Thanda Island Private Marine Reserve

Once an unknown deserted island 25 kilometres off the coast of Tanzania, Thanda Island is now home to one of the most luxurious private islands in the world. The owners are Swedish entrepreneurs Christin and Dan Olofsson who created their fantasy island home here: a Cape Cod-esque beach house with Scandi style interiors, plus two traditional Tanzanian bandas on the beach. When the Olofssons are not holidaying, the whole island is yours to rent.

Once you’ve settled into your beachfront suite, there's much to enjoy on the island from massages on the beach, meditation lessons, or yoga . If you’re feeling more energetic, there’s a tennis and volleyball court, or perhaps you’d prefer to hit the water. A boathouse is fully stocked with paddleboards, kayaks and canoes, or try snorkelling or scuba diving in the surrounding marine park. You can swim with whale sharks, dugongs and turtles, all protected by conservation projects supported by Thanda.

As well as making great efforts to protect the natural environment (Thanda Island is powered by solar energy), the private island provides training and employment in hospitality, sustainable fishing and marine conservation to young Tanzanians in the area.

Beyond Thanda, take a trip by motorboat or Arab dhow to the spice island of Zanzibar or shop for Tanzanian fabrics and artefacts in the city of Dar es Salaam. Back at the resort, watch the sunset on your private beach over a Swahili feast of spicy curries and ocean-fresh seafood.