Private island retreat &Beyond Mnemba Island has a luxe new look

The ‘barefoot luxury’ retreat in Zanzibar now showcases completely overhauled guest bandas, including a new two-bedroom banda designed for families

&Beyond Mnemba Island, a luxurious private island retreat situated off Zanzibar’s north-eastern coast, has reopened its doors following an extensive refurbishment by long-time &Beyond partners Fox Browne Creative and Nicholas Plewman Architects. The island has been updated to preserve its distinctive ‘barefoot luxury’ appeal, while adding a refined new aesthetic.

All 10 guest bandas, positioned along the beachfront, have been rebuilt, enlarged, and fitted with new interiors, and now feature redesigned private beach lounges that provide guests with a secluded oceanfront space. A new two-bedroom unit now caters to families, with two entrances – one facing the beach and the other facing the island’s lush interior – making the banda particularly private. The redesign draws inspiration from the natural nautilus shell, combining the lodge’s earthy colour palette with vibrant coral accents.

The main guest area has also been rebuilt and repositioned to maximise ocean views. A new bar serves as the centrepiece, with indoor and outdoor seating options and a layout that allows for both social meals and more romantic moments. Torch-lit dinners in the inner courtyard with Swahili-inspired menus and the much-loved beach dining experience with “feet-in-the-sand” continue to be available.

&Beyond Mnemba Island’s refurbishment has introduced several new facilities aimed at enhancing guests’ experience of the island’s natural environment and wellness offerings. A newly added Beach Shop caters to visitors, while the Discovery Centre provides insights into the conservation initiatives of Oceans Without Borders, a marine preservation program managed collaboratively by &Beyond and Wild Impact.

The new Wellness Banda offers two treatment rooms opening to the island’s forest, as well as an outdoor yoga platform where sunrise and sunset sessions, sound therapies and meditation are held. These wellness features align with &Beyond’s increased emphasis on promoting relaxation and wellbeing.

The lodge’s Dive Centre has been expanded to support a broader range of activities including tandem kayaking, pedal boarding, and catamaran sailing. A private day-long excursion is also available, alongside conservation tours of the island’s ecosystem. Wild Impact, &Beyond’s conservation partner, also organises half-day tours to nearby villages, showcasing local education and healthcare projects supported by the island.

In partnership with Oceans Without Borders, guests can engage in hands-on conservation work by assisting with the island’s coral nursery or exploring the artificial reef. These activities allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of coral preservation efforts and contribute directly to the island’s marine conservation.

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