|
Mnemba Island features just ten en suite banda cottages, bordered
on three sides by tropical beach forest and overlooking the beach and
coral reef. Each exquisite banda has been hand-woven and thatched
from tree branches and traditional Zanzibari palm-matting. The materials
were chosen to allow the cooling sea breezes to move through the bungalow
and, assisted by overhead fans, the cottages remain cool all day.
From
each room, a palm-covered walkway leads to an en suite turquoise bathroom.
The shower water comes from the island's well or boiled rainwater. Each
banda also has a spacious outdoor verandah.
As is befitting an earthly paradise, Mnemba has near-perfect weather.
The architecture of the lodge reflects this blissful serenity. You can
wander through your lattice-wood doors across the wraparound verandah
and stretch out on the beach on daybeds of wood and leather weave with
soft white cushions. Zanzibar is famous for producing intricate and
detailed wood carvings and some of the island's most skilled artisans
have created the scrolled headboards adorning the beds.
Balmy air wafts through the dining area and adjoining lounge/bar,
unhindered by walls or windows. With grass mats underfoot and thatch
overhead, these areas have an open view of the beach and coral reefs
beyond. The island also has a curio shop and a small library with a
variety of books and games. Cottages are situated on either side of
the main living area.
Mnemba
is all about the sea and the beach, and when you tire of lying on the
softest, whitest sand in the world, beach chairs and beds offer a chance
for elevation.
Baskets filled with tropical fruit, lobsters and fresh fish are
sailed into Mnemba on traditional ngalawa outriggers. Mouthwatering
cuisine with exotic delicacies are lavishly prepared and laid out for
your bedazzled palate. Luscious fruit includes coconut, oranges, papaya,
bananas, mangoes, lychees, guavas, star apple, jack-fruit, rambutans,
breadfruit and avocado pears.
Lunch
is usually served buffet style or on large wooden carved Zanzibar platters
adorned with delicious African Mezze (fingerfood). Dinner is
served in the dining area or alfresco style on the beach. A table is
placed under the stars, where you may dine with the waves gently lapping
at your feet. You may also enjoy your meals privately on the verandah
of your beach cottage.
Our
food has a Mediterranean and Moroccan influence - an exciting array
of fresh salads, red peppers, olives, humus and aubergine spreads, feta,
chillies and grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil, all enhanced
with African spices.
|
