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Part overwater bungalow, part underwater hotel room, the Underwater Room at the Manta Resort is an experience unlike any other!
The Manta Resort is located on Pemba Island off the coast of Tanzania in the Zanzibar archipelago. You can fly to Pemba Island from Zanzibar (ZNZ) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) in mainland Tanzania. Be sure to have $50 per person in cash with you when you land for your travel visa. Once you arrive at Pemba airport, it’s about a 90-minute drive to Manta Resort.
Check with your airline regarding luggage weight restrictions as many of the flights in the area are on small planes and have strict guidelines. Resortwear is fine at the resort, but it’s important to note that ladies will be asked to cover their shoulders and knees when visiting local communities, so pack accordingly.
The ideal time to visit Pemba Island is during the dry seasons, which are June through October and January through February.
The Swedish engineered floating structure is comprised of three levels: the roof deck, the main level (aka the landing deck), and the underwater room. The main level has a lounge area and bathroom facility. Climb the ladder to the roof deck to enjoy an open-air lounging area, perfect for catching rays during the day and seeing stars at night. Head down to the underwater room and cozy up on the soft double bed surrounded by glass affording a nearly 360-degree view of the surrounding Indian Ocean and all its marine life. At night, turn on the underwater spotlights to attract the reef fish that call the turquoise waters home.
The Oceanview Villas are the newest addition to Manta Resort and are ideal for families. Each two-bedroom villa features views of the Pemba Channel and has a private bar, dining area, deck, and pool. A private walkway leads to the beach where a beach banda has a small lounge area, shower, and bar fridge.
The spacious seafront villas boast an open-air design featuring traditional Pemban decor, a private plunge pool, and a private balcony.
Comprised of two spacious buildings connected by a large common area with a private pool, the Seafront Family Villa is the perfect blend of luxury and privacy for families or groups.
The Superior Garden Rooms boast a large en-suite bathroom and come with a private garden with outdoor showers. Whether it’s in the four-poster king-size bed or in the swahili baraza lounge, you’ll find peace and relaxation here.
The Standard Garden Room is a more compact version of the Superior Garden Rooms, complete with gardens, outside showers, and a small balcony.
Manta Resort is an all-inclusive property. Most guests split their stay between one of the resort’s other rooms and add on a night or two in the underwater hotel room. Nights in the underwater room are $920 per person per night sharing (so $1840 for two). Packages in the seafront villas start at $4160 for two people for 5 nights, superior garden rooms start at $2994 for two people for 5 nights, and standard garden rooms start at $2304 for two people for 5 nights.
Rates are full board and include your accommodation, all meals and snacks, all soft drinks and cocktails, laundry service, and daily spa treatments (one per person per day) at the Kipepeo Spa. Flights, excursions, and airport transfers are not included.
It’s understandable that you might want to simply relax and enjoy your room, especially the underwater room, but the resort offers a range of activities for your to enjoy during your time in East Africa.
As you might expect, the unspoilt coral reefs of the Indian Ocean mean that scuba diving is one of the primary activities Manta Resort offers. The dive center and professional dive instructors are available for all your diving needs from guiding you to the best dive sites to helping you identify the many reef fish you’ll find among the healthiest coral reefs. With year-round sea temperatures that range from 79°F to 86°F, you’ll enjoy exploring these stunning turquoise waters! Snorkeling offers another way to see the stunning coral reef that the island has to offer.
If sun worshipping is your thing, the sandbank excursion gives you the chance to have your own castaway experience. Just a 10-minute boat ride from the resort you can enjoy a walk on a stunning sandy beach that’s only available at low tide.
Enjoy a sunset cruise on a Ngalawa, the traditional sailing vessel used by Pemba fishermen, or spend the day deep sea fishing in the North Pemba Channel fishing grounds where you may catch Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, or Wahoo. For a more authentic experience, sail to Ngalawa island and learn how to handline fish with the locals.
Full-day island tours can be customized to meet your preferences and give you the opportunity to do things like visiting a local spice farm and the ancient Ngezi rainforest.
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