Journey

Escape to andbeyond Mnemba Island Lodge: Zanzibar’s hidden paradise

Located just 1.9 miles off the northeastern coast of Unguja, the main island in Zanzibar’s breathtaking archipelago, lies Mnemba Island—a secluded gem embraced by the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo
This idyllic Mnemba Island is home to Tanzania's most exclusive and understated beach retreat / Photo via andbeyond
This idyllic Mnemba Island is home to Tanzania's most exclusive and understated beach retreat / Photo via andbeyond

Measuring a modest 0.93 miles by 0.31 miles, this idyllic Mnemba Island is home to Tanzania’s most exclusive and understated beach retreat. At its heart, nestled within a casuarina-forested sanctuary, are 12 meticulously designed bandas.

 

These charming, shell-shaped villas—crafted from coral stone, gum poles, and tadelakt plaster—reflect the vision of renowned South African design team Fox Browne Creative and architect Jack Alexander Studio. The aesthetic is far from ostentatious, offering a tranquil elegance that harmonizes effortlessly with its natural surroundings.

The rooms, including 11 one-bedroom villas and a larger two-bedroom suite, epitomize barefoot luxury / Photo via andbeyond
The rooms, including 11 one-bedroom villas and a larger two-bedroom suite, epitomize barefoot luxury / Photo via andbeyond

The rooms, including 11 one-bedroom villas and a larger two-bedroom suite, epitomize barefoot luxury. Designed with biodegradable materials such as palm thatch, coir screens, and coral brick, they blend seamlessly into the environment.

Secluded sanctuary

Each villa features open-air layouts that invite the ocean breeze to flow through louvered windows and ceiling fans, creating an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. The bathrooms are enchanting, showcasing flower-shaped marble basins, curved tadelakt showers, and recycled glass-bead curtains, all nestled in a lush forest setting.

 

Mnemba Island offers more than a retreat—it’s an immersion into eco-conscious luxury, where every detail reflects the island’s commitment to sustainability and harmony with nature.

Dining on Mnemba Island is an unforgettable culinary experience curated by South African chef Celeste Kotze / Photo via Africa Travel Resource
Dining on Mnemba Island is an unforgettable culinary experience curated by South African chef Celeste Kotze / Photo via Africa Travel Resource

Dining on Mnemba Island is an unforgettable culinary experience curated by South African chef Celeste Kotze, who brings a taste of her homeland to the table alongside global flavors. Guests can savor a variety of meals, from fish tacos with creamy guacamole and mango salsa to decadent lobster ravioli under the starlit sky.

 

The dining settings vary—from courtyard feasts by a crackling grill to romantic, lamp-lit dinners on the beach—each offering its own charm.

 

The spa, added in 2024, is a tranquil oasis with two treatment rooms and a shaded yoga deck overlooking the ocean. Led by the deeply spiritual Lisa Jane Wright, the spa provides holistic therapies, including sound healing and daily yoga sessions, ensuring guests leave rejuvenated body and soul.

The theme in the campaign is "The World Is Yours" / Photo via Louis Vuitton
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Luxury and conservation

Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Mnemba Island is deeply committed to conservation. Operated by &Beyond, the resort has partnered with the Tanzanian government for decades to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem.

 

Efforts include establishing marine conservation zones, educating local communities about ocean preservation, and safeguarding the coral reefs. The resort’s dedication to sustainability extends to its attentive staff, who take immense pride in delivering unparalleled service.

With an impressive ratio of over 80 staff members to just 26 guests, every need is thoughtfully anticipated. While Mnemba Island is an unparalleled paradise, accessibility is limited—guests must arrive by speedboat and navigate soft sands and a few stairs, making it less accommodating for those with mobility challenges.

Mnemba Island is more than a destination; it is a testament to the seamless blend of luxury, sustainability, and natural beauty. For those seeking an escape that is as enriching as it is exclusive, this secluded haven offers an experience unlike any other.

 

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