The Manta Resort
A Dreamlike Hideaway on Pemba Island
A Place That Touches Your Heart
The Manta Resort
There are places in this world that take your breath away — not because of luxury or grandeur, but because everything simply feels right.
Where nature, people, silence, underwater beauty, wildlife, and warmth come together in a harmony that stays with you long after you’ve left.
The Manta Resort is one of those rare places.
Located on the wild, lush, yet breathtakingly beautiful island of Pemba — one of the islands of the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania — it captures the essence of what travel should be.
At FemmVoyage, travel means more than reaching a destination; it’s about feeling, connecting, and truly experiencing.
We seek out places where authenticity and attention come together — where luxury is not measured in gold or marble, but in warmth, simplicity, genuine hospitality, and heartfelt human connection.
At Manta, we found exactly that — perhaps even more than we ever dared to hope.
A Journey Full of Detours
Our journey to Pemba was anything but smooth.
From the moment we left our previous hotel, it felt like the universe had decided to test our endurance. What was meant to be a tropical boat transfer from Zanzibar turned into something closer to a survival mission across the sea.
After three and a half long hours of rough waves, salt spray, and dizziness, we finally reached Pemba — pale, exhausted, and more than ready to be on solid ground. Day, just like most people on the boat, had fallen terribly ill. She fainted several times, completely drained from the motion and the heat. (But that story deserves its own chapter — you can read more about it here.)
And yet, what followed was still not the end of our journey. Ahead of us lay another two and a half hours by car, crossing the island’s wild, untouched landscape — through villages and dense jungle, over dusty red-sand roads lined with banana palms and clove trees. The air smelled of earth, spice, and rain.
A Story of Travel, Unexpected Turns & Warm Welcome
Somewhere along the way, I called The Manta Resort, my voice tired but hopeful:
“Would it be possible for us to arrive a day earlier? I explained that we’d had such a terrible trip and that Day had been feeling so terribly sick, we just need a quiet place to rest.”
Their reply came instantly, calm and kind:
“Of course. You are most welcome. When will you be here and we’ll have everything ready for you?”
That message alone felt like a warm embrace.
When we finally arrived at The Manta, the exhaustion of travel seemed to melt away. We were greeted not by formality, but by smiles, soft voices, and the comforting rhythm of the ocean in the distance. There was no rush, no check-in fuss — only a sense of being cared for. When we explained that Day was still unwell, the team didn’t hesitate for a second:
“Let us take you straight to your villa.”
And so they did.
Oceanview Villa
Since our arrival was unexpected — we were originally scheduled to arrive the next day — our Oceanview Villa wasn’t ready yet. But Manta had thoughtfully prepared The Seafront Villa just for us. Mr. Haji Khamis and Shaban went out of their way to make us feel immediately comfortable and personally escorted us to our villa.
When we stepped inside — our little home for the stay — it was exactly what we had hoped for: romantic, serene, and completely peaceful. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery with the Indian Ocean stretching endlessly beyond, the villa featured a spacious king-sized bed, a private indoor plunge pool, and a terrace with uninterrupted ocean views. Every detail felt intentional and welcoming.
As soon as we arrived, they asked if they could book us a massage to fully unwind after our long journey — a thoughtful gesture from the Manta team to help us settle in and relax. Of course we happily accepted, but first we wanted a quiet hour to just breathe and settle into our villa.
Day stepped into the incredible bathroom — with open-air windows that invited the lush greenery inside and offered a full view over the villa and the sea beyond — and I couldn’t stop marveling at the clever design. A small table with two cozy chairs sat perfectly on the terrace, looking out over the garden and ocean, creating a private little nook to sip coffee or simply watch the world go by.
Oceanview Villa
The Seafront Villa
Thankfully, Day had recovered some strength under the warm shower. I was so proud of her — she had been very sick on the boat and endured the long car ride, yet she hadn’t complained once. Finally feeling better, we made our way to the massage, ready to fully surrender to relaxation.
The path led us through a tropical garden, greener than green, down a winding staircase toward the beach. Along the way, small huts crafted entirely from palm leaves appeared — and I couldn’t help but marvel at the skill it takes to create something so beautiful. Even the roof of our Oceanview Villa was so perfectly woven that not a single drop of rain could get through.
Inside the massage hut, we were presented with a menu of treatments, but we decided to leave the choice to the masseuse, trusting her to select what would feel most relaxing for us in that moment. And so we stepped inside for a duo massage, the soft sound of waves in the background, the tropical scent in the air, and the quiet sense that every ounce of travel stress was about to melt away.
The Kipepeo Spa – Where Stillness Meets the Sea
Breathe in..Breathe Out..
“Embrace a new pace.” That’s what they say at Manta, and that’s exactly what we did.
At The Manta Resort, guests are truly cared for in every possible way — and one of the most beautiful gestures is the complimentary daily treatment at their Kipepeo Spa. Imagine: soothing expert hands, the scent of sea breeze and frangipani in the air, the sound of rustling palms and gentle waves breaking on the beach below. Every sense is invited to let go.
The spa itself feels like a hidden sanctuary, tucked among tropical greenery overlooking the ocean. The women who work there have a calmness about them, an energy that seems to flow straight from the island. It’s not just a massage — it’s a moment of healing, connection, and absolute peace.
This was one of Day’s favorite things to do every day.A little moment just for yourself. I was honestly amazed to see how easily she surrendered to the experience, how deeply she enjoyed every moment. She’s already turning into quite the little lady — one who knows how to appreciate self-care, island style.
That day, we both get the Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage — the perfect remedy for tension after our long and rather dramatic journey. The gentle rhythm of their hands melted away every trace of fatigue.
The next morning, I tried the Aromatherapy Relaxing Massage — a full-body treatment using botanical oils that left me feeling renewed, like my body had caught up with my soul. The fragrances, the ocean breeze, the touch — it all blended together in perfect harmony.
Manta truly understands what it means to take care of their guests. Here, luxury doesn’t shout — it whispers. It’s in the kindness of the people, the softness of the towels, the calm in the air, and in every small gesture that makes you feel seen, safe, and restored.
Barefoot Moments by the Sea
And there we were — relaxed, recharged, and finally ready to explore the magic of Manta.
Following a narrow winding path through tropical gardens, we found ourselves led by nature itself down to the beach. And what a sight it was: a stretch of sand whiter than white, meeting the clearest turquoise water you could ever imagine.
Before I could even take it all in, Day was already running straight into the sea, laughing, splashing, completely in her element. No photo could ever capture the color of that water, or the feeling of freedom in that moment.
After a while, we sank into one of the wooden loungers, our feet buried in the soft sand, when a cheerful voice called out to us from the beach bar. Within moments we were chatting, laughing — swept up in his infectious energy and warmth. This became one of those small yet unforgettable connections that make travel so special.
He invited us to follow him to the beach bar, a cozy, open space shaded by palm leaves, overlooking the ocean. There, we were welcomed with freshly made cocktails — the kind that taste like sunshine and sea breeze — while Day, of course, ordered her favorite: a fresh coconut. Honestly, I lost count of how many coconuts she drank during our stay! But that’s the beauty of island life — everything slows down, everything tastes better, and every smile feels real.
It’s a place where time seems to slow down with every wave. The rhythm of the ocean became our soundtrack, the scent of salt and lemongrass in the air, and our feet buried in the cool, white sand.
The bartenders here are true artists. They mix their cocktails not just with ingredients, but with joy — freshly handpicked mango, lime, pineapple, and coconut, kissed with a hint of island rum. Every sip tastes like sunshine and sea breeze, every moment wrapped in the glow of the setting sun.
And then, as the sun began to dip into the horizon, the sky turned to fire — orange, gold, and rose melting into the Pemba Channel. We sat quietly for a while, letting the beauty of it all sink in. It’s in moments like these that you realize: this isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a place to feel.
Dining with a View — The Golden Hour at Manta
Slowly, it became time to make our way toward the restaurant. We paused for a moment in the lounge — just long enough to enjoy one last drink and let the golden light spill gently across the sea. That soft, magical hour when everything glows — when time itself seems to slow down — had arrived.
Following the winding path, we reached the open-air restaurant just as the sun began to melt into the horizon. The view was breathtaking: the garden below bathed in amber light, the pool shimmering like liquid gold, and beyond it all, the vast Indian Ocean stretching endlessly before us.
All around us, nature began to stir — baobab bats unfolding their wings high in the ancient trees, gliding silently through the dusk, while somewhere nearby, the bush babies called softly to one another. The air was filled with the scent of salt, earth and clove — that wild perfume of Pemba that stays with you long after you’ve left.
The tables were beautifully set — simple yet elegant, each one glowing softly under the flicker of lantern light. Perhaps not too bright, I thought with a smile, maybe to keep the mosquitos at bay. Day and I were guided to one of the front tables, just steps from the edge of the terrace, with nothing before us but the view — and a great old cannon that stood as a quiet reminder of the island’s history.
At The Manta, every guest is cared for by a personal butler, someone who makes you feel seen, remembered, and genuinely welcomed. Ours was Shaban — kind, calm, always smiling. He arrived with a cool drink and a small amuse-bouche to start the evening. Then, with a graceful bow, he presented us with a handwritten menu board showing the choices for dinner that night.
Bush Baby
At The Manta, every guest is cared for by a personal butler, someone who makes you feel seen, remembered, and genuinely welcomed. Ours was Shaban — kind, calm, always smiling. He arrived with a cool drink and a small amuse-bouche to start the evening. Then, with a graceful bow, he presented us with a handwritten menu board showing the choices for dinner that night.
“Of course,” he said warmly, “if there’s anything else you would prefer, we will gladly prepare it for you.”
But everything sounded so delicious that choosing was almost impossible — fresh seafood caught that very morning, tender chicken with island spices, vibrant vegetables from the garden. Every dish a reflection of Pemba’s generous spirit.
As the first stars began to appear in the deepening sky, our meal arrived — beautifully plated, fragrant, and full of color. Day’s laughter mingled with the soft sounds of the waves below, and I caught myself simply watching her — this brave, gentle soul beside me, glowing in the lantern light, smiling again after such a long journey.
Every little detail was cared for — the quiet pull of the chair, the soft placement of a napkin, the way each course was served with intention and grace. Around us, the night deepened, the sky filling with silver stars, and the only sounds were the rhythm of the ocean and the whisper of the breeze through the palms.
It was one of those rare moments in life where everything feels perfectly aligned — where gratitude fills every breath. Sitting there, with my daughter, surrounded by beauty and stillness, I realized: this is what The Manta is truly about.
Not just luxury, but presence. Not just service, but soul.
Dining with a View — The Golden Hour at Manta
Slowly, it became time to make our way toward the restaurant. We stopped by the lounge first — just long enough to sip another drink and let the moment linger before dinner. As the soft glow of golden hour stardet, that magical time of day when everything seems to shimmer with warmth.
As we reached the open-air restaurant, the view took our breath away — the garden below glowing in amber light, the pool reflecting the last hints of the sun, and beyond it all, the Indian Ocean stretching endlessly into the horizon. The sound of nature surrounded us: baobab bats beginning to stir in the trees, their wings gliding through the dusk, while somewhere nearby, the forest bush baby seemed to hum softly with life.
It felt like such a privilege to be there — just the two of us, witnessing the island slowly drift from daylight into evening.
The tables were elegantly simple, each one dressed with a flickering lantern casting soft golden light — not too bright, just enough to keep the mosquitoes away (I’m sure that was part of the magic). Day and I were seated at one of the front tables, nothing in front of us but the view, and an old bronze cannon adding a nostalgic touch to the setting.
At Manta, every guest is looked after by their own personal butler — and ours, Shaban, was pure kindness. He arrived with a smile, bringing us a little amuse-bouche and something cool to drink before dinner. Then he presented the menu on a handwritten board, carefully listing the evening’s choices — though, as he said with a wink, “You can always ask for something else.”
But with so many delicious options, it was hard to choose. Freshly caught seafood, tender chicken, colorful vegetables with that unmistakable Pemba flavor — everything tasted like it came straight from the earth and the sea, prepared with love.
As we dined, the sky deepened into indigo, and one by one the stars began to appear. I watched Day — her eyes shining, her smile soft in the lantern light — and felt that quiet, perfect kind of happiness that only travel can bring.
Every detail was cared for — the way Shaban pulled out the chair, gently laid the napkin across our laps, and served each dish with pride. It wasn’t just dinner. It was an experience — dining beneath the stars, overlooking the ocean, wrapped in the beauty of Manta.
After dinner, we slowly wandered back through the beautiful garden, the soft path lit by lanterns and the sounds of the ocean somewhere beyond. By the time we reached our room, the staff had already prepared everything for the night — every detail thought of with such care.
The mosquito net hung softly around our bed, gently tucked in place, while the lamps dimmed to a warm glow. The glass doors were closed, the curtains drawn, and the air felt calm and still — pure peace.
But I couldn’t resist opening the curtains again. I love waking early, and I wanted to fall asleep with the view — the moonlight reflecting on the ocean, and far in the distance, the faint outline of The Underwater Room, glowing quietly in the sea.
Morning Tide
I woke up early, surrounded by soft white serenity — my girl still fast asleep, wrapped in dreamy calm. The canopy around our bed moved gently in the morning breeze. I slipped out quietly, opened the glass doors, and let the scent of the sea and the warmth of the early sun fill the room.
Today we had planned to go snorkeling — just a little further out, beyond the calm turquoise water, lies a small untouched reef. The perfect place to explore before breakfast.
Ready to Dive In ? 🐠
Salt & Sunrise
The house reef of Manta, is right in front of the resort, lies within the Kwanini Conservation Area — home to hundreds of marine species and the clearest turquoise waters you can imagine.
As the first golden light crept through the curtains, I slowly woke my girl. We had an early start — our snorkeling trip was set for 7 a.m. — and we still had to pick up our gear. So, bikini on, hair tied up, and off we went through the garden, passing the beach bar and the pool that shimmered in the morning glow.
At the little dive hut by the water, the friendly team helped us with our masks and fins before we made our way down the stairs to the beach, where a small boat was already waiting. Just five of us, a local snorkel guide, and the boat captain — ready to explore the ocean.
Within minutes we reached the reef and slipped quietly into the sea. And just like that, a whole new world opened before our eyes. So much color, so much life — nothing like the reefs we’d seen in Zanzibar, where the coral had sadly faded under the weight of tourism. Here, everything was alive, untouched, and thriving.
Our guide had the sharpest eyes — he spotted things we would’ve never seen: a perfectly camouflaged stonefish resting on the seabed, a shy pufferfish hiding between corals, and tiny schools of golden fish swirling around us like floating confetti. Every movement was magic, every breath underwater a quiet reminder of how precious this world is.
Day was beaming, pointing out new creatures with pure excitement. We floated together, weightless and speechless, surrounded by color and life — until our tummies reminded us that breakfast was waiting.
Gliding back toward shore, we felt full — not just from the saltwater and laughter, but from gratitude. Knowing that our small $20 conservation fee helps protect this vibrant marine world made the experience even more meaningful.
A morning that began in silence turned into something truly unforgettable — the kind of beauty that lingers long after you’ve left the sea behind. 🌊✨
Day at the Manta
Thanks for joining us!
For reading and visiting FemmVoyage! I’m Nicole, a proud single mom to my 13-year-old daughter, Day. Together, we’re navigating the adventures of single motherhood, work-life balance, and everything in between.We’re a dynamic duo bud also facing the ups and downs of single motherhood, and all the adventures life has to offer. From family travels and weekend getaways to crafting,home decor, gardening, cooking, and fashion, I love sharing our journey with you.
At FemmVoyage, I inspire other busy moms, women, travel lovers, foodies, and home enthusiasts with practical tips, stories, and creative ideas, personal stories, and lots of fun ideas. So Whether you’re a single mom like me, how loves decorating your home and garden, or just looking for fresh inspiration, you’re in the right place and will find something here to spark your joy. Let’s make every moment count whether we’re on a trip or decorating our backyard!
Let’s explore life together.
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