Shungimbili Island Mafia Island, Tanzania
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
ThandaPrivate island hideaway
An exclusive-use private island where your group roams free, swimming with whale sharks and sailing traditional wooden dhows across the marine reserve.
Where it shines
Remarkable
A dedicated private chef, personal marine biologist, and on-demand spa therapists staff this exclusive-use private island retreat.
Remarkable
Private marine reserve reef diving, ethical whale shark excursions, floodlit tennis, and sea kayaking from the boathouse.
Notable
Swahili seafood feasts, traditional wooden dhow sailing, and beachfront bandas crafted with local Mafia Island woodwork.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Ringed by coral reefs in the Shungimbili Marine Reserve, the island sits thirty kilometers off the Tanzanian coast in the Mafia Archipelago.
1 of 4
The rooms
The main villa features an indoor aquarium and wraparound veranda, while two-story beachfront bandas showcase hand-carved Tanzanian woodwork and outdoor copper bathtubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A glass rim-flow infinity pool extends onto the lawn, looking straight out over the turquoise ocean.
The spa and baths
Therapists set up massage tables along the oceanfront veranda, and freestanding copper tubs rest right on the sand.
At the table
A private chef prepares tailored seafood menus, served anywhere from the open veranda to lantern-lit tables on the sand.
How it began
Swedish philanthropists Dan and Christin Olofsson developed the off-grid, solar-powered island to fund surrounding coral reef restoration and marine turtle protection.
Stay here
Thanda Island
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.