Mnemba,Zanzibar,SpiceIslands,Luxury,Paradise,Diving

This exquisite, private island with its white coral-sand beaches and spectacular reefs is renowned as one of the most beautiful and unspoilt ocean destinations in the world.

Mnemba Island Lodge sits in unspoilt Indian Ocean beauty, three miles off Zanzibar’s north-eastern tip lapped gently by the warm, azure waters. The atoll which surrounds it is made up of Africa’s most breathtaking coral reefs, some of the continent’s best dive sites. The island itself and the ten beach bandas offers complete privacy, seclusion and relaxation in a perfectly enchanting rustic shabby chic.

One of the Spice Islands, the heady scents and romance of the lost Omani Empire linger here and the gentle, softly spoken islanders tend to one’s every need. As dhows drift across the horizon plying their trade up and down the coast, Ngalawa outriggers bring baskets of fresh fruit, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns to the beach for the chef to prepare his exotic delicacies.

Lunch is served on the traditional carved wooden platters, heaped with delicious mezze and candle-lit dinners are served on the beach - occasionally ankle-deep in the warm water.

The bandas are wonderfully comfortable constructed from  hand-woven palm-matting in the time-honoured fashion and each is secluded, placed in the shade of a tropical beach tree with a spacious verandah; a palm-covered walkway leads to the bathroom. Zanzibar is famous for its intricate, hand-carved wood and this skill is much in evidence on the scrolled headboards and other decorations.

The thatched dining and bar areas have open views of the beach, sea and reefs beyond and the temptation may be enough to entice one into snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing or simply taking a dip! The clear waters offer unsurpassed visibility and this marine park is astonishingly good.

There are Zanzibar Island tours with a brief historical resume of this ancient trading capital, deep sea fishing for tomorrow’s supper or birdwatching on an island walk that will conjure up relaxing desert island thoughts - only briefly tinged by consideration for chef’s next culinary masterpiece.