The Manta Resort
Just a short flight from Zanzibar, yet a world away from the usual tourist trails, lies the Manta Resort on Pemba Island. Surrounded by untouched nature and offering just a handful of exclusive villas and jungle rooms, this is a place of true retreat. Right offshore stretches one of the most pristine coral reefs in the Indian Ocean – perfect for diving and snorkelling. Pemba is greener, wilder, and more authentic than its southern neighbour Zanzibar. The peaceful setting, simplicity and closeness to nature create a rare kind of atmosphere – this is one of the last true hidden gems in the Indian Ocean.
Details
Country
Tanzania
City
Pemba Island
Price
from 380 € per person/ night
Best Travel Time
January, February & July to October
Rooms
The Manta Resort offers a range of hideaways for different tastes – all with privacy and a strong sense of place. Nestled in the tropical gardens, the Garden Rooms offer simplicity and charm. The Oceanview Villas sit slightly elevated with sweeping views over the sea, while the spacious Seafront Villas are located right on the beach – ideal for sunset watching from your private terrace. The absolute highlight is the Underwater Room – a floating island with a bedroom four metres below the surface. Surrounded by colourful reef life, this 360° glass room invites you to fall asleep underwater. The top deck is perfect for sunbathing by day and stargazing by night. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Culinary
At the Manta Resort, nature sets the menu. Fresh produce from the island’s markets, seasonal fruits, vegetables and freshly caught seafood are at the heart of every meal. The cuisine is simple, flavourful, and distinctly local. Guests dine just steps from the sand in the Beach Lounge, where sunset views are best paired with a cool drink. The resort’s all-inclusive concept goes beyond food and drinks – even spa treatments are included. No need to make choices or sign bills. Just let go and enjoy the slow rhythm of island life.
Activities
Let go of everyday thoughts with a massage in the Kipepeo Spa, accompanied by rustling palms and the sound of the sea. Just offshore, a vibrant coral reef awaits – protected by the Kwanini Foundation, it offers some of the best diving and snorkelling conditions in the region. Exceptional visibility and healthy coral make it a haven for marine life. Beginner divers are welcome too, with professional instructors offering courses on site. On land, you can explore the island on day trips, visit local fish markets or the historic fort. Each guest is looked after by a personal host – often a local from the nearby village – who’s happy to share stories, insights and the spirit of the island.
Location
The Manta Resort is located at the remote northern tip of Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago. About 50 kilometres north of Zanzibar and just a 30-minute flight away, the island feels worlds apart – lush, quiet, and untouched.
Tucked between the turquoise sea and the dense Ngezi Forest, the resort sits on a secluded bay. It’s a place where time slows down and the wild beauty of East Africa surrounds you at every turn.
