Barefoot luxury on an idyllic private island just off Zanzibar’s coast, andBeyond’s beautiful Mnemba Island is the perfect place to relax and unwind after the thrills of an African safari. Pristine white sandy beaches encircle a shady tropical forest and coral reefs provide some of Africa’s best dive sites. Guests can snorkel to their heart’s content, sometimes among dolphins, and there is kayaking, windsurfing and deep sea fishing for the active, while the appeal of simply doing nothing but relax in this tropical paradise is enough for some. Wonderful personal service and delicious fresh meals in romantic locations add to the simple pleasures of island living.

Reached by an unpaved road through spice plantations to Zanzibar’s northern tip and then wading into the warm ocean for a short boat ride, Mnemba really is away from it all and, with just ten guest bandas on the whole island, it really does feel like your own private paradise. The open sided bandas are built from natural island materials and renewed each year. Soaring thatched roofs designed for the tropical climate shelter beautifully simple large spaces, the big bedroom open to a wide furnished verandah with intimate dining table, armchairs and cushioned day beds in calm neutral fabrics. The lovely en-suite bathroom has a roomy glass beaded shower, double vanities and shutters opening onto the leafy forest.

A protected marine conservation area, the island is a favoured breeding ground for endangered green turtles and witnessing hatchlings emerge is a truly special experience. Suni antelope and Ader’s duiker roam the island, doves coo in the trees, and the diverse marine life provides endless variety on leisurely snorkelling trips or dives with the island’s expert dive school.

Your personal butler attends to all your needs and each day unfolds at your pace. Morning coffee and breakfast are brought to your banda, lunch might be a beach picnic or meet other guests over heaped platters of mezze in the main dining area. Romantic dinners are served by candlelight on the beach with the freshest produce and seafood brought daily by dhow.

Exclusive and unpretentious, andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge is pure island bliss.