Mnemba is a private pristine paradise just off the northeastern tip of Zanzibar. It’s not exactly easy to get to. First you fly into Stone Town, drive 90 minutes across the island on at times bumpy, unpaved roads. Then you take a 15-minute boat ride to Mnemba. However as you approach the island, you realize the trek was worth it, as its beauty is instantly apparent. Mnemba Island’s surrounding waters are gorgeous shades of blue and green, and its beaches are pure white, pillow-soft sand.
An Overview
Mnemba’s owners, &Beyond, understand what people want in a luxury island getaway: exclusivity, beauty, and excellence in service. The island’s only rule is its no shoes policy, which sets the stage for its laid back vibe. Upon your arrival, you are assigned a butler who caters to your every whim. Each guest’s experience is adapted to his/her desires. Everything is customizable, from menus and minibar contents to your daily activities.
Atmosphere
Mnemba draws a cool crowd – an international mix of interesting, smart people who love to travel. People usually congregate at the island’s bar/lounge area each evening for pre-dinner cocktails and delectable amuse-bouches before sitting at their private tables for dinner.
Its 1.5km circumference makes for a beautiful stroll. On one side, the crystal clear water gets deep not too far off the coast. This makes for fantastic diving and snorkeling. You can see sea turtles, whale sharks, parrot fish, and a variety of other tropical sea wonders. On the other side, the water is warm and shallow for what seems like miles. You can literally go for a walk in the sea.
Activities
You can spend the day scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, getting a beachfront massage, or doing nothing at all. The one ‘must-do’ activity that will be set up for you is a sunset cruise on a dow (old-fashioned, wooden boats used in the area). For your other sunsets, your butler will set up a private ‘sundowners’ (African happy hour) outside your hut with your favorite drinks and snacks.
Wine + Dine
Dinner is an experience. The ‘restaurant’ consists of tables set up right on the beach, and the food is delectable. One night may bring a lobster barbeque, another a tuna caught that day near the island. Each dish is beautifully prepared and presented. Dietary constraints? Not to worry – they ask upon your arrival and then make sure you never have to ask, ‘is there dairy in that’? All staff, from the chefs to waiters to your butler, will remember and tailor your meals and snacks accordingly.
Rooms
The island is tiny; with only 10 guest huts, each one hidden from the others, privacy is a given. The guest huts are incredible, and the attention to detail impressive. The bed is divine, with a view of the ocean as you open your eyes in the morning. The sitting area makes you not want to leave the hut, with its comfy couches and lounge chairs. They have games such as backgammon and Scrabble should you need entertainment. We didn’t use them, but nice to know they’re there.
The bathroom has all the modern conveniences you’d want. Excellent amenities, good water pressure. Yet it is still designed to provide an island, almost primitive vibe. The room is somewhat set up like an outdoor structure, but I was kept cool by the breeze and a ceiling fan. No aircon needed, and it was in the upper 90s during the day. And I don’t know if this belongs in the article but I didn’t see one bug the entire time on the island, much less one in my room.
My only regret is that I only spent 5 nights there. I was truly sad to leave, and resolved before I stepped off the island that I’d step back on one day. It was heaven on earth.
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FAQs
Q: Where is Mnemba Island located?
A: Mnemba Island is located off the coast of Zanzibar. It is part of the country of Tanzania.
Q: Doest Mnemba Island allow children?
A: Children are allowed on Mnemba Island.
Q: How do you get to Mnemba Island?
A: It’s not easy to get to Mnemba Island. First you have to take a flight to Zanzibar. Then you drive 90 minutes across the island on at times bumpy, unpaved roads. Then you take a 15-minute boat ride to Mnemba Island. It may be a challenge to get there but it’s worth it when you arrive.
