Million Air Summer 2021

INSPIRE 20TH ANNIVERSARY GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE LUXURY

Private islands

Ah, privacy. There’s nothing quite like it. Carve out your very own delicious slice of paradise by visiting one of these private islands, or round up your nearest and dearest and go all out — book the whole island. With every possible need taken care of, courtesy of an army of dedicated staff (butlers, chefs, masseurs, etc…), the only thing you’ll have to do is decide between going on a fun adventure or spending your days unwinding in your own little bubble of bliss.

by Samantha Coles

ANDBEYOND MNEMBA ISLAND ZANZIBAR

Situated just off the northeastern tip of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is a small, fin-shaped atoll surrounded by a vibrant reef with a range of corals. Arrive by private plane or speedboat and take off your shoes to step through the crystal-clear ocean; you’re unlikely to put your shoes back on throughout your whole trip (maybe flippers, though). The tiny island’s circumference measures just under one mile, meaning you can take a walk through the bone-white sands in half an hour. There are just 12 rustic-yet-elegant beachside villas, each one looking out onto the unblemished beach and hugged by a casuarina pine forest. The villas have thatched roofs, and interiors favor the natural: soft linen, wood, rattan and shells. There’s tons of activities to enjoy, from a romantic sunset cruise to a spice tour where you’ll follow the scent of vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon through the lush greenery of the island’s spice-growing areas. The reefs that surround the island have been declared a marine conservation area, and the island itself is an important green turtle breeding site. Depending on when you visit, you can join the conservation team as they monitor turtle nests: Track the footprints of female turtles at night during the year-round nesting season, learn how the team helps to deter predators, and study turtle etiquette and behaviors. This experience has taken two decades of intense research and monitoring, as only around one hatchling in 1,000 makes it to adulthood. While the ability to see hatching year-round cannot be guaranteed, know that it generally peaks between February and March. And there are a number of day trips for guests of the island to Zanzibar, known as Spice Island; there, you can discover the ancient architecture of ‘Stone Town’ on a guided tour. From $1,270 per person per night. Contact +27 118 094 300, andbeyond.com