REIMAGINED PARADISE: A FRESH CHAPTER FOR &BEYOND MNEMBA ISLAND'S ICONIC BAREFOOT LUXURY

&Beyond Mnemba Island, a secluded paradise off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, has reopened its doors following an extensive and thoughtful refurbishment. Known for its natural exclusivity and celebrated “barefoot luxury” ethos, Mnemba Island has re-emerged with a refreshed elegance that maintains its intimate, relaxed charm while introducing a new level of refinement.

The renovation,

undertaken by the esteemed

Fox Browne Creative and Nicholas Plewman Architects,

preserves the lodge’s understated sophistication

while enhancing each element with a carefully curated vision.

The lodge’s overall layout remains familiar, with guest bandas gracefully lining the beachfront and the central guest area thoughtfully positioned to maximize panoramic views. Each banda has been meticulously rebuilt and expanded, with entirely new interiors that elevate the guest experience. A redesigned private Beach Lounge complements every banda, offering an idyllic space for uninterrupted oceanfront relaxation. Notably, one banda has been reimagined as a two-bedroom family retreat, catering to guests seeking a shared experience in Mnemba’s sanctuary.

The lodge’s main guest area has also been completely rebuilt and brought forward in order to maximize the sea views. The bar is the focal point for the new guest area and sprawls both indoors and outdoors, combining laidback luxury with a healthy dose of island glamour. The refreshed layout includes both new areas to socialize and secluded corners for those who value their privacy. New design elements allow for dining spaces to be enclosed in the event of inclement weather while still allowing for open-air dining that brings the outside in. The much-loved experience of dining with feet in the sand on the beach will also continue to be available. An inner courtyard can also be utilized for torch-lit dinners with a distinct Swahili influence.

Further new additions include a freshly built Beach Shop, as well as the Discovery Centre, a dedicated space providing guests with the opportunity to explore the conservation and community initiatives enabled by Oceans Without Borders, a marine conservation initiative managed in collaboration by &Beyond and Wild Impact. In line with an increasing focus on wellness, a new Wellness Banda offers two treatment rooms that open out onto the island forest, as well as an outdoor yoga platform for sunrise or sunset yoga sessions, sound treatments and mindful meditation sessions.

The lodge’s Dive Centre has been renovated and expanded to serve as the base for even more island activities. Old favourites such as stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking remain available to guests, but now with the addition of clear-bottomed kayaks and sailing Hobie experiences that include tandem kayaking, a catamaran and pedal boarding. Guests are now also able to indulge in a full-day private excursion on the lodge’s dhow, as well as additional experiences such as an island conservation tour highlighting efforts to preserve the island’s delicate ecosystem. A half-day tour of nearby villages is hosted by Wild Impact, &Beyond’s conservation and community development partner, and includes a glimpse of the education and healthcare community projects that the island supports. Guests seeking a hands-on experience can explore the artificial reef structure and coral nursery maintained by the Oceans Without Borders team or even spend a day with the team as they collect and transplant coral fragments for the underwater nursery.

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