MEDJUMBE ISLAND
THIS IDYLLIC ISLAND IS A SHORT FLIGHT FROM MOZAMBIQUE
From high above the ocean in a helicopter, the tiny island that will be home for the next three nights appears in the distance. I’ve left behind the rugged terrain of East Africa for its best kept secret: a completely private and isolated tropical island off the coast of Mozambique, containing Anantara’s luxurious, adults-only five-star resort.
It’s a long haul from Australia, flying to Perth for a connecting flight to Johannesburg and then on to Pemba, Mozambique, where Anantara’s helicopter service is waiting to take us on a spectacular 45-minute flight to Medjumbe Island. However, the long trip is quickly forgotten with the warmest of welcomes from the friendly staff, who offer us coconuts adorned with flowers as a welcoming song is played on drums.
I’m ushered down a small path surrounded by trees to my beautiful villa, complete with private pool and beach. Bougainvillea petals are laid out on my bed to spell ‘Karibuni Rachael’, which I’m told means ‘welcome’. As I step onto the balcony I notice the same welcome message written on the sand.
Medjumbe Island is unlike anything you would expect to find in Africa; the soft sand is bright white and the surrounding water is the most intense azure I have ever seen.
The resort is home to 12 villas that line one edge of the island ensuring every room has uninterrupted views of the water and its own slice of beach. Even at near capacity, the resort feels empty. Other guests are occasionally spotted, usually at meal times, but mostly I feel as if the island is my own.
The South African couple who manage and live on the resort are generous with their time and seem to genuinely enjoy conversing with guests and ensuring they have a great stay. They happily book me an oil massage at the spa, as well as other activities, of which there are many to choose.
The resort offers watersports, such as kayaking, water-skiing, paddleboarding and scuba diving, as well as helicopter sightseeing tours of the surrounding islands, whale watching and romantic activities for honeymooners and other loved-up couples, such as a sunset cruise on a dhow – a traditional sailing boat.
Snorkelling around the coral reefs one kilometre from the island is a highlight of my holiday. As a first-time snorkeller, I am blown
away by the buzzing city of colourful coral and exotic fish lying just below the water’s surface. I’m told by a travelling companion and experienced snorkeller that this is some of the best coral reefs she has seen in years.
Perhaps the ultimate activity the resort has to offer is its Star Bed Experience, where couples can escape to their own private, uninhabited island and sleep under the stars on the beach in a large four-poster bed.
We visit the island after snorkelling to have a delicious seafood lunch in the shade of coconut trees. The buffet includes barbecued fish, lobster and prawns provided by local fishermen who bring fresh produce to the resort every day. Afterwards, we enjoy local beers under the shade of a rustic shack and watch whales breaching in the distance.