A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Thanda Island opened in 2016 as a luxury private island, and has repeatedly been voted by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island. Offering an exclusive, single-key Villa for you, your family and friends to enjoy completely for yourselves, it has five romantic, air-conditioned suites that open directly onto the beach, accommodating ten adults with additional beds available for children. On the island are also two traditional, open-air Tanzanian bandas (beach chalets) for your exclusive use. This unique luxury getaway has been created for adventure, relaxation and total privacy. It offers spectacular snorkelling, diving, big game fishing and many other aquatic activities in this place of absolute natural beauty in the protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve.
Located just off the east coast of Tanzania, the exclusive Thanda Island is one of the world’s most private and luxurious getaway locations. An 8-hectare marine reserve offers infinite opportunities for exploring nature, along with relaxation and entertainment. Thanda Island is taken on an exclusive basis only; a tiny island paradise to be enjoyed in complete, luxurious privacy, with family and friends. Here is the ultimate island accommodation in Tanzania, or indeed any of the Indian Ocean coast from South Africa to Kenya! Close to Mafia Island Marine Reserve, and creating its own Marine Reserve environment, this is an exceptional spot for sea safaris, in sparkling seas awash with corals, reef sharks, dolphin and fabulous fish. It is also the site for nesting sea turtles, and the migrating route for humpback whales and vast cruising whale shark. The lodge delights in its location with a wealth of toys - beautiful boats of all kinds, paddle boards, jet skis, snorkels and diving equipment, all for guests’ use.
On the island, guests can enjoy a host of outdoor activities. There is a stunning, glass-rimmed infinity swimming pool with Jacuzzi, a floodlit tennis court, a yoga sala, and table tennis and beach volleyball sets. By the beach is a boat house filled with water sports equipment from boogie boards and kayaks to jet skis and paddle boats. The surrounding waters are also perfect for snorkelling and diving, and fishing, and guests have their own private boatman for guided excursions.
Whether looking for a quiet space to enjoy a morning coffee or to socialise with friends and family, there’s a host of outdoor lounge and relaxation areas to enjoy. Days can be spent wiling away the hours on sun beds by the pool, relaxing on the terrace lounge, or enjoying a refreshing cocktail by the beach bar. During the evening, meals can be enjoyed al fresco on the terraces or beach, or even in a cosy Arabian Bedouin tent before everyone gathers around a crackling beach bonfire to catch up on events of the day.
Spend your days marvelling at Thanda Island's abundance of natural riches. Spot the green and hawksbill turtles that nest on the island, or head into the Indian Ocean to swim alongside the harmless gentle giants that are whale sharks. Grab a snorkel and explore the rainbow wonderland of the reef, with over 400 species of fish including barracuda, stingray and napoleon wrasse. Food-loving guests can try a pizza-making class, or indulge in a feast served on the sprawling veranda. Order a glass of Champagne and wallow in a plush copper bath overlooking the sea. Whatever you do, relish in this extraordinary chance to inhabit your very own marine reserve.
Situated in a private marine reserve inhabited by the gentlest giant of the ocean, the whale shark, and sea turtles nesting. Thanda Island has active partnerships with the Tanzanian Marine Parks and Sea Sense on a range of marine conservation projects on the region's sea turtles, dugongs and whale sharks as well as the preservation and rehabilitation of the Shungimbili coral reef. The island also supports the local community through education and wellbeing programmes in the region, including sustainable fishing, marine conservation and healthy sports activities. Members from the community are employed on the Island to offer high-end hospitality skills development and employment advancement. The philosophy is underpinned by a sincere commitment to the Tanzanian people and their environment.
As to be expected, the food and service are outstanding. In a particularly fine demonstration of the island’s meticulous approach, Executive Head Chef Melissa McDonald will contact guests ahead of their visit to discuss both the menu and potential specific dietary requirements or allergies; ensuring that the food is cooked to guests’ tastes before they’ve even arrived. The menu usually entails ocean-fresh fish and seafood, alongside a mix of beef, poultry, seasonal vegetables and tropical fruits. We particularly recommend trying the Thanda Island Pizza – which guests make together with the chefs – and the Swahili Feast, a fitting tribute to the wonders of East African cuisine.
