Private dining on your own secret spot on the beach or in the forest
Mnemba Island in Zanzibar has ticked all the Unmissable boxes. One, luxury. Two, exclusivity. Three, your own private butler. And four, white sands and crystal-clear sea. And most importantly, a chance to dine on a secret beach spot or in the forest. Mnemba, we’re coming for you…
Mnemba Island is about 3km off the northeast coast of Zanzibar. It’s a private island and you have to be a guest of the very luxurious &Beyond Mnemba Island resort to visit its white beaches. In fact, hotel staff gently guide any over-eager divers and sailers looking for a sneaky peak gently guided back to the main island. This is Exclusive with a capital E. If your name’s not down, you aren’t getting in.
The island accommodates just 20 guests in total. Your lodging is one of 10 beachfront bandas (traditional thatched huts). And dinnertime is never a fraught, over-crowded affair. In fact, it always takes place on the beach (weather permitting), where couples lounge around and feast on the finest food. But what if you just fancy being alone? No problem. Mnemba’s private dining options are what get us really excited.
Couples can choose to have either a sandcastle dinner on a completely secluded beach, away from everyone. Of course, the aforementioned private butler will be on-hand to see to all your needs. Or there is a perfect forest clearing. Here lanterns gently flicker, a set table awaits and chilled campaign is ready for you. It’s all peak romance, honestly – we’ve got butterflies in our tummies just thinking about it.
As for the food, your expectations will not be disappointed – it’s wonderful. Freshly-caught seafood looms large, but really – anything goes. If you desperately want your private dining experience to be a massive greasy burger, &Beyond will try their very best to come up with the goods.
We do highly recommend the prawns, though…
This place gets two very enthusiastic thumbs up for love. And remember, the only way you can visit this private island is by staying at &Beyond. Ready to go? We’ll help you get there!
Where:
Incidentally, &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge is on Mnemba Island. It's just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar.
When:
All year round except April 8th-20th, when the hotel is closed every year.
What you need to know:
This is the perfect place for honeymooners. But you don’t have to be newlyweds to get the most out of Mnemba Island.
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