#Thanda Island │ Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve **Thanda Island started with a dream to find a small, remote, uninhabited Tropical Island off the coast of East Africa. Today, it is one of the world’s most exclusive island getaways, a paradise for you to enjoy in complete privacy with family and friends. A secluded island with a single luxurious villa and two traditional Bandas (beach chalets) in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Tanzania. Situated in your own marine reserve, you can swim with the gentlest giant of the ocean, the whale shark, and watch sea turtles nesting. Here, you can rest, rejuvenate and enjoy adventure sports in a world where shades of turquoise infuse your days and tropical spices your nights** **Upon arrival, Thanda Island instantly becomes your Indian Ocean home. This storied place is located off the coast of Tanzania and was inspired by the traditions of iconic properties where family generations reconnect and spend precious time together. Shared by a generous European family who, with the team, are the attentive custodians of this sanctuary and the marine reserve surrounding it. It is natural, pristine, and magical, and entirely for you and your family. Here, less is more, and you are embraced by simplicity as far as the eye can see. You will feel a sense of adventure, that salt of the earth feeling, as trade wind explorers might have as they embarked on their next voyage. The journey for us thus far has undoubtedly been an adventure we would love to share with you...** **** _**The Villa**_ When you first set eyes on the Villa, you know you will have the most beautiful time. This luxury villa accommodation surrounds you in coastal whites, greens, and blues for a perfect East African summer, with sublime living and sleeping areas leading directly onto the outdoor pool and living area, surrounded by turquoise seas and silken white sands. The Villa offers relaxed living and sleeping areas, with everything you would want from an extraordinary beach house, including an indoor aquarium, a variety of musical instruments, magnificent wine collection, glass rim-flow swimming pool, air-conditioned gym, library, including an extensive Ernest Hemingway book collection, and a wraparound dining area with its 180-degree view of the ocean. The five en-suite bedrooms are air-conditioned with king-size beds, and an idyllic island feel. If required, additional beds for children can be set up in bedroom suites or the library. **** _**Tanzanian Bandas**_ Thanda Island also features two traditional open-air Tanzanian Bandas, making the island a nine-bedroom destination entirely for you. Each Banda has an en-suite master bedroom on the ground floor and two single beds with an en-suite bathroom on the first floor. Each story of the Bandas is 72 square meters with intelligent use of the space to maximize the indoor-outdoor flow. Beautiful, locally hand-carved furniture and fabrics from Mafia Island in soft, natural colours enhance the stylish, authentic feel. If you have additional family or you would like to experience traditional Tanzanian living during your stay, the beautiful double-storey Bandas offer other, unique living quarters on the beach. Air-cooled, they are designed to meet your every comfort while retaining their authentic island feel. **** **_Ocean Excursions & Water Activities_** Infuse your being with the warmth of the sunshine, the glitter on the water and the character of the people. Swim with the gentle whale shark; dive in the largest marine protected reserve in the Indian Ocean; ride the trade winds on a traditional Arab dhow; explore the region in our 1930s classic cruise yacht; indulge in a Swahili or Arabian feast; have a massage or copper bath on the beach. **** _**Wellbeing**_ In this quiet but adventure-filled environment, time seems to dissolve. Our island invites you to enjoy simple, exquisite pleasures - strolling along your own private 1100 metre beach or exploring the 5.5 hectares island where the only sign of human habitation is the occasional, traditional fishing dhow in the distance. To enhance your wellness, you can participate in yoga and meditation sessions in our beautiful outdoor sala overlooking the ocean, and we offer an exceptional spa experience, including signature massages, facials and body treatments with an exquisite range of non-allergic products. **** _**Dining**_ The Thanda Island menu includes ocean-fresh fish and seafood, vegan and vegetarian dishes, beef, game and poultry; crisp seasonal vegetables and tropical fruits, and a choice of divine desserts. From breakfasts on the beach to romantic dinners and bonfires to picnics on a sandbank in the ocean or on a neighbouring island and spicy Tanzanian cuisine - whatever you desire, we’ll deliver. You can choose to have your meals and teas indoors or al fresco. At night, because there is no light pollution on Thanda Island, you’ll be dining under a canopy of stars. ****