There are places in this world that don’t just invite you to visit. They whisper to you, calling you back long before you’ve even left. Stepping off the small boat onto the sugar‑white sands of &Beyond Mnemba Island, off the north‑eastern coast of Zanzibar, is precisely that kind of moment. A soft, breath‑deep pause where the only rhythm that matters is the roll of waves and the rustle of casuarina trees.
Recently Apex Travel’s Team Leader Ben Wilson got to experience this profound retreat firsthand with our partners at Norman Harper Representation, with compliments of the team at &Beyond Travel.
Sinking back into a beach sala, cocktail in hand and horizon before him Ben commented “Here it’s like time stretches. You feel seen, welcomed, and completely at peace. Not by grand gestures, but by the grace of the place and the people who make you feel so at home.”
This is the essence of barefoot luxury. A world where indulgence isn’t loud but felt in the details: the lull of a hammock, the warmth of a smile, the quiet ease of ocean breeze through open‑air living spaces.
A private paradise reimagined
Recently reopened after an elegant refurbishment, &Beyond Mnemba Island maintains its signature understated sophistication with 12 refreshed Bandas and guest spaces that feel both intimate and generous. Designed to blend with nature, each beachfront Banda offers direct access to the powder soft sand and turquoise water that embraces the island. Interiors take inspiration from the sea and sky, pale corals, creamy whites, and natural woods echo the setting, while handcrafted accents celebrate local artistry.
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Each Banda now features a private beach lounge, your own shaded sanctuary just steps from the Indian Ocean. Perfect for languid mornings with coffee or long afternoons lost in a good book. One of the Bandas has even been reimagined as a two‑bedroom family retreat, ideal for shared seaside memories.
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The art of doing nothing and everything
Days on &Beynond Mnemba Island follow an easy, joyful cadence:
- Snorkel or dive straight off the beach into lively coral reefs teeming with marine life. The protected waters are world‑renowned for their kaleidoscope of tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and vibrant coral gardens.
- Stand‑up paddle or kayak across glass‑like waters at sunrise, when the ocean feels like a mirror to the sky.
- Sail into the sunset on a traditional dhow, the wind tugging at the sails as the sky bleeds into molten gold.
- Yoga and wellness experiences under swaying palms, or a gentle massage by the beach, each moment designed to help you sink deeper into serenity.
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Yet the most luxurious thing here may simply be the gift of time. Unhurried, unpressured, and exclusively yours.
Cuisine that reflects place
Dining at &Beyond Mnemba enhances your connection to Zanzibar’s abundant ocean bounty. Ben was impressed by the array of fresh seafood which arrives daily, octopus, lobster, prawns and more often sourced from local fishermen who bring their catch ashore by traditional dhow.
Meals are served under thatch, on the beach, or wherever you choose, with menus that celebrate local flavours and ingredients elevated by elegant touches.
Service with a soul
What truly sets this private island apart and what our travel advisors can’t stop talking about is the warmth of &Beyond Mnemba’s people. From your first barefoot step on the sand to your final sunset toast, the staff anticipate your needs with innate grace.
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Ben explains “There’s a genuine joy in welcoming guests here, one that is felt in every smile, every thoughtful gesture, and every beautifully prepared meal.” As he put it, “The welcome feels like coming home, if home were on the most perfect beach in the world.”
More than a stay, a story
This isn’t a typical resort. It’s a place that feels lived‑in by the sea, shaped by tides and time, where luxury is measured not in extravagance but in presence. Here, you don’t just observe nature you become part of its quiet, powerful rhythm.
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For luxury travellers seeking pristine beauty, heartfelt hospitality, and an experience that touches the soul, &Beyond Mnemba Island is not just a destination. It is a return to stillness, to wonder, to what matters most.
Ready to step into the story? Let the Apex Travel powered by TAG team help you make it unforgettable. Contact Ben Wilson or any of our expert private travel advisors below.
Note: &Beyond Mnemba Island is a private island retreat just off the north‑eastern coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania. Ben Wilson travelled as a guest of our partners Norman Harper Representation and &Beyond Travel.
