Mnemba Island, Tanzania

Just off the north eastern tip of Zanzibar, in the crystal clear waters of a picturesque atoll of coral reefs, Mnemba Island is one of the hottest spots in the Indian Ocean and it’s right up there on our OMG list. The beach here has no name – there’s the side that faces the mainland and the side that faces the ocean, all walkable in 20 minutes. Simples.

There’s no jetty on the island so, after your 20-minute boat ride from Zanzibar, you will have to deal with a direct-to-beach arrival. There may be some wading involved. Poor you. Once there, sink your toes deep into cloud-white sand and drink in the impossibly turquoise waters with your eyes. This is a private island, so you’ll be resting your karmically blessed head at one Mnemba Island Lodge’s ten luxury bandas. Grab the hand of your beau/belle and head shoreside for some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving over reefs that have recorded over 400 species of fish; and yes, dolphins make regular appearances. Also keep an eye out for tiny suni antelope that roam the forest in the centre of the island and the recently introduced, and highly endangered, Ader’s duiker. Enjoy it, you deserve it.

WHEN: It’s warm all year round, but avoid the rainy season, which runs from March to May. The dry season is from June to October. If you can, try to catch the endangered green turtles as they lay their eggs in February and March.

WHAT TO PACK:

the bag: Topshop Mint Structured Shoulder Bag , £38

the swimwear: Prism Pink bandeau bikini, £180

the products: Aesop Sage and Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream, £39 and Watercolours for Cheeks by 3 Custom Color, £15.00

the playlist:
Holidays in Congo by Rainbow Arabia
L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. by Noah And The Whale
Heart Skipped a Beat by The xx
Angelica by Lamb

the read: A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve