REVIEWS


Pemba Island, Zanzibar


LOCATION: On the northernmost tip of a small island called Pemba. Located off the coast of Zanzibar, this island is home to the destination’s best-kept secret – Constance Aiyana. Read on, because I want to share the secret with you. It may take an age to get to this island paradise – a -inute ight fro anibar followed by a bumpy 90-minute transfer from Pemba airport through adorable African villages and the agnificent gei orest eserve  but it’s worth every second.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS: After a warm Swahili greeting at the lobby entrance and a refreshing handwash with hibiscus and bougainvillea petalled water, I was immediately blown away by the greatest sight of the day: the turquoise hues of the Indian Ocean hugging the glittering white sandy shore. With the hotel surrounded by beautiful ora,  felt like ’d ust stepped into the garden of Eden, which is apt as the world Aiyana means ‘everlasting garden’. Local artwork adds an authentic touch, although be warned, some is a little on the erotic side.


THE FACTS: This 30-villa property was taken over by onstance otels  esorts ust last year,  onths after it first opened its doors. Of the villas, 26 are one-bedroom, two are two-bed Ambassador Villas and one is the illustrious three-bedroom Royal Villa, which has a private infinity pool. owever, the real showpiece is the Presidential Villa, which lies on the north of the hotel site, ensuring guests ultimate privacy and seclusion. There is only one restaurant, eea, which offers a fusion of traditional Zanzibari cuisine and international


avours, and boasts ore than  wines fro around the world.


EXPLORE: Exploring the island is easy, but choosing your method of exploration is more of a challenge. Head out on a dhow, kayak around the mangroves or sail out to the nearby sandbank. Whatever you do, make sure you take a dip in the sea. Pemba is renowned for its coral reefs and there’s a vast array of fish on parade. Back on land there is plenty to see, from Pemba’s main town of Chake-Chake to the ruins and fortress at Chwaka or spice farms for which the island is famed. But if that’s all too much, simply sit back and soak up the sun on the perfect white beaches and watch the world go by. You won’t see much action, though, as this place is extremely secluded, but if you’re seeking privacy and want to escape it all, you’ll have come to the right place.


WOW: The sandbank is outstanding. We hopped on board the hotel’s boat and set sail for this tiny strip of untouched paradise. We landed and spent hours playing like children under the sun. A personal highlight was watching a galaxy of glittering stars and suddenly spotting a shooting star streak across the dark sky like a firework. pparently, they are  to the doen in Pemba, but I grabbed my chance and made a wish – you never know!


BOOK IT: Rates start at $715 per night based on two people sharing on an all-inclusive basis.


TT. lora oannou


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


FEBRUARY 2019 ASPIRE 107


T  


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