Aiyana Resort: Our full report

Located on the far north of Pemba Island, The Aiyana is a luxury beach-front retreat with stunning views ...

... of the Indian Ocean and a powdery white beach.

After first visiting Pemba in 2000, the Mauritian owner of The Aiyana fell in love with the island and its people, and decided it was a perfect place to build a beach property. The construction took over eight years to complete, with an aim of creating as many jobs as possible throughout the process and using locally sourced materials, primarily lime. The Aiyana has been designed and built around a concept of 'simple materiality and craftsmanship' but the finished product is impressive.

There are 30 Villas, each are beach facing and are spacious, private and beautifully designed in a chic, minimalist style. These fall into five categories: there are eight one-bedroom Prestige Villas, 18 one-bedroom Superior Villas, with three larger multi -room options ideal for family or friends travelling together. There are two, two-bedroom Ambassador Villas complete with private pool, one two-bedroom Royal Villa and one three-bedroom Presidential Villa. The Royal and Presidential Villas both have a private pool alongside direct, private beach access.

All of the rooms have rear and front gardens with patios and sunloungers, en-suite bathrooms with twin sinks and a free-standing bath tub, air-conditioning, TV, stocked mini-fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. Hairdryers, bathrobes and toiletries are also provided.

At the centre of the property is the large infinity swimming pool overlooking the beach and ocean beyond, offering some wonderful sunset views in the evening. Here you will also find the hotel's Neema bar which is open all day, serving fresh juices, cocktails and wines from the property's wine cellar.

One of Pemba Island’s most striking features is its resplendent coral reefs, which offer some excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. The on-site water sports centre can help guests to organise a range of activities and excursions, including scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding and a popular lunch picnic to an isolated sandbank

The property can also organsie Mangrove boat tours offering guests a chance to bird watch or fish. Visits to nearby Ngezi Forest Reserve or guided visits to local villages or clove farm plantations can also be arranged.

For something a bit more relaxing, there is the ‘Maji’ Spa, which offers a range of classic massages and treatments, as well as facials and manicures. Near to the spa is the small gym and fitness studio free for guest use. For those looking for a souvenir to take home, there is the high-end ‘Soko’ boutique shop, or for something even more special take a browse of the small on-site art gallery.

Our view

The Aiyana is an excellent choice for travellers looking for a peaceful, high-end retreat away from the busier areas of Zanzibar. The setting is stunning, the villas are spacious and stylish, and the service is warm and friendly. The remote location enhances its appeal for honeymooners and those seeking solitude and relaxation.

Jessica Plumb

Country manager: Tanzania

Geographics

Location: Pemba Island, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay: 4 nights plus.
Directions: Pemba is around a 30 minute flight from Zanzibar. The lodge is one and a half hours’ drive along bumpy roads from Pemba airport.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: Meal times are quite flexible and there is an emphasise on locally sourced ingredients and dishes inspired by the diverse cultures and cuisines of the Indian Ocean region, including influences from India, Africa, and the Middle East.

Breakfast is typically served from 7am - 10am and usually a la carte, but may sometimes be served as a buffet depending on the property's occupancy.

Lunch and snacks are available from 11am - 5pm either at the main restaurant or at the pool bar near the beach.

Dinner is served from 7pm - 10pm and locations for this change regularly. Sometimes served as a beach BBQ, but more typically it is a three course affair, served a la carte, with a few choices for each course.

Special dietary requests can be catered to with advance notice.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Room service is possible.
Drinks included: Drinks are extra cost.

Children

Attitude towards children: The Aiyana welcomes children of any age, but no specific children’s activities are offered.
Property’s age restrictions: None
Special activities & services: No special activities but a babysitting service can be arranged.
Equipment: Baby cots are provided free of charge, but subject to availbility

Communications

Communications: There is WiFi in the public areas of the bar, pool deck and near reception. On request, and dependent on connectivity, WiFi can be made available in the villas for an additional charge. There is sporadic cell phone service.
TV & radio: There are TVs in the guest villas.
Water supply: Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: There is a first-aid kit in the lodge. The Aiyana has links to an on-call doctor who can visit the property. There are basic medical and pharmaceutical facilities around 30 minute drive away.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: The lodge is gated, and security guards patrol both night and day.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers dotted around the lodge.

Activities

Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A laundry service is offered at additional cost.
Accepted payment on location: The property accepts payments in cash (USD, EUR and TZS). Payments can also be made with a MasterCard or Visa with an approx 3% fee. American Express is not accepted.