Family banda at andBeyond Mnemba Island in Zanzibar.
Photo: Courtesy of andBeyond
Hotel of the Week: This Zanzibar Hideaway Is the Epitome of Barefoot Luxury
The newly renovated Mnemba Island, part of the andBeyond portfolio, combines relaxed comfort, upscale amenities, and vibrant natural surroundings
“Barefoot luxury” is a term that gets thrown around a lot in the hospitality world, but Mnemba Island, a small resort in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Zanzibar, is a true embodiment of that phrase and all it implies. There are just 12 free-standing rooms (called “bandas”) and it’s just out of the way enough to ensure a level of discretion and privacy that has made it an ideal destination for those who value such things. Or those who simply choose to end their African safari adventures with a few nights in paradise, as Mnemba is part of the andBeyond portfolio, which (in Africa) includes lodges in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Updated dive center at andBeyond Mnemba Island in Zanzibar. Photo: Courtesy of andBeyond
Now is the perfect time to visit, as Mnemba just emerged from a renovation that kept its soul intact while making a few necessary updates, including a refresh of the guest bandas, a rebuild of the main lodge, a revamp of the spa (which has two treatment rooms and an outdoor yoga deck), and a new dive center. “We’ve kept that barefoot, open-air, Robinson Crusoe feel, but modernized,” notes general manager Kenneth Malcomess.
Aerial view of the the Zanzibar Archipelago, where andBeyond Mnemba Island is located. Photo: Courtesy of andBeyond
Guests still arrive via a short boat ride from Zanzibar, and are greeted on the beach by Mnemba staffers. Visitors are known to remove their shoes on that quick sail and rarely, or never, put them on again during their stay. There’s simply no need. The island is approximately two kilometers in circumference; it takes about 20 minutes to walk the perimeter, collecting shells or other intriguing fragments of nature, and marvel at the ridiculously clear water. Foot baths are conveniently placed outside each banda for a quick post-stroll rinse.
As part of the update, each banda is now equipped with a safe, and there’s a bolted Zanzibari door at the forest entrance, but accommodations still have no proper front door—it’s not necessary, as the only inhabitants of the island are guests, employees, and various flora and fauna, including two species of antelopes, turtles, and doves galore.
Lounge area in one of the 12 private bandas, designed by Fox Browne Creative, at andBeyond Mnemba Island. Photo: Courtesy of andBeyond
Interiors were entrusted to Debra Fox and Chris Browne of Fox Browne Creative, the South African firm that originally redesigned the property when it joined the andBeyond family 30 years ago. “We used organic materials true to the Swahili vernacular…Mokuti thatch, coral walls, tadelakt plaster, lightweight Jamvi screens, and eucalyptus poles, all blending seamlessly into the island setting,” says Fox, who also guided the updates to andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge in South Africa.
Interiors, in soothing shades of white accented by faded coral, were meant to complement the natural setting. Almost all furnishings were sourced locally and/or repurposed from the original lodge.
Refreshed spa area at andBeyond Mnemba Island. Photo: Courtesy of andBeyond
An average day could include a morning snorkel, dive, or yoga class, followed by sunning on private loungers set alongside the beach or sipping a kombucha at the Beach Banda. A bit of lunch, followed by more lounging or exploring the environs via paddle board, sea kayak, Hobie Eclipse pedalboards, or a Hobie 14 sailboat.
Those interested in the property’s conservation efforts and community programs can learn about Oceans Without Borders, a collaboration between andBeyond and Wild Impact (formerly known as the Africa Foundation). The evening might open with a gorgeous sunset cruise on a traditional wooden dhow, followed by dinner on the beach and perhaps an après cocktail under the stars back at your banda. Hang a (provided) carved wooden turtle outside your room to signal you’d like to be woken for any sea turtle activity that may take place overnight. Drift off to sleep, wake up in paradise, repeat.
See more images below:
One of the 12 private guest accommodations at andBeyond Mnemba Island in Zanzibar. Photo: Courtesy of andBeyond
Fox Browne Creative designed the baths at andBeyond Mnemba Island using organic materials and locally sourced furnishings. Photo: Courtesy of andBeyond
Exterior of one of the 12 private bandas at andBeyond Mnemba Island in Zanzibar. Photo: Courtesy of andBeyond
Outdoor dining area at andBeyond Mnemba Island in Zanzibar. Photo: Courtesy of andBeyond
Cover: Family banda at andBeyond Mnemba Island in Zanzibar.
Photo: Courtesy of andBeyond
