Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort: Romantic Exclusivity in an Adults-Only African Island Paradise
Ensconced on a tiny private island in the remote Quirimbas Archipelago off the northern coast of Mozambique, Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort takes full advantage of its idyllic location with the romantic allure of welcoming adults only.
Untouched and authentic, paradise is naturally intimate. Medjumbe Island is a mere one kilometre long and 300 metres wide. Lush vegetation frames the softest of white powdery sands, lapped gently by the azure waves of the Indian Ocean. Tranquil seclusion reigns supreme. Yet the feeling of being in a world of one’s own is conveniently accessible with a 45-minute air transfer from Pemba International Airport, which can be reached from Mozambique’s capital Maputo or international flights from Johannesburg or Dar es Salaam. Bird’s eye views flying over the Quirimbas Archipelago conjure images of escaping to a deserted beach, plunging into warm crystal-clear water and exploring the hidden charms of island life.
Intimate luxury has a distinctive African island identity
Showcasing incredible tropical nature, the resort has a distinctive African island identity with customised furniture, textiles, and accessories, including traditional wax printed capulana fabrics that were scoured from local markets.
A boutique collection of just 12 Beach Pool Villas all open onto a pure white shoreline. Elegant rusticity of thatching, stone and wood is matched by understated luxury. Charming interiors feature colourful patterns depicting vibrant local culture, and aqua shades reflect the ocean. Modern amenities ensure comfortable indulgence. Bliss in the tropics extends to an al fresco deck. Sun worshippers can bask on loungers and cool off in the aqua mosaic splash pool, which boasts an ocean-facing champagne step to toast a sparkling blue expanse, and later on, sunset with bubbles.
Exclusive experiences refresh perspectives
The ultimate destination for couples, honeymooners, and divers, Anantara Medjumbe’s remoteness assures untouched beauty and absolute privacy. Naturally breathtaking, every experience feels extraordinary. The ocean’s hues are dazzling, and powdery white sands stretch for over a mile when the tide goes out. Couples can stroll straight from their villa onto the beach and swim or snorkel without distraction or intrusion – the only other passersby being local fishermen sailing their dhow boats to and from the mainland.
Reclusive allures are balanced by the genuine hospitality of resort team members, who go out of their way to create memorable experiences. The oceanfront pool sets the scene for lazy, sun-kissed days. Sensual pampering awaits at Anantara Spa’s intimate beachfront villa. Starry nights are a dream come true, with the Robinson Crusoe-style Star Bed Experience inviting couples to sleep outside in a four-poster bed surrounded by lanterns, all alone on Quissanga Island.
For a unique bird’s eye perspective of the Quirimbas Archipelago, helicopter sightseeing tours soar over a breathtaking tapestry of jewel-coloured waters and verdant primeval forest. Authentic tours of Ibo Island offer two fascinating guided itineraries, both beginning with a helicopter adventure. The historical experience offers an inspirational walk through Stone
Town’s important heritage buildings, learning about the turbulent history of the ancient Fort of São João Baptista and observing silversmiths handcrafting exquisite jewellery using ancient Arab techniques and tools found nowhere else in the world, with opportunities to purchase unique gifts. The cultural experience introduces visitors to charismatic Ibo locals and the island’s thriving tribal customs, after which a guided village walk reveals the daily life of the Kimwani people, how Muslim and African traditions have blended to create a unique way of life, as well as a visit to the local witch doctor and an island face mask to take home.
Destination inspired dining with gourmet flair
Culinary experiences are tailored to guests’ liking and served with extraordinary views. At Jahazi Restaurant, guests create their own breakfast from international and island flavours. Casual luncheons and elegant dinners present gourmet Mozambican, seafood and western dishes in Chef’s signature three-course set menus, which vary daily. For a change of scene, signature mocktails and cocktails at the Bahari Lounge Bar come with one of the most incredible views in the Quirimbas. Dining by Design customises romance with a personal chef crafting the ideal menu, savoured in villa privacy or on a quiet stretch of beach, at sunset or under the stars. Offshore escapism is deliciously alluring. Explorers can picnic on a deserted island and sparkling wine is served with finger foods aboard a dhow sunset cruise that sails across the bay.
Encounter extraordinary diving and giants of the ocean
The Quirimbas Archipelago boasts some of the world’s most spectacular and undiscovered scuba diving opportunities. The underwater conditions here are excellent. Warm year round, the water temperature hovers between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius, and an average visibility of 20 metres reaches as far as 50 metres in summer. The vibrant coral reefs and bountiful marine life in this part of the Indian Ocean are only accessible from Anantara Medjumbe Island, and as the resort only takes out small groups of divers at a time, these sites remain pristine for future generations to enjoy.
Above the surface, boat trips set out in search of turtles and dolphins. Giants of the ocean also visit seasonally. Humpback whales from the Antarctic migrate to the Quirimbas Archipelago between July and September to mate and give birth. These colossal creatures often swim peacefully alongside passing boats, arch gracefully over the waves and expel air from their blowholes, thrilling Anantara Medjumbe guests with a truly majestic experience.
For more information visit https://www.anantara.com/en/medjumbe-island