Surroundings
Reasons to Choose andBeyond Mnemba Island for Your Zanzibar Getaway
Located off the North-Eastern coast of Zanzibar, the exclusive andBeyond Mnemba Island is a true gem. The island is encircled by stunning coral reef atolls and boasts some of the finest diving locations in Africa. The inviting waters of the Indian Ocean around Mnemba provide exceptional opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and swimming, making it an ideal destination throughout the year. With no jetties in sight, arrivals and departures are done directly on the sandy beach, adding a unique touch that requires a little barefoot adventure.
Essential Info
- andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge is located on a coral atoll within the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation area.
- This exclusive island is privately owned, granting access solely to guests of andBeyond Mnemba.
- The island can be reached in 90 minutes from Zanzibar International Airport, followed by a short boat ride of 10 to 15 minutes.
Why It’s Unique
- Kick off your shoes at the entrance, as this serene getaway invites you to enjoy a barefoot experience from your arrival to departure.
- Explore the diverse wildlife that calls the island home, featuring the tiny Suni antelope, nesting doves, and land-dwelling coconut crabs.
- Enjoy a romantic walk along the beach as the sun sets, casting golden rays that shimmer on the ocean’s surface.
Guest Feedback
- Visitors enthusiastically share that this African gem will capture your heart right away.
- Travelers suggest allocating a few nights on the main Zanzibar island to explore attractions, indulge in shopping, and experience a delightful mix of activities.
- Guests believe that andBeyond Mnemba is an ideal retreat by itself, or it can be a wonderful addition following a Tanzanian safari adventure.
Stay
Room Options at andBeyond Mnemba Island
andBeyond Mnemba Island offers a serene retreat featuring just 12 charming palm-covered villas known as “bandas,” nestled within a lush beach forest. Each villa showcases thatched roofs, open windows, and airy verandas, adorned with intricate wood carvings that harmonize with the natural environment. Experience a personal haven of tranquility as you relax in the shade of the tropical forest while enjoying stunning ocean vistas from your beach sala or traditional Zanzibari sunbed. These rustic yet elegant bandas provide an intimate and private escape.
Essential Info
- andBeyond Mnemba Island accommodates just 24 guests, creating an exclusive and intimate beach retreat.
- Your closet is stocked with complimentary hats, cotton robes, and beach bags for added comfort during your stay.
- A foot basin is provided outside your banda, allowing you to wash off sandy feet before entering your vacation sanctuary.
- The resort maintains an impressive two-to-one staff-to-guest ratio, ensuring that your every need is met and surpassed.
Why It’s Unique
- Enjoy leisurely moments on your private veranda or in secluded beach salas, where you can unwind, relax, and take peaceful afternoon naps.
- Experience the sensation of soft sand beneath your feet as you exit your banda and step right onto the pristine white coral beach.
- Start each day with the pleasure of having coffee and breakfast delivered to your banda by your dedicated butler.
Guest Feedback
- Comfortable beds combined with the soothing sounds of the ocean make it hard for visitors to depart from their seaside retreat.
- The charming, open-air architecture offers a distinct island lifestyle that leaves guests excitedly anticipating their next visit.
- This exceptional destination, where nature is right at your doorstep and five-star service is flawlessly executed, has guests raving about andBeyond Mnemba.
Wellness & Relaxation
Essential Info
- Guests can pick from 8 different relaxing massages.
- The island spa offers treatments only in the guest rooms.
- Massage sessions last between 30 and 90 minutes to suit any schedule.
Why It’s Unique
- Enjoy the scents of cinnamon, coffee, cloves, and oranges during an energizing Zanzi-Spice Journey. This includes a body scrub to cleanse your skin, followed by a relaxing massage.
- After a day in the sun, treat your skin with a soothing Aloe Vera Gel Body Mask. It cools you down and helps your skin recover.
- Experience the sacred Mnemba-style Ka-Huna treatment. Your therapist will use smooth, wave-like movements to help you deeply relax.
Guest Feedback
- Guests enjoy relaxing their body and mind while hearing the gentle ocean waves.
- Private deck massages are the perfect way for guests to complete their experience.
- Guests say the massages and therapies are done with skill and charm, and should not be missed.
Gastronomy
What can I expect in terms of cuisine at andBeyond Mnemba?
Dining at andBeyond Mnemba Island is a remarkable experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Start your day with breakfast in your banda or join others in the communal dining area, where you can indulge in an array of pastries, homemade jams, and expertly poached eggs Benedict. For lunch, savor an impressive three-course meal served buffet-style or presented on generous Zanzibar platters filled with mouthwatering mezze. As for dinner, it’s truly unforgettable! Whether you choose to have your butler arrange a romantic dinner in your banda, beneath a canopy of stars, or nestled in the heart of the forest, it promises to be a cherished memory.
Essential Info
- Every day, traditional Zanzibar boats deliver baskets filled with fresh fruit, fish, lobsters, crabs, and prawns to Mnemba, which are then transformed into delightful culinary creations.
- The chef is happy to tailor meals according to your preferences.
- Your room rate includes three meals a day, along with soft drinks, house wines, local spirits, beers, tea, coffee, and other refreshments.
Why It’s Unique
- Savor a meal right on the beach, with the sand beneath your feet and delicious, fresh dishes.
- Relax to the soothing sounds of live music after dinner, as you gather around a warm fire on the beach, lounging on cozy cushions – a magical way to wrap up your day.
- Breathe in the fresh island air and listen to the gentle waves during a romantic candlelit dinner on your very own secluded stretch of beach.
Guest Feedback
- Visitors appreciated the diverse selection of dishes, crafted mainly from locally sourced ingredients.
- Whether dining by the beach, in the jungle, or in the main dining area, guests enjoyed the unique experience each night brought with its different settings.
- The complimentary cocktail hour before dinner was a favorite among guests.
Things to Do
What activities can I enjoy during my stay at andBeyond Mnemba Island?
Mnemba Island offers a plethora of exciting ways to enjoy sun-soaked days. Relax on the pristine beach in a comfortable lounger, or for those seeking a bit more thrill, try windsurfing, paddle boarding, or sea kayaking. Kids can also join in on the fun with the Bubblemaker Course, which introduces younger children to the wonders of diving. Whether you’re interested in deep sea fishing, snorkeling, and diving, or prefer indulging in beachside massages and simply unwinding, andBeyond Mnemba Island has a variety of options to cater to every taste.
Essential Info
- andBeyond Mnemba Island has its own dive school where guests can enjoy two PADI dives daily.
- The WILDchild Program offers fun experiences for kids, helping them connect with nature and others.
- The island is home to a tropical forest where you can see rare antelopes, birds, and the endangered Ader’s duiker.
Why It’s Unique
- Relax in the evenings with delicious cocktails and stunning sunsets on a free cruise aboard a traditional Zanzibar Dhow boat.
- Enjoy exclusive diving at the beautiful coral reef, swimming with turtles, dolphins, colorful fish, and sometimes whale sharks and manta rays.
- Focus your energy and find inner peace with a yoga class that looks out to the clear blue ocean.
- Help endangered green baby turtles as they hatch and make their way from the nest to the sea.
Guest Feedback
- Guests love daily snorkel trips to the beautiful reef and calm morning walks around the island.
- Guests enjoyed the activities available, but also appreciated just soaking in the magical experience of Mnemba.
- Travelers highly recommend kayaking around the island.