gallery of 8 photos

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Mnemba Island Lodge

This is a private island resort located just off the main island of Zanzibar near the famed diving destination - the Mnemba Atoll. If you can afford the 5-star pricing or have kids under five (they are free of charge) - this is a lovely, island style resort. Honeymooners and couples looking for romance look no further. The property is a bonus for divers as scuba diving is included in your stay! Although nearby Pemba Island is possibly a better scuba destination than the Mnemba Atoll.  — Mango's view

Mnemba, an Arabic word meaning octopus head, lies 2 km northeast of the island of Zanzibar, a 20-minute cruise in a traditional 16 foot flat-bottomed boat. A pristine swathe of beach defines the island's one mile circumference. A protection zone surrounds the island, conserving magnificent coral reefs where giant turtles, ghost crabs and spectacular tropical fish drift through the lagoons. Fresh, delicate sea breezes waft through Mnemba Lodge, lending a castaway air to the entire island.

Zanzibar and its islands are bathed in the heady scents and romanticism of a bygone era. You wake to bubbling dove song and the smell of coconut bread baking in a wood stove, as traditional dhows (coastal Arab sailing vessels) drift across the horizon. Gentle, soft spoken islanders host you with warmth and grace. The only inhabitants of the island are lodge staff and guests, offering luxurious privacy and guaranteed exclusivity unparalleled on the African coastline.

Mnemba Island features just 10 ensuite banda cottages, bordered on three sides by tropical beach forest and overlooking the beach and coral reef. Each exquisite banda has been handwoven and thatched from tree branches and traditional Zanzibari palm matting. The materials were chosen to allow the cooling sea breezes to move through the bungalow and, assisted by overhead fans, the cottages remain cool all day.

From each room, a palm covered walkway leads to an ensuite turquoise bathroom. The shower water comes from the island's well or boiled rainwater. Each banda also has a spacious outdoor verandah.

Thatched dining and sitting/bar areas have beautiful open views of the beach and spectacular coral reefs beyond. Baskets of fresh fruit, fish and lobsters are brought by traditional outriggers to Mnemba's shore to be prepared as exquisite and exotic delicacies.

Includes: All meals, drinks (soft drinks, beer, house wine & local spirits), laundry and activities (2 scuba dives per day, snorkeling, kayaking, fly fishing, Dhow sails & windsurfing)