Mnemba Island

“A perfect honeymoon spot – and even better for couples seeking to reignite smouldering embers. This island is one powerful aphrodisiac.”

A castaway-chic desert island retreat on a private atoll off Zanzibar’s North East coast, Mnemba is a small, stylish and exclusive hideaway. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic and relaxing break at the beach, with exceptional cuisine and service plus scuba diving and water sports galore.

Mnemba Island accommodates up to 26 guests in 12 luxury ensuite bandas

“In case the message isn’t clear by now, the ne plus ultra of honeymoons is the private island experience. To add to the list: andBeyond’s Mnemba Island, off the northeastern tip of Zanzibar, made up of just 12 thatched bandas and inhabited only by guests and the staff taking care of them. Less than a mile in circumference, Mnemba is surrounded by clear turquoise water and coral reefs, offering some of Africa’s best dive sites. Prefer R&R instead? Spend an afternoon in one of the shaded traditional Zanzibari ‘beach’ beds located along the sand.”

Town & Country

“The sense of seclusion and serenity is overwhelming. Further relaxation is from the immediate removal of shoes: this intimate island is constructed on sand and barefoot is the only way to go. The island is tiny, less than a mile, with 12 rustic cottages woven from palm fronds and nestled between a tropical forest and the white sand. But, as simple as the setup looks, the service is sophisticated with personal butlers arranging activities from snorkelling trips to observations of the turtles that come to nest on the beach to sunset sails aboard a traditional dhow.”

Forbes

“A 15-minute speedboat ride from Zanzibar’s northeast coast lies this tiny hideaway, less than a mile in circumference, with rustic cottages housing traditional carved wooden beds and private beach salas a hop and skip from pure white sands, and close to some of east Africa’s best dive sites. On land, the resort has its own herd of antelope, rare coconut crabs and colourful birdlife. Days are punctuated by castaway beach picnics and waterside candlelit dinners, serenaded by the sound of waves lapping at your feet.”

The Times