Thanda Island

Tanzania

Overview

One of the world’s most exclusive private islands, surrounded by protected coral reefs, Thanda Island features a stunning villa and two Tanzanian Bandas to enjoy in complete seclusion.

Key Features

  • Private villa and two Tanzanian Bandas, sleeping up to 18 people in total
  • Private staff including chefs, wellness specialists and boatmen to help you get the most from your stay
  • Dining is a treat of Tanzanian cuisine while Swahili-influenced feasts are served in the Arabian Bedouin tent
  • Facilities include a beach house, swimming pool, aquarium, air-conditioned gym, flood-lit tennis courts, party pavilion, helipad and access to a range of boats, including a 35m 1930’s classic yacht available for seasonal charters

Location

Located between the mainland of Tanzania and Mafia Island, Thanda Island is an exclusive private getaway in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by coral reefs, it would take less than 15 minutes to walk around the white sandy beaches and is the world’s only exclusive-use island in a marine reserve (something that plays very much on the agenda, with a host of experiences seeing guests exploring these waters).

Design

Accommodation on Thanda Island comes in the form of the main villa and two Tanzanian Bandas. The villa is home to five luxurious suites, with a calming décor thanks to the white-washed wood, pale color palette, and indoor/outdoor flow. Whoever is lucky enough to secure the grand suite is in for a treat as this sprawling abode occupies an entire wing with doors opening in three directions for a wraparound view of the island.

Staying in the bandas is a different feeling, with the furniture crafted out of wood from trees on the island. This rustic feel is no less luxurious, but makes you feel more at home and in touch with your surrounds.

Sustainability

Thanda Island is part of research and conservation projects as well as the preservation and rehabilitation of the Shungimbili coral reef. The island provides a basis for its neighboring Mafia Island’s Marine Park Rangers to patrol the western side of Mafia and several other islands to stop illegal fishing in the area. Thanda Island is deeply committed to the Mafia’s young people's education and wellbeing, including programs on sustainable fishing and marine conservation and the development of healthy sporting activities. They employ members from the community on the Island and offer high-end hospitality skills development and employment advancement.

Why we love it

The star of the show here is the location, which the staff help guests really make the most of. Perhaps the best feature is the personal marine biologist that each guest is assigned who leads aquatic excursions from scuba diving and snorkeling to sewing coral into underwater nurseries to re-grow reefs and swimming with mighty whale sharks.

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