COVER STORY
Paradise Isle – A Secluded African Island Honeymoon
With
The Bridal Journey
For those seeking idyllic honeymoon destinations that are as deeply curated and thought-out as your wedding itself, few can compare to the sanctum of a private island honeymoon. Reserved for a handful of guests, a private island is the ultimate luxury for a post-wedding wind-down.
Written by Amber Hunter of Hunter & I Journal
Worth the Journey
Zanzibar, the ancient Spice Island off the coast of Tanzania, has long captivated travellers. At its heart lies the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, a place steeped in history and defined by its inimitable cultural identity. While travellers scour the narrow labyrinth of streets and flock to Zanzibar’s beaches near and far, few venture off the island to discover the archipelago beyond, where one postcard-sized island reveals a stretch of isolated beach, quiet coral reefs teeming with life and uncompromising five-star luxury, geared towards discerning honeymooners.
For Two, Only
Forget crowded resorts, hyped-up beach clubs, and generic honeymoon gimmicks – &Beyond Mnemba Island is for couples pursuing unparalleled seclusion and an island-style luxury few have experienced. Whether you’re chasing a weeklong hide-out to begin wedded bliss or a slow end to an incredible East African safari honeymoon, & Beyond Mnemba Island delivers.
A PLACE STEEPED IN INIMITABLE CULTURAL IDENTITY (3)
“Just a short boat transfer from Zanzibar, &Beyond Mnemba Island is set within a marine conservation zone that’s noticeably quieter and unhurried in comparison to its bustling neighbour. Here, off-grid intimacy lures newlyweds to bask in year-round warm seas, where wellness and adventure exist in equal measure, and every day serves up sunshine and dream-like views with the ease of five-star service.”
First Impressions Count
A private boat transfer carries you from Zanzibar’s shores, skimming across the archipelago towards Mnemba Island. Soon, a sliver of land emerges, haloed by impossibly bright, gin-clear water. The boat brings you close – but paradise insists on a barefoot arrival. You’ll wade through the ankle-deep shallows, the ocean warm and welcoming.
On the beach, a host of smiling faces await. You’re greeted by name as if your arrival has been quietly anticipated from the moment you booked. A cool, scented towel is pressed into your hands, followed by fresh mango juice. Your bags? You won’t lift them again. Instead, you’ll be led – shoes off – to the heart of the lodge, where your island sojourn begins.
BASK IN YEAR-ROUND WARM SEAS (2)
ANKLE DEEP SHALLOWS (2)
By Design
You’ll find twelve open-air Bandas tucked away just offshore in a tropical forest. Each retreat boasts an oversized shower, a king-sized bed swathed under a billowing canopy, a curated bar with snacks and drinks of every kind (included, of course), workout gear, and plenty of space to lounge around, cocktail or coconut in hand.
