Mnemba Island Lodge

Mnemba Island Lodge is a retreat for island-hoppers seeking an exclusive idyll. Mnemba targets 'barefoot luxury' in desert island style. Accommodation is in ten roomy thatched bandas that take up the South West side of the island and leave the remainder of the island in all its natural beauty.

The accommodation is simple, barefoot luxury, yet very high quality. Each banda is set back in a private clearing in the forest that takes up the centre of the island. All bedrooms, verandhas and central living areas are designed with light cotton nets, African prints and cushions. Zanzibar is famous for its intricate, detailed woodcarvings and the scrolled headboards adorning the beds are created by some of the island's most skilled artisans.

All that separates you from pure island perfection is the hand - woven coconut palm and local timber structures with ensuite showers and bathrooms. Private butlers are unobtrusive yet look after your every move.

The main areas echo the remainder of the lodge: simple tables and chairs are set up for lunches on the beach and dinners under the stars. The main dining area and bar area are lit up every evening with candles and lanterns providing for romantic evenings.

Thatched dining and sitting/bar areas have beautiful open views of the beach and spectacular vistas of Zanzibar beyond. Baskets of fresh fruit, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns are sailed into Mnemba daily on traditional ngalawa outriggers and ancient sailing dhows. Lunch is often served on large wooden platters heaped with delicious mezze. Romantic candlelit dinners are served on the beach with the waves gently lapping at guests feet. Private beach dinners delight newlyweds and 'not so newlyweds' alike! Fires are set alight every night on the beach.