Overview
Switch off your noisy, pressurised, polluted electronic
world and enter a completely different one - not as a tourist, but as a
sentient human being with simple needs, sunshine, fresh sweet-smelling
air, natural food, a pristine comfortable bed and friendly company to
care for you and yours. All to be found folded into the edge of a
primitive forest and set on rising land overlooking the purest, most
turquoise waters that ever caught your breath, these waters hide secrets
of the most exquisite kind, coral reefs unspoilt, and they are fringed
by snow white, delicately soft sand on one of the most beautiful beaches
in the world.
This is Manta, our treasured hideaway where you
can feel the simplicity of a naturally evolved traditional Swahili
island culture and timeless peace and quiet. Feel part of our Pembian
family, our local staff, trained from the go to translate their natural
unspoilt kindness and happiness into helping you in all ways to enjoy
freedom and low-key modern comfort. A group of good people who proudly
endeavour to make Manta the special place it is. From the moment you
arrive, your every conceivable activity and service during your stay
will be Fully Inclusive (with the exception of diving and outside
tours). You will have your own service fundi, a member of staff assigned
to assist you personally, even perhaps to take you on visits to his
village to meet relatives ? if you so wish.
Accommodation
Encapulate yourself in turquoise. Imagine
yourself encapsulated within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals
of reef fish swimming lazily by sometimes in three or four layers of
different species above the reef floor.
This is the heart-stopping
experience that awaits you in the underwater room.The floating
structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels, those above the
water clad in local hardwood, and each an experience in itself.
The
landing deck, at sea level, has a lounge area and bathroom facility. A
ladder leads up to the roof which has a lounging area - for sun
worshipping by day and by night you can lie back in the starlight and
wonder at the extraordinary clarity of the stars, planets and above all,
the edge of our own galaxy - the wonderful Milky Way - all seen
without any light pollution. Sleep under the stars to the soft murmuring
of the sea.Then downstairs - the magical feeling of lying on a soft
double bed surrounded by panes of glass affording almost 360 degrees
viewing - watching the shoals of reef fish and exquisite, often rarely
seen individuals visiting your windows. Some have taken up residence
around the room, which affords them some protection from predation. For
instance, three bat fish and a trumpet fish called Nick who is always
swimming around and seemingly looking in !
By night, the
underwater spotlights beneath each window around the room attract the
shyer and more unusual, for instance squid. Coral is already
establishing itself on the anchoring lines and around the underwater
structure. Octopus and even spanish dancers have been seen attaching
themselves to the glass panes. The reef inhabitants can simply not
resist attraction, which makes for exciting watching and a truly unique
experience!
The practical details
Your journey will
start by boarding a traditionally crafted wooden boat to take you out
to the underwater room. The room lies approximately 250m from the shore,
about a 2min boat ride over the crystal clear waters of the Manta house
reef.
On arrival at the room, along with your service fundi and boat
captain, you will get shown the ins and outs of your private floating
island. We will then leave you alone to enjoy your new surroundings.
Once settled in, a light tropical lunch with cold drinks will be ready
for you to enjoy at your leisure. A kayak, snorkel and fins will be
provided.
The underwater room lies in what we call the blue
hole, which has some fantastic coral heads and an abundance of marine
life. After having sundowners on your preferred deck, dinner will be
served at a pre-arranged time decided by you and your fundi. After
dinner you will be left to yourselves.
A mobile phone will be provided with the contact numbers required should you need assistance with anything.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Underwater room
The one and only. A private floating island with
your bedroom four meters below the surface. It is yours to enjoy while
sunbathing and stargazing on the top deck, lounging and dining on the
water deck and sleeping surrounded by a tropical marine environment.
The underwater room security guard will be anchored to a buoy not far
off from the room. The bathroom facilities include an open-air fresh
water shower, a fully-functioning advanced marine toilet system that is
eco-friendly, and a small hand-wash basin. We will provide all necessary
environmentally friendly, biodegradable shower products. A
fully-stocked bar fridge is there for your convenience.
Living & Dining Areas
It is yours to enjoy while sunbathing and stargazing on the top deck, lounging and dining on the water deck and sleeping surrounded by a tropical marine environment.
Comfort & Amenities
| Confort | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Bed linen |
Pool towels |
Towels |
| High-Tech | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Wi-Fi access |
| Outdoor | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beach chair |
Beach umbrella |
Outdoor dining |
Outdoor furniture |
|
Spa |
| Security | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Safe |
| Services | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
All meals |
Breakfast |
Cocktail on arrival |
Laundry services |
|
Welcome drink |
| Services extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Activities and excursions |
Massages |
Spa treatment |
Transfers |
| Sport & leisure | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Spa |
| Staff | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Concierge |
Maid Service |
Villa Manager |
| Staff extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chef |
Coach |
Masseuse |
Yoga |
Staff & Services
One of the greatest advantages of staying in Underwater room is the personalised service provided by dedicated staff.
Underwater room staff have been professionally trained and will do their utmost
to please with their warm and friendly hospitality.
Manager
Your manager and staff provide you with a dedicated and highly
personalised concierge service during your stay. Private transfers and
other 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 Underwater room.
Pool Attendant
A full-time pool attendant ensure the pool look their best, without ever intruding on guests' privacy.
Pool
Community Pool.
Location
Pemba Island
Pemba
has been separated from the mainland and Zanzibar for decades, leaving
an untouched and pristine island of great beauty and fertility. The
mosaic of forests, swamps, mangroves, hidden beaches and lagoons is
scattered with the ruins of mosques and tombs mostly reclaimed by the
forest ? sites that date back to Arab domination when Pemba was seized
by the Sultan of Muscat (Oman) in the 17th century. He established his
court in Zanzibar and ruled Muscat from there. Pemba is still the
world's major clove producer, around 70% of all cloves deriving from
there, but now plays its more traditional role of being an Island
Paradise with small inter-island trade.
Pemba Island is accessed
via most airports in East Africa via Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. Pemba
island can also be accessed with direct local flights with several
charter airlines that operate smaller aircrafts. The most frequent route
is Zanzibar - Pemba, and is serviced by these airlines: Zanair, Coastal
Air, Auric Air.
Taxi from Pemba Airport to The Manta Resort
The
taxi transport from ChakeChake Airport to the resort is handled by a
third party, and the quality of the cars are not of western standards,
so be prepared for a bumpy ride. We will organize this service for you
so that a taxi will be waiting for you upon arrival. Please note that
this service will be added to your invoice at $45 per person, per trip.
Airports
Karume
Airport, is situated on the Southern part of Pemba, about 1.5 hours
away from The Manta Resort.This is a domestic airport, with daily
flights to and from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and Tanga. Please note guests
are requested to check in one hour prior to departure.
Medical Services
We do have basic medical facilities at the clinic in Konde and Chake Chake.
Activities
Your
manager will have a wealth of information about nearby places of
interest and will help arrange transport and make any bookings required.
About Dive 360 Pemba
The diving around Pemba is nothing
else but breathtaking. The untouched coral reef surrounding the entre
island makes Pemba one of the top dive sites in the world. Pemba is the
perfect place to start your diving adventure. This is one of the
healthiest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, a water temperature of 26°C,
and the best visibility in East Africa of 30 - 40 meters in the
summertime.
In combination with these great water conditions Dive
360 Pemba Dive Centre has everything you will need, including a great
training pool in two levels, professional dive instructors to assist you
with all your diving requirements.
Diving
Some of the dive sites around Pemba are spectacular by any standards. The deep Pemba channel rises dramatically towards the island's west coast in near vertical walls along many of the reefs. Diving in this region is characterized by exceptionally clear, blue water drop-off 's and vibrantly healthy shallow reefs. Hard and soft coral gardens support a proliferation of reef and pelagic fish and other marine life.Dive sites
1. The swiss reef - 3 dive sites
System of sea mountains running parallel to the wall on a platform 25 m down. The mountains have different profiles; from just a few meters up to 100 m long. The thing to do here is drift dive overthe system from on mountain to another, discovering the amazing reef life. Good chance of seeing big pelagic and turtles.
Recommended for: Experienced divers.
2. Shimba hills- 2 dive sites
The last corner of the Shimba Wall breaks into two and forms a valley at 12 m depth with sand bottom with lots of barrel sponges and anthias, red sea sweatlips, fusiliers, red tooth triggerfish, etc.
Recommended for: Novice Divers
3. Shimba wall
A gentle sloping wall, starting at about 6 m and runs parallel to the island for about 500m. connecting with Shimba hills. The Max depth of 25 m making this suitable for Advanced divers. Noted for its red tooth trigger fish, nudibranches and leaf fish to name but a few.
4. The edge- 5 dive sites
Just west of the north-western peninsula. This is the last wall before Pemba island drops into the Pemba channel The wall starts at 30 meters and falls down steep! On the top of the wall huge barrels sponges and spirals corals grow up to two meters high. This is a great place for encounters with Napoleon fish, potato grouper, cubera snapper, big pelagic, turtle and even white tip shark.
Recommended for: Deep divers certificate apply. Strong currents occur.
5. Pole pole mountain
Mountain of coral that lumes from 30 m to 16 m, the base of the mountain is scattered with smaller hills of coral, with lots of spotted sweet lips, nudibranches and turtles, this site is for experienced AOW divers and above, and can only be dived at slack tides.
6. Scorpions secret
Situated a 2 min boat ride from the resort a gentle sloping wall starting at 5 m down to 18 m. Clear visibility and gentle currents make this site perfect for novice divers (DSD and OW) and snorkelers alike, as well as night dives. Well know for its camouflaged scorpion fish. Leaf fish, lion fish and giant frog fish.
7. House reef
Right on the entrance to the manta resort coming from the ocean, an open patch of sand at 5m with superb visibility, flowing into big coral bomies filled with tropical fish and nudibranches, is perfect for snorkelers and divers of all levels, as well as night dives, Keep an eye out for large eye squid and octopus.
8. Njao gap - 5 sites
A 30 min boat ride from the resort, Njao Gap which separates Njao island from the main island, you will find 5 different dive sites (Coral Garden, North Wall, South Wall, Slip stream, Jahazi Reef )ranging from 5 m to 40 m with sheer walls, mountains and coral gardens. This site focuses on good visibility, a massive variety of hard and soft coral, strong currents and a healthy vibrant range of marine life for example, Titan trigger fish, Napoleon wrasse, green turtles, giant trevally and dog tooth tuna, to name but a few, on the deeper dives we have been known to see white tip reef sharks, the sites are suitable for divers and snorkelers
of all levels
9. Fundu gap - 5 dive sites
Situated South of Njao island about a one hour boat ride from the resort Fundu Gap separates Fundu island and Njao island. The 5 dive sites (Mandela Wall, Pinnacle, Coral Garden, Crack, South Wall) at Fundu
range from 5 m to 40 m and allows for clear visibility, strong currents and large coral formations. These sites are better know for their larger fish species such as Eagle rays, Napoleon's, GT's and Barracuda. The deep drop-offs and cooler waters allow for amazing soft coral growth such as Gregorian sea fans and anemone cities. The Macro life on these softer coral gardens is phenomenal and is suited for all levels of diver and snorkeler, U/W photography is a must.
Excursions & Tours
The sandbank trip
At low tide a sandbank protrudes to offer a walk on the purest white coral sand. The perfect beach to relax on surrounded by azure blue waters. This excursion relies heavily on the tides, currents and weather conditions and is not always possible. This will require some planning between you and the resort management. A cooler box of fruit and refreshments is brought along. This is a 10 minute boat ride from the resort on the northern most point of Pemba island. $30 per person.
Dhow trip
Experience the islands- waters on our traditional sailing dhow. Handmade and carved from mango wood this dhow provides the opportunity to experience Pemba through the strong cultural heritage of this local vessel. Sailing up and down the west coast on different excursions is a must. No cost.
Ngalawa sunset cruise
An Ngalawa is the traditional sailing vessel used by fishermen on the island. Leaving from the beach at around 5:00 pm, you will cruise along the shoreline over the reefs enjoying the sunset, the thrill of the sail and a refreshment. $15 dollars per person paid directly to the local fishing captain.
Vumawimbi beach picnic
This trip is a short drive away and offers a secluded beach shared only by local fisherman. Here you can enjoy a snorkel and picnic lunch. $15 per person.
Kayak
You are welcome to make use of the kayaks on the beach, paddles can be found in the dive centre. No cost
The-shamba- organic farm
Visit our new Kwanini Initiative. This community based project not only provides our kitchen with organic fresh veggies and fruits but also contributes its produce to the local community, who are also employed to run the farm. No cost.
Ngezi rainforest tour
The ngezi forest is a protected forest reserve and is home to a variety of endemic bird species, the pemba sunbirds, green pigeon, and scops owl to name a few. It is also home to vervet and black colobus monkeys. The forest ranger will guide you on a 45 min walk through the forest and will point out all the protected fauna and flora. Cost to the reserve $5 dollars per person. Cost of transport to the forest $15 per person.
Local village and school trip
Your service-fundi would be honoured to take you on a walk to the nearby village to meet our friendly neighbours. A reading book or colouring books with crayons are always very much appreciated. No cost.
Lighthouse walk
This walk takes approx 20 mins. You will be accompanied by your service-fundi. No charge except for a $5 dollar entrance if you wish to climb the lighthouse and get the tour by the operator in charge.
The pampa Safari
The Pemba Safari is a day trip with several different stops. Pick and choose what you would like to include in your safari, and how much time you would like to spend. If you do it all it will take you a good 8 hours starting at 8.30 in the morning. $75 per person
Spice farm tour
The Zanzibar archipelago Islands are know as the "spice islands" with 70% of the world's cloves coming from Pemba. A visit to the spice farm will have you experiencing the true tastes and smells of Pemba Island.
Fish market
Depending on where on the island you would like to visit, there are a few options for fish markets on Pemba. These are local markets where fishermen come to sell their catches daily, an interesting insight into the Pemba shopping experience
Mkama ndume
The fortress. This historical site shows insight through the architectural history showing Arab, Swahili and a Portuguese influence (all of that you can see on Google.) Locally, there is a different significance. As local legend has it, the house belonged to a very wealthy man, who kept two wives on either side on a large wall separating the house. The wives lived there without the knowledge that the other existed
Chake chake
This bustling arena of people, ox wagons, dhala dhala's (local taxi) and business men makes Chake the big city of Pemba. As the capital city it is also very central being near to the airport and the ruins.
Flying foxes
Are the largest species of bat in the world, that can be found in huge groups of up to 850 bats per roost. They have a wingspan of 1.6 meters, with fox like faces and are endemic to Pemba island.
Chwaka
These are the ruins of an 18th century town thought to be the capital at the time. The Mazrui family remains lie in six tombs. The family were overthrown in the 19th century and the town fell into decay. Locally this place is thought to have been a sanctuary to a local man named Sharif who was both loved and hated by the people of Pemba.
Services included
Please note that our reosrt is fully inclusive. Simply put, your guest will not receive a bill when
they leave, except for any additional excursions or diving activities
they have taken part in.
- Breakfast: Pastry & Fruit platter, followed by English Breakfast
- Lunch: Choice of 2 options for starter and main course
- Dinner: 3 course dinner, 2 options for starter and main course
- Beverages: Soft drinks, Juices, Mineral Water, Coffee/Tea, Cocktails, Wines, Beers and all alcoholic beverages
- Spa Treatments: One treatment per person, per day at the Kipepeo Spa
- Kayaks from the beach
- WiFi internet in main lounge area
Not Included
Airport transfers, Diving and Marine Activities, Island Excursions, Flights
Additional Notes
Dining & Eating
Dining with a viewMost meals are served on the main verandah overlooking the ocean but move to the pool deck and beach for a change of scenery when possible.Our team will treat you to a variety of fresh locally caught seafood as well as beef, chicken and vegetable dishes, some of which have a distinct Pemba touch to them. At the rear of the terrace you will enjoy our excellent food ? at night under the stars. The lounge provides comfortable seating where you can socialise. We regularly have communal dining when you may get to know your fellow guests. Try our freshly made juices from locally grown fruit or milk straight from the coconut!
Beach Lounge
For your pleasure we have a newly built beach lounge situated close to the swimming pool. This is an open-plan lounge area where we serve drinks, specialty cocktails and snacks throughout the day.
It is tradition at The Manta Resort to serve our guests complimentary sundowner cocktails every afternoon at the beach lounge. We hope you feel free to join us!
See the tide come and go while sipping away at a "Lemongrass Ginger Sling", your feet buried in the warm sand, and a soft breeze cooling your skin. In our opinion, the sound of the breaking waves and a breathtaking sunset over the Pemba Channel makes this one of the most chilled places on the planet.
Our bartenders specialize in a variety of sundowners and cocktails and will spoil you with fruit drinks and cocktails from the freshest handpicked island mango, lime, lemon, pineapple, and coconuts blended with a touch of rum to create uniquely smooth and refreshing drinks.
"The Beach Lounge : one of the most chilled places to enjoy a cold beer on the planet!"
Cool OFF
Our sparkling pool surrounded by loungers in the open or under cover, is there for your sunbathing enjoyment with bar service all day long. Also used for our expert dive instruction for beginners.
Spa
Kipepeo SpaThe Kipepeo Spa is situated next to the main dining area, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Embrace a new pace. Leave your everyday worries behind you and focus on You for a change. Relax and recharge your batteries. Our trained therapists welcome you to our Kipepeo Spa for a daily treatment of your choice.
Soothing expert hands will coax you into perfect relaxation ? to the sound of rustling palms and breaking waves on the beach below. All spa treatments included in our rates.
Treatments
One free spa treatment per day is included when staying with us.
Back neck and shoulders massage
Soothe away tension and fatigue of the long journey with the Back Massage.
Aromatherapy relaxing massage
This full body pampering massage uses aromatherapy oil blends to relax and rejuvenate through rhythmic touch. A jet lag reliver.
Deep tissue massage
This full body massage uses specific pressure points in the body to stimulate circulation using a stronger pressure.
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