andBeyond Mnemba Island, a private island lodge off Zanzibar’s northeastern coast, has reopened after a major refurbishment.
The luxurious property with just 12 ‘bandas’ has seen a complete refresh, including the main guest area being rebuilt with an indoor-outdoor bar and new dining spaces, and the chance to dine with your feet in the sand.
A new wellness banda has two treatment rooms that open onto the island forest, as well as an outdoor platform for sunrise or sunset yoga sessions, sound treatments and mindful meditation sessions.
Conservation and community experiences
Showcasing its commitment to conservation is a new discovery centre where guests can learn about the initiatives the lodge supports in collaboration with Oceans Without Borders.
These include an introduction to Mnemba’s long-term green sea turtle monitoring programme, one of the most extensive in the Indian Ocean, and exploring the coral nursery with the team as they collect and transplant coral fragments.
For those wanting to immerse in local culture, a half-day tour of nearby villages gives a glimpse into the community projects the island supports, including a visit to Mlimboni Primary School to wander the school grounds and participate in an interactive environmental education lesson.
The tour also includes a visit to a local weaver, and at Matemwe village, calling in at the Matemwe Health Centre and maternity ward, which demonstrates the importance of supporting a community healthcare facility.
For more information, visit andBeyond Mnemba Island.