Thanda Island: Private Marine Reserve

What once was an uninhabited tropical island off the coast of East Africa is now one of the world's most exclusive private island getaways. A place where family and friends can come together and enjoy nature and luxury at its finest. Home to one single opulent villa and two traditional Bandas (beach chalets) once you arrive on the island you will be situated in your very own marine reserve, allowing you to admire the secluded bays, magical marine life and tranquil surrounds. 

Holistic treatments to restore your inner sense of peace

While Thanda’s idyllic setting is easy enough to melt your worries away, guests can take it one step further with the help of an experienced team of spa therapists.

After a day of splashing in the ocean, request a body polish to buff away residual salt on the skin, or choose a  mud wrap to detox and purify. As the sun sets, head to the beach to enjoy a blissful massage listening to the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore. Candles will light your path to the massage table, and the heady scent of cardamom and saffron oils imported from Zanzibar will linger in your memory long after the treatment has ended.

With an exquisite selection of organic ingredients sourced locally, a facial will restore vitality and glow to your complexion. Choose an option to target your specific skin concerns, and find your skin looks bright and refreshed- perfectly matching your mindset.

Water Sports

Whether you’re in the mood for fast-paced action or a more leisurely experience on the water, Thanda Island’s range of water toys will provide something for everyone.

Choose a two-man kayak and sail around the island, soaking up the scenery and the blissful blue water. Blacktip reef sharks dart in the shallows, so keep the weather on the surface as there’s a high chance you’ll spot one. Paddleboards are also available, should you want to try out a truly relaxing and soothing activity.

Guests can take the Jet-Skis out for a spin, and enjoy exhilaration as they slice through the water.

Professional Yoga Sessions

Relaxation Areas

Find your inner peace and rebalance in the midst of a beach paradise as you let the tranquil surrounds of Thanda Island envelope you in total serenity, with a selection of spots where you can feel totally at one with this unspoiled paradise.

Dotted around the island, cabanas stretch out invitingly, offering a secluded spot to lie back and be mesmerized by the views over the water. Reiki masters are on hand to perform ancient energy-healing rituals designed to instill a sense of wellness and rejuvenation and yoga classes are held at numerous locations around the island. Both are coupled with meditative sessions that allow you to reconnect the mind and body, and feel in harmony with the nature around you.

For a truly memorable experience, guests can indulge in a copper bath on the beach. Staff will infuse the water with essential oils, and sprinkle it with fresh flowers. Listen to the soothing sound of the tide gently lapping the shore, and watch the water mirror the setting sun above, transforming the bathwater into shades of peach and pink.

Meet the island's finned friends

The seas around Thanda Island are one of the only places in the world which are home to whale sharks year-round, allowing you to swim alongside these majestic creatures in the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. 

Those visiting Thanda Island can almost guarantee an encounter with a whale shark, thanks to a resident pod of roughly 200 which never migrate outside of the waters between Thanda and neighboring Mafia island.

While intimidating in size, whale sharks are calm and docile creatures, feeding primarily on plankton. Many will happily allow divers and snorkellers to cruise idly alongside them, admiring their incredible breadth and distinctive markings.