Travel News

Two new African island hotels

Robinson Crusoe wished he had it this good. Those who dream of a perfectly private island, far from crowds and cares, have two new luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean to consider.

By Kristie Kellahan & Lydia Bell
Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort
Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort With the reopening of Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort after an extensive refurbishment, the barefoot jetset are making plans to head west. A 50-minute flight from the nearest town delivers guests to an island no more than a kilometre long and 300 metres wide at the widest point.
There, in the Quirimbas Archipelago off the coast of Mozambique, is a lush private island escape of just 12 adults-only villas. 
The fresh and understated African design of the villas lays the spotlight squarely on the real star of the show, a dazzling blue expanse of Indian Ocean. Private splash pools were designed to maximise views, and the option of sleeping underneath the stars in a king-size four-poster bed has been met with delight by romantics and adventurers alike.
Signature experiences make the most of the marine wonderland, with seasonal whale-watching trips, underwater diving at world-class spots and sunset cruises aboard traditional dhow sailing boats all on offer. The senses are indulged with luxe Anantara Spa treatments and personally tailored Dining by Design experiences. Castaways are never far away from a chilled glass of South African chenin blanc.
medjumbe.anantara.com
Thanda Island Villa
Thanda Island Villa It's tiny, reef-fringed and very private. On Thanda Island in southern Tanzania's Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve, a single, ultra-luxe villa opens this month, the brainchild of Swedish entrepreneur philanthropists Christin and Dan Olofsson and the sister property to their Zululand private game reserve, Thanda Safari.
The entirely self-sufficient solar-powered, five-bedroom villa has hand-picked furniture and art, a grand piano, glass rim-flow pool and a huge indoor aquarium. There are jet skis, a book collection dedicated to Ernest Hemingway, and a helicopter pad for speedy access.
thandaisland.com
Thanda Island
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  • undefined: Kristie Kellahan & Lydia Bell