be served in any al fresco location, take a bite under the stars on the beach or dine by candlelight in the privacy of a bedroom, guests have full flexibility.
Mnemba Island visitors are offered an array of activities to take full advantage of witnessing the beauty of seasonal sea life. andBeyond provide all guests with two optional scuba dives per day, in addition to adrenaline-fuelled adventures, including but not limited to: snorkelling, kayaking, flyfishing and stand-up paddle boarding.
The island features two dive centres, one in the North and another in the South to ensure all weather patterns do not prevent visitors from getting up close and personal with nature’s finest underwater creatures.
From January to August, guests are invited to participate in a turtle nesting expedition, with hatchlings available to view from May to September. This forms part of andBeyond’s initiative to protect and monitor turtle nests, ensuring the breeding of green turtles continues to flourish year-on-year in a safe environment.
Additionally, trips to watch the migrating humpback whales in Zanzibar is a once-of-a-kind opportunity available to guests from July to September with quieter reefs and exclusive diving experiences acting as an alternative in non-migration months.
For those wishing to alleviate tension and escape from the everyday, the yoga and wellness suite is available all year round. The suite provides healing treatments using natural Healing Earth products, expertly applied by internationally qualified staff.
Pampering can take place in the comfort of guest’s living quarters and are transported by the lustrous scent of locally sourced treatment products. Channelling the salty air of the Indian Ocean and the natural scents of the locally sourced spices, the treatments available from the spa provide an insight to the rich history of Mnemba Island and gain an understanding of its nickname ‘Spice Island’.
Mnemba Island collaborate closely with the Africa Foundation on community development programmes: supporting local students through tertiary level education; educating children on conservation and investing over $420,000 USD since 2006 into community projects.
andBeyond also commit to preserving the natural landscape wherever possible, enlisting a number of eco-conscious initiatives. All recyclable materials are reused and water is purified onsite using recycled plastic bottles.
Steeped in rich culture and a World Heritage Site, Mnemba Island boasts the perfect escape for water sport enthusiasts and tranquillity seekers with respective interest. The island is a short journey across the Indian Ocean and is easily accessed from mainland Zanzibar. andBeyond highlight the island’s luxury even before arrival, offering exclusive transfers from Zanzibar and Mnemba.
For more information, visit www.andbeyond.com
