Private islands are the epitome of luxury. It is no surprise that famous faces such as Tim McGraw, Johnny Depp and Shakira can often be found lounging on sandy sanctuaries of their own. Private islands are treasure troves of privacy, nature and opulence, where untouched vistas meet extravagant villas and attentive butlers await your every request. The value of these sought-after getaways is only driven by their scarcity and a private island is an escape that most can only dream of. However, Thanda Island gives visitors a welcome taste of the coveted lifestyle.

Thanda Island is a private island getaway within a striking protected marine reserve just off the coast of Tanzania. Since opening in 2016, the 8-hectare island resort has been named as the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island by the World Travel Awards due to its exclusive single-key villa experience and breathtaking surroundings. Here, guests can enjoy a private 1100 metre beach, a host of water and marine activities – including snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving, and swimming with whale sharks – as well as rejuvenating wellness sessions and traditional cuisine.

Thanda Island upholds the crucial values of conservation and community. The resort works with the Tanzanian Marine Parks and Reserves Unit to limit its impact on the environment. This includes a variety of ocean conservation schemes, research initiatives, and educational programmes. If the timing is right, guests may have the opportunity to glimpse endangered turtles nesting on the island, a process that Thanda Island supports with conservation efforts. Equally, during their stay, visitors are invited to participate in the Whale Shark Citizen Science Programme and photograph the creatures during marine exploration outings – with the help of local guides – to support scientific research.

The island’s luxury accommodation, simply called The Villa, is perhaps the most extraordinary beach house you are likely to see. Complete with tranquil living and sleeping areas, The Villa also comes with an indoor aquarium, an impressive wine collection, various musical instruments, a glass swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, a library – featuring a substantial collection of the works of Ernest Hemingway (his book Green Hills of Africa details his travels in the region) – and a dining room that boasts a 180-degree ocean view.

With five on-suite bedrooms, there is plenty of space for large groups to enjoy everything The Villa has to offer. Each room comes with a king-sized bed and the fantastic views of the marine landscape that characterise the island.

Thanda Island’s dining experience is certainly as noteworthy as its accommodation. Comprising fresh, local ingredients, the cuisine is customised by the chefs to fit the dietary requirements and tastes of guests. Fresh seafood, game, and other meats are accompanied by home-grown herbs and fruits and vegetables produced by local farmers. The resident chefs make many of the ingredients from scratch including coconut milk, yoghurt and ice cream.

Of course, given the island location, dishes feature fresh seafood including prawns, lobsters, crabs, tuna, red snappers and other fish sometimes caught by guests. Flavours are dictated by Tanzanian culinary traditions, which are considered to be a delightful mélange of Swahili, Arabic and Indian cuisine. Guests can enjoy their meals either within The Villa’s striking dining space or in the extensive tropical landscape of Thanda Island. Sandbank picnics and beach breakfasts are not to be missed. 

Thanda Island activities include both tranquil experiences and more active outings. For those seeking relaxation, the infinity pool, yoga classes and spa facilities invite contemplation and peace. However, Thanda Island encourages the active exploration of its magnificent surroundings. Guests can explore the ocean in a catamaran or cruiser, take snorkelling and scuba diving trips, and make use of the tennis and volleyball courts.

Thanda Island is also inhabited by beautiful egrets, which visitors can admire from afar on an Egret Walk. The island is surrounded by historic locations that reflect the area’s various cultural influences. Guests can see more of this glorious heritage during excursions including the Chole Island Tour (including transportation on a traditional Arab dhow), the discovery of Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania’s harbour capital), and the exploration of the spice island of Zanzibar. There is much to uncover at Thanda Island.

Thanda Island ticks all the boxes of the private island many dream of. The exclusive hideaway boasts a delightful all-inclusive villa experience with all the luxury expected of a holiday of this calibre. However, additions including the indoor aquarium and impressive wine collection are simply unrivalled by most resorts. Thanda Island has yet again proven itself as the world’s leading exclusive private island.