andBeyond’s private island paradise to get a fresh new look

31.08.2023 - 06:28 / breakingtravelnews.com

Conservation-led luxury travel company andBeyond has announced a comprehensive refurbishment for andBeyond Mnemba Island, an island paradise situated off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar. The lodge will be temporarily closed from 11 January and will reopen on 01 October 2024.

Renowned for its natural sense of exclusivity, Mnemba’s trademark brand of barefoot luxury is set to be fully re-imagined, ensuring its intimate and relaxed island charm undergoes a few exciting improvements. Undertaken by long-time andBeyond collaborators Fox Browne Creative and Nicholas Plewman Architects, the refurbishment will retain the casual and sophisticated feel of the island while adding a touch of additional elegance. Drawing inspiration from nature, the design will reflect the form of the nautilus shell, while the interiors will maintain the lodge’s current natural colour palette, punctuated by vibrant coral accents. The lodge structure will continue to incorporate coral stone, with the addition of traditional Lamu plaster. Rooted in the vibrant culture and essence of Zanzibar, the design will breathe new life into the property with its contemporary touches and gracious antiques.

Changes to the lodge’s main areas will result in a space that is even more warm and welcoming, providing the opportunity for guests to either enjoy additional areas to socialise or to seek out the privacy of secluded corners. The expansion of the existing bar area into a coffee and juice bar by day and cocktail area by night will provide even more opportunities for friendly chatter before activities and meals. The addition of a mezzanine level to the dining area will not only provide an added area for private dining but also optimise the views over the azure Indian Ocean. New design elements will allow for dining spaces to be enclosed in the event of inclement weather, while guests will still be able to enjoy the island’s well-loved experience of dining with feet in the sand. An inner courtyard will be utilised for torch-lit dinners with a distinct Swahili influence.

Inspired in shape by the nautilus shell, twelve new beach bandas will offer additional space for comfort, with a new design that retains the feeling of being open to nature while still offering the ultimate in privacy. Each banda will boast two entrances, one directly from the beach and the other from the island’s interior forest. Floor-to-ceiling louvred blinds will provide the options for bedrooms to either be closed off or remain open to the cooling sea breezes. A brand-new interior design will combine the much loved shells and beads of the current bandas with sleek and sophisticate new touches. A new Family Banda, comprising a full suite with an interleading smaller room