The Manta Resort
The Manta Resort is a 5-star retreat situated at the northern tip of the remote and tropical Pemba Island, off the east coast of Tanzania. It is a relaxed beach resort, very casual yet exclusive, and a place deeply connected with nature and marine conservation. If it’s serenity, close encounters with nature and a family of staff you’re looking for, The Manta Resort is the place for you. Its greatest draw card is the pristine island itself and the fact that it is so authentic and unexploited. Accommodation is tasteful and consists of 6 Seafront Villas, 4 Superior Garden Rooms and 4 Standard Garden Rooms. All rooms sleep two adults.
Then of course there is the Underwater Room. Located on a reef 250 m from the shore, this is something of your own private “island”. It lies within crystal clear waters in the middle of a conservation area, where shoals of reef fish and exquisite, often rarely seen individuals will be seen visiting your windows. It consists of three levels: the landing deck at sea level, with a lounge area and bathroom facilities, the rooftop which has a lounging area for sun-worshipping by day and stargazing at night, and the bedroom beneath the water level surrounded by panes of glass and affording magical 360-degree views. By night, the underwater spotlights situated on all sides of the room attract the shyer and more unusual marine life, for instance squid. The bathroom facilities include an open-air fresh water shower, a fully-functioning advanced marine toilet system that is eco-friendly, a small hand-wash basin and environmentally friendly, biodegradable shower products.
Meals are a variety of fresh locally caught seafood as well as beef, chicken and vegetarian dishes, most of which have a distinct Pemba touch to them. The resort has a swimming pool surrounded by loungers for your sunbathing enjoyment with bar service all day long. It is also used for dive instruction for beginners.
Why we like it here
You get to enjoy the soothing sound of the ocean waves and occasionally the chatter of the cute bush babies that wake up as night falls.
Due to its location, the island is untouched by mass tourism. It is worth enduring the extra mile as you’ll discover a haven of non-polluted serenity, silence and solitude.
The floating Underwater Room is a great place to lie back and watch the shoals of reef fish swim by.
The untouched coral reefs surrounding the entire island make Pemba one of the top dive sites in the world. The Manta Resort is a first class diving lodge with a large variety of top diving sites to choose from. They have an excellent dive centre with enthusiastic and highly professional staff.
Things to be aware of
The weather during the low season can sometimes be erratic. At the discretion of the Resort, the Underwater Room will be closed for overnight stay. An alternative room will be provided as well as you being refunded the difference in cost.
The different levels of the Underwater Room are reached by ladders.
When staying in the Underwater Room, a mobile phone will be provided with the contact numbers required should you need assistance with anything. You will also have your own security guard who will be anchored to a buoy not far off from the room.
They accept children from the age of 7 years and upwards, while in the Underwater Room they need to be at least 12 years old.
As the resort wishes for you to disconnect from your busy daily life, there are no TVs or newspapers in the resort. Wi-Fi is only available in the lounge / bar area (not in the rooms).
Diving and marine activities are charged for at an additional price.