Overview
Thanda Island is one of the world's most exclusive island getaways, a paradise for you to enjoy in complete privacy with family and friends.
It has taken us ten years to discover and develop this remarkably uncommon destination as a very special, totally private island getaway that we now invite you to experience. Thanda Island is a tropical island with a single luxurious villa in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Tanzania.
Situated in its own marine reserve, you can bathe in blue heaven with the gentlest giant of the ocean, the whale shark, and watch sea turtles nesting. Here, you can rest, rejuvenate, enjoy adventure sports and explore your pristine playground, where shades of turquoise infuse your days and tropical spices your nights.
Accommodation
Beach house romance, nostalgia and East African elegance personify the villa on Thanda Island, designed for a perfect summer in coastal whites, greens and blues. The owners of Thanda Island, Christin and Dan Olofsson of Sweden, built the villa as their own discreet, sumptuous retreat and private playground. It offers an expansive living area featuring everything you would want from an extravagant beach house, including an indoor aquarium, Steinway grand piano, wine collection, cigar humidor, glass rim-flow swimming pool and wrap-around dining area with its 180-degree view of the ocean. The owners have included personal touches such as romantic copper beach baths as well as an al fresco/outdoor BBQ, cocktail bar and pizza oven. Whilst off-grid and 100% self-sufficient, the villa has Wifi Internet access and mobile phone reception.
Five air-conditioned bedroom suites with comfortable king-sized beds lead directly onto the beach with its silken white sands. If required, further beds for additional children can be set up in the bedroom suites.
In addition, Thanda Island has two charming 'Bandas', small chalets built in traditional Tanzanian style. Each of them has a master king-sized bedroom on the first floor and a king-sized bedroom on the ground floor with the possibility of adding two extra single beds.
Looking after your every need on Thanda Island is a select team dedicated entirely to you, including your own Executive Chef, Hostess, Housekeeper and Boatman. It's your Private Island, Coral Reef and Villa.
Many of us find it difficult to relax, but the beauty of Thanda Island is that it relaxes you. You'll find yourself spontaneously relaxing while you restore your vital force in a serene but adventure-filled environment where time dissolves. The Island invites you to enjoy simple, exquisite pleasures' strolling along your own private 1,1km beach or exploring the 8ha Island where the only sign of human habitation is the occasional, traditional fishing dhow in the distance.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Bedroom 1
King size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Direct access to the beach.
Bedroom 2
King size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Direct access to the beach.
Bedroom 3
King size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Direct access to the beach.
Bedroom 4
King size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Direct access to the beach.
Bedroom 5
King size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Direct access to the beach.
If required, further beds for additional children can be set up in the bedroom suites.
Bandas I
Bedroom 6 - First floorKing size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Direct access to the beach.
Bedroom 7 - Ground floor
King size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Direct access to the beach.
Bandas II
Bedroom 8 - First floorKing size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Direct access to the beach.
Bedroom 9 - Ground floor
King size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Direct access to the beach.
Possibility of adding two extra single beds.
Living & Dining Areas
It offers an expansive living area featuring everything you would want from an extravagant beach house, including an indoor aquarium, Steinway grand piano, wine collection, cigar humidor,
Comfort & Amenities
| Children | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Children's Activities |
| Confort | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Air-conditioning |
Aquarium |
Beach towels |
Bed linen |
|
Pool towels |
Toiletries |
Towels |
| Equipments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Blender |
Coffeemaker |
dishwasher |
Full Kitchen |
|
Hair dryer |
Iron/ironing board |
Juicer |
Microwave |
|
Nespresso |
Oven |
Washer |
Wine cellar |
| High-Tech | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Book Library |
Satellite TV |
Speaker |
Telephone |
|
Wi-Fi access |
| Outdoor | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beach chair |
Beach umbrella |
Garden |
Gas grill |
|
Massage bed |
Outdoor dining |
Outdoor furniture |
| Services | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
24-hour, multilingual Concierge |
All meals |
Cocktail on arrival |
Laundry services |
|
Transfers |
Welcome drink |
| Services extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Massages |
Spa treatment |
| Sport & leisure | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Exercise Room |
Fitness center |
Kayaks |
Paddel surf |
|
Ping pong Table |
Private court |
Scooter |
Snorkeling equipment |
| Staff | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chef |
Concierge |
Gardener |
Maid Service |
|
Pool Attendant |
Villa Manager |
| Staff extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Coach |
Skipper |
Staff & Services
One of the greatest advantages of staying in Thanda Island is the personalised service provided by dedicated staff.
Thanda Island staff have been professionally trained and will do their utmost to please with their warm and friendly hospitality.
Manager
Your villa manager and staff will be on hand throughout your stay to pour your morning coffee, serve dinner in the evenings and provide you with a dedicated and highly personalised concierge service during your stay. Private transfers, in-resort activities can all be organised via our team.
Concierge
From your first phone call right through until you get back home we're on hand to help with all aspects of your trip. We can assist with standard services from spa treatments and restaurant reservations right through to more challenging and unique requests. You'll also have access to local support in your destination for on the spot help.
Housekeeping Staff
A discreet daily housekeeping service is provided at the villa.
Private Chef
A highly qualified private chef will be available to prepare yours meals.
Our chef will work with you or your staff to create the perfect menu for your stay (food and wine charged separately).
Wine list can be provided.
Pool & Garden Attendant
An attendant ensure the pool and the garden look their best, without ever intruding on guests' privacy.
Pool
The Beach House boast a glass rim-flow swimming pool.
Location
Nestling within Tanzania's Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve, Thanda Island is 8ha in size, 1,1km in circumference and 350m wide. Thanda Island is 16 nautical miles or 30km east of the mainland of Tanzania, opposite the Rufiji River Delta. It is accessible by boat or helicopter.
The Island is in the East African Time Zone, which is one to two hours ahead of the Central European Time Zone. It is 7 degrees south of the equator.
Thanda Island is located between the mainland of Tanzania and Mafia Island. It is surrounded by coral reefs, which protect Thanda Island from massive waves and heavy seas. This adds to the Island's suitability for children. (The name 'Mafia' is derived from the Arabic morfiyeh, meaning group or archipelago, and from the Swahili mahali pa afya, meaning a healthy dwelling-place.)
Activities
Your villa manager will have a wealth of information about places of interest and will help arrange transport and make any bookings required. Do also ask the staff about the area too. Most will live nearby and can give an interesting insight into some of the fascinating aspects of local life...
On the land
- Safaris in the Selous Game Reserve
- Explore the legendary spice island of Zanzibar
- Explore Dar es Salaam
- Explore Mafia Island
On the water
You have exclusive use of the Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve surrounding Thanda Island and a superb choice of water and marine activities. A boathouse full of equipment is yours to enjoy, and a boatman is dedicated to you as your personal guide.Snorkelling
If you don?t fancy diving or simply haven't got the time to do a dive course, snorkeling is an enjoyable way to view Phuket's underwater beauty. An added bonus to snorkelling is that you have a better chance of seeing fish, as the bubbles from aqua lungs can frighten them away.
Stand-up paddle
It's easy, fun, and everyone can do it!
For beginners or advanced people, you'll (re)discover the water, with an original point of view. No need to be a great windsurfer or surfer, SUP is for everyone!
Standing on a paddleboard gives you a higher viewpoint, increasing visibility of what is going on around you, as well as a better view of the underwater life.
Sailing and Kayaking
Explore the reefs around your island in a kayak, sailboat or on your stand-up paddle board. We can also organise a sailing trip on a traditional Arabian fishing dhow.
Jet-skiing
Jet skis can be a fun and exhilarating way to enjoy the island warm waters.
Fishing
We have a fully equipped 28-foot reef runner cat, deep-sea boat if you would like to do some big game fishing nearby Mafia Island. Catch and release iconic species or bring home the catch of the day for the chef to prepare for your lunch or dinner.
Under the water
Diving, snorkelling, swimming, sailing and fishing is good all year around. The spectacular, friendly whale sharks are in our waters from October to March and can be experienced from our boat or by snorkelling or diving alongside them. Marine turtles lay their eggs on Thanda Island's beaches at night during the month of May, and the newborn turtles hatch from their eggs in August when they make a dash for the ocean. Whales can be seen in our waters during August and September. All these experiences are extremely moving, inspiring and special. They will remain with you forever.Swimming
Swim in the translucent, tropical waters and seek out oysters for your lunch or dinner. Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of an up-close encounter with the gentlest giant of the ocean, the whale shark, south of Thanda Island.
Scuba diving
If you enjoy scuba diving at any level or you would like to learn to scuba dive, we will arrange this for you with our accredited dive partners at Chole Bay, Mafia Island. We?ll take you there by boat for an incredible diving experience in the Mafia Island Marine Park, which is widely regarded as having the most spectacular reefs for diving and snorkelling in sub-Saharan Africa.
As the largest marine protected area in the Indian Ocean, it includes an intriguing diversity of coral reefs, five species of turtles and 400 species of enchanting reef fish. It is a rich breeding ground for pelagic fish such as the baracuda, stingray, napoleon wrasse and large grouper. Hopefully you will also see sea turtles, whale sharks and dugongs during your dive. Outside of Chole Bay a choice of equally exciting dives are available, including eleven reefs within reach of Ras Mbisi, Mafia Island.
The beauty of Chole Bay is that because it is a well protected bay, you can dive here all year round.
Services included
Exclusive use of Thanda Island booked. Use of the services of the staff team, including Island concierge, housekeepers...
Included
- Accommodation
- All meals and drinks, including our Thanda selection of wines and champagnes
- Return boat transfers from Mafi a Island, arranged for you
- All Island-based activities and facilities
- Snorkelling and fi shing equipment
- Sailing and deep sea fi shing boats
- Jet skis
- Kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, wakeboards, tubes and water ski equipment
- Beach volleyball equipment
- Outdoor and indoor games for children
- Party pavilion tent
- Wireless internet
- Laundry
- Local Tax
- A selection of premium wines and champagnes
- Outsourced dive charters
- Spa treatments
Additional Notes
Children
Children are well catered for at Thanda Island with swimming pool. They'll also enjoy having access to the beach, with lots of opportunities for water sports for older kids, tennis too.Your chef will be happy to cook a children's supper for the younger ones in the group should they wish to eat a bit earlier too.
The villa staff are experienced in arranging all aspects of childcare for guests. Whether your children require daily childcare, or just an evening of babysitting when you go out, professional nannies can be arranged.
Dining
Thanda Island?s cuisine is fresh, delicious and customised to your palate. Our chef will contact you ahead of your visit to discuss the menu of your choice. It can include ocean-fresh fish and seafood, vegetarian dishes, beef, game and poultry; crisp seasonal vegetables and tropical fruits, and a choice of divine desserts. An offering of delicious local dishes is available if you would like to experience Tanzanian cuisine. From breakfasts on the beach to romantic dinners and bonfires to picnics on a sandbank in the ocean or on a neighbouring island - whatever you desire, we'll deliver.SPA
Our massage specialists have created a suite of special Thanda Island massages, facials and body treatments that can be booked according to your needs. The therapists are brought in from nearby Mafia Island or from Dar es Salaam. They use an exquisite range of non-allergic products to pamper your body to the full. Bearing in mind the absolute privacy you enjoy on the Island, your treatments can be done on the beach, in the privacy of your suite, wherever you choose. The Island's amenities are provided by Healing Earth, market leaders in holistic African beauty and wellness care.You may also be interested in these villas...
