Matemwe Retreat
August 11, 2021Matemwe Retreat
August 11, 2021
The Manta Resort on Pemba Island is a treasured hideaway where you can feel the simplicity of naturally evolved traditional Swahili Island culture and timeless peace and quiet.
Experiencing the Manta Resort on Pemba Island is not about walking down to the beach to visit restaurants and bars, or about larger resorts with lots of facilities and all the five-star touches. Manta is remote, quiet and full of beautiful beaches, forests and friendly people.
Manta Resort is a real family environment and you will be welcomed and made to feel at home straight away. Be prepared to immerse yourself into all the resort has to offer - whether that is simply relaxing, going out on their all-day 'island safari' - seeing spice farms, fish market, 18th-century ruins, the endemic flying foxes, the bustling capital Chake-Chake and visiting the local school or fishing, heading out on kayaks and chilling out on the sandbank. There really is a lot to do at the Manta and on Pemba Island. And of course, if you are into your marine life then the diving and snorkelling here are world-class!!
We must also must mention the unique Underwater Room! Manta has gained quite a bit of media coverage over the last few years as they have built a room for overnight stays literally underwater! A private floating island with a bedroom four metres below the surface. Sunbathing, stargazing and dining on the deck surrounded by the marine environment is a perfect paradise! More info below on this feature.
Manta is hard to beat in terms of an off-the-beaten-track island experience. A significant benefit of visiting this resort is the officially registered NGO - 'Kwanini Foundation' - which focuses on many projects within the local communities, and you can be a part of it too. It is important to Tailormade Africa that the lodges/camps we work with engage and involve the local community, and when travellers stay at the Manta it benefits all involved.
Anchored in an ocean floor anomaly, the floating Underwater Room tops almost anything you’ll see worldwide in terms of a unique accommodation experience!
All within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals of reef fish swim by - sometimes in three or four layers of different species, this is a truly heart-stopping, yet awakening, experience. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels, those above the water clad in local hardwood. Each one is worthy of its own story.
The landing deck, at sea level, has a lounge area and bathroom facility. A ladder leads up to the roof which has a lounging area – for sun-worshipping by day and stargazing at night all seen without any light pollution. You can sleep happily under the stars to the sounds of the ocean or underwater in your spectacular windowed room!
Descending the ladder to the bedroom below you are given the amazing feeling of lying on a soft kingsize bed surrounded by panes of glass affording almost 360 degrees viewing of the ocean. Situated on the reef, in the middle of a conservation area, shoals of reef fish and exquisite, often rarely seen nature will often visiting your windows. Some have taken up residence around the room, which provides them with some protection from predators.
At night, the underwater spotlights on all sides of the room often attract the shyer and more unusual, for instance, squid. Coral has established itself on the anchoring lines and around the underwater structure. Octopus and even Spanish dancers have been seen attaching themselves to the glass panes. The reef inhabitants can simply not resist the attraction, which makes for exciting watching and truly unique experience!
The room lies approximately 250m from the shore, in the crystal clear waters of the marine conservation area. The Underwater Room at Manta is a short boat ride of around 5 minutes from the beach. On arrival at the room, along with your service fundi and boat captain, you will get shown around and made familiar with the ins and outs of your private floating island.
You will then be left alone to enjoy your new surroundings. The underwater room lies in what Manta call the blue hole, which has some fantastic coral heads and an abundance of marine life. A kayak, snorkel and fins will be provided for you to use.
After having sundowners on the lower or upper deck, dinner will be served at a pre-arranged time decided by you and your service fundi. After dinner, you will be left to yourselves. Breakfast will be served at a pre-arranged time. Check-in time is 14h00 for the Underwater and check out time from the room is at 11h00.
The Underwater room security guard will be anchored to a buoy not far off from the room. The bathroom facilities include an open-air freshwater shower, a fully-functioning advanced marine toilet system that is eco-friendly, and a small hand-wash basin. Manta provides all the necessary environmentally friendly, biodegradable shower products. A fully-stocked bar fridge is there for your convenience and a mobile phone will be provided with the contact numbers required should you need assistance with anything.
If it's serenity, close encounters with nature, and a family-like atmosphere you long for, Manta is your haven. Disconnect from the noisy, polluted digital world and step into a completely different realm, not as a tourist, but as a cherished guest with simple desires: sunshine, fresh air, natural food, a comfortable bed, and warm companionship.
Oceanview Villas
The perfect hideaway for families and friends. The latest addition to the Manta collection is the Oceanview Villas. These new villas are perfect for family and small groups. Each villa has a spectacular view over the Pemba Channel and of our Marine Protected Area.
It has two bedrooms, joined by a private bar and dining area which lead onto a spacious deck and pool. A private walkway leads down to the beach ending at a beach banda, a small lounge area, shower and bar fridge.
Seafront Family Villa
Retreat to the expansive privacy of the Seafront Family Villa, where two airy, open-plan buildings embrace a generous outdoor space and a secluded swimming pool. Inside, discover a harmonious blend of traditional Pemban design and modern luxury, creating an inviting and serene atmosphere.
For the ultimate restful sleep, experience our newly installed, state-of-the-art EveningBreeze cooling system. This innovative technology silently circulates cool, clean air over your bed, allowing you to personalize your sleeping climate and drift off to a peaceful slumber.
Seafront Villas
These villas have open plan makuti thatched roofs and are spacious and private. The ‘evening breeze’ air conditioning system around your bed is delightful! The rooms have a king-size bed and a large en-suite bathroom. The ‘open’ windows face a spectacular ocean view and a stunning sunset. Our choice for our clients if you can afford it.
The Underwater Room
Anchored in an ocean floor anomaly we call the blue hole, the floating underwater room tops almost anything. Encapsulated within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals of reef fish swim by – sometimes in three or four layers of different species, this is a truly heart-stopping, yet awakening, experience. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels, above the water clad in local hardwood is a lounge, bathroom below a stargazing, sun tanning bed.
Superior Garden Rooms
Two pairs make up the four Superior Garden Rooms with views of the sea between the garden foliage. One of the two pairs has an interconnecting door which makes it a good choice for families or friends. The Superior Garden Rooms are air-conditioned with a king-size four-poster bed and private makuti thatch covered terrace.
Standard Garden Rooms
The standard rooms are open plan makuti thatched rooms situated further back in the gardens. They all feature a king-size bed covered by a mosquito net, open plan en-suite bathroom, and a comfortable verandah to relax on. These rooms offer great value for those on more of a budget. They are not air-conditioned but do have a fan above the bed.
Family Villa
Honeymoon-suite
Ensuite Bathroom
Power in Room
Fans
Swimming Pool
Solar Power
Charging Facilities
WiFi
Massage
Spa
Hair Dryer
In Room Safe
Star Bed
Curio Shop
Whale Watching
Cultural Experience
Vehicle Safari
Full Day Game Drive
Birding Safari
Boat Safari
Sundowner Boat Cruise
Fishing
Local School Visit
Bush Dining
Diving
Snorkeling
Sea Kayaking
Water Sports
