The definition of luxe travel is ever-changing, but the absolute ultimate luxury has to be renting your very own private island. Baroque Travel finds a little slice of paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean
All yours for the duration of your vacation – and we’re not just talking about a room. We’re talking about an entire island that is the ultimate in luxury, offering every possible pampering facility not to mention privacy, peace and quiet. And it’s only accessible by boat!
This particular little slice of paradise is on an island called Mnemba just a short boat ride from the Spice Island of Zanzibar in the midst of the Indian Ocean. Here, a crew of staff caters to your every whim in a paradise setting. The island, which is situated just three miles from the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar, is home to andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge, a sophisticated and completely relaxed hideaway. Here, barefoot is the norm, but service is always first class, with two staff members to every guest. Anonymity is a luxury in its own right, and you have that in spades on magical Mnemba Island, part of an exclusive atoll that has been declared a marine conservation area.
By the way… you don’t have to visit the island alone, or just with a partner. There are 10 plush ‘bandas’ or villas on the island, offering accommodation for up to 20 pampered guests, each with its own private covered veranda and beach ‘sala’. Why not bring the family, or a group of friends and enjoy an unforgettable holiday soaking up the sun whilst snorkeling, kayaking, fly fishing, windsurfing, swimming or taking dhow cruises, all directly from the beautiful white sand beach?
This beautiful tropical island overlooks the magnificent Mnemba atoll, a scuba diver’s delight full of magical marine life where one can also snorkel to one’s heart’s content. Talking of diving – there are numerous dive sites to choose from close to the island, with boats waiting to take you out and a PADI dive school on hand ready teach you the ropes.
On Mnemba Island, it’s all about the simple pleasures. Relax and unwind on your own exclusive stretch of beach where your footsteps are the only ones to blemish the sand. That’s as glamorous as you can get on this paradise island in the southern part of Africa. Your accommodation was created using wood, rattan, reed and rough glass, a simple, modern alternative that is all you need when you’re on your very own island. Of course, it’s plush in its own special way, cooled with overhead fans, with rattan floors, muslin curtains, four poster beds covered with mosquito nets, woven rattan chairs. En suite bathrooms are spacious with double basins, bath and double shower.
The island also boasts airy, open-sided central dining room and adjoining bar where guests are served delicious food. Here, everything has been meticulously chosen to suit the guests and the pristine environment.
Impeccable service includes tea delivered to your door before the sun rises, fresh fruit juices in a fridge in your room, a wardrobe stocked with everything you need for the beach (bag, hat, sarong) and soft cotton gowns to lounge in.