A small, lush island with trees and a few buildings surrounded by clear blue ocean, viewed from above at sunset.

Thanda Island is a dream come true for Robinson Crusoe enthusiasts, located off the paradise coast of Tanzania. The luxurious resort is situated on a private island amidst the gentle, turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean and offers an oasis of seclusion and privacy with just one villa and two traditional Bandas, accessible only by helicopter or boat. Surrounded by a marine reserve, guests of this extraordinary hotel live in harmony with the diverse underwater world and are accompanied while swimming by whale sharks, turtles, and tropical fish. Thanda Island actively participates in the protection of this delicate ecosystem and is engaged with local communities against illegal fishing. In this peaceful paradise, travelers have the opportunity to find tranquility and rejuvenation under the Tanzanian sun and let their souls be caressed by the spicy sea breeze.

Details

  • Country

    Tanzania

  • City

    Thanda Island

Rooms

On Thanda Island, those seeking peace find the luxury and privacy of a secluded island available exclusively to up to nine guests. The exquisite villa with five bedrooms welcomes families and friends seeking pure relaxation on the approximately one-kilometer-long island. In addition to a spacious living area, the luxury villa offers all the amenities one would expect from a romantic hideaway. From the swimming pool to the air-conditioned gym and the dining area with panoramic ocean views, the elegant and nostalgic decor reflects the white, turquoise, and green of the natural surroundings. On the other side of the island, guests have access to Thanda Island's two traditionally Tanzanian Bandas. With their open design, the beach chalets blend indoor and outdoor into a top-notch nature experience over two floors. The Bandas can be used as additional guest accommodations.

A luxurious bedroom with a four-poster bed covered in white canopy fabric, overlooking a beach with palm trees and the ocean.
A bright and airy bedroom with a four-poster bed covered with white curtains, a white armchair with blue pillows, and white furniture in a minimalist style.
Outdoor bathroom area with a freestanding bathtub, wooden deck, wicker lounge chair with cushion, and a bamboo privacy screen with greenery above.
A bright bathroom with a door opening to a deck with outdoor furniture and a view of the beach and palm trees.
Two striped lounge chairs with a small table between them are set beside a swimming pool, with a tropical beach and palm trees in the background.
A unique A-frame treehouse with large glass windows, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with a wooden staircase leading up to it.
A rustic bedroom with a four-poster bed draped with white curtains, wooden furniture, and warm lighting.
A spacious bathroom with two white rectangular sinks on a wooden countertop, large rustic mirror, and a rectangular window showing greenery outside.
A cozy lounge area inside a stilted wooden hut with large windows overlooking lush greenery and water.

Culinary

It is nearly impossible to describe Thanda Island's culinary offerings with words, as every guest is greeted with a personalized menu tailored specifically to their individual wishes and preferences. Whether a sumptuous brunch on the beach with homemade yogurt and granola, a refreshing lunch on a traditional Arabian dhow on the ocean, or a romantic dinner under the incredible starry sky – there are no limits to the culinary experiences on Thanda Island. Guests have the opportunity to take part in preparing their own pizza in the resort's handmade pizza oven or let themselves be taken on a journey of flavors through East Africa and Arabia, which blend exotically and impressively in traditional Swahili cuisine. Fish and seafood come straight from the ocean to the plate, and herbs and fruits are sourced fresh from the island's garden. An Arabic dinner night or a culinary excursion to one of the neighboring islands can also be arranged upon request.

A beautifully decorated beach dining setup with a long table, chairs, and a wooden canopy with white curtains and string lights on a sandy beach with the ocean in the background.
A beautifully set outdoor dining area on a wooden deck overlooking the beach with palm trees and turquoise sea in the background.
An aerial view of a secluded island with a beach, surrounded by trees and a few boats on the clear blue sea.
People enjoying an Arabic-themed night at a beach setup with a tent on the white sandy shore, overlooking the ocean.

Activities

Under the warm sun of Tanzania, Thanda Island offers an oasis of calm and relaxation as well as an ideal starting point to experience East African culture or explore the tropical marine world. Those who feel like taking a dip in the cool waters after a walk along the powdery white sand beaches of the island can indulge in snorkeling and diving, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Boat trips on a traditional Arabian dhow or a private yacht are also possible. Culture enthusiasts can learn about Zanzibar's history, immerse themselves in the vibrant markets of Dar es Salaam, and discover archaeological sites from ancient times on interesting excursions. For those who prefer to enjoy the privacy of Thanda Island, there are also activities available like volleyball, gym workouts, yoga, or jogging on the beach. A customized wellness program with massages and beauty treatments, which guests can book in advance according to their wishes, completes the extensive offerings of Thanda Island.

Five snorkelers swim in clear, turquoise waters near coral reefs.
A traditional wooden sailboat with a large white sail gliding across the blue waters, with a tropical beach and trees in the background.
Two people enjoying a ride on a yellow and white jet ski near a tropical beach with buildings and trees in the background.
Four people are playing a game of tennis on a green court with a net, surrounded by trees and a beachside setting.

Location

Thanda Island is located in the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve between the mainland of Tanzania and Mafia Island. The private island is about one kilometer long, only 350 meters wide, and surrounded by coral reefs that protect it from high waves. Located 30 kilometers from the Tanzanian coast, Thanda Island is accessible only by helicopter from the continent or by boat from Mafia Island.

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