The beautiful African island that's 30C in November - perfect for winter holiday

This island in Africa offers a sense of exclusivity and luxury for a winter escape that may not have been on your list of dream destinations up until now.

Set back in the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, in the southern Pwani Region of Tanzania, Thanda Island is a serene location completely surrounded by the natural beauty of coral reef. While its breathtaking environment is what draws visitors in, its five-bedroom villas and Tanzanian bandas make it the ideal stay for groups of friends and families looking for a slice of paradise - at an eye-wateringly high price.

The beauty of the place is that you can have as much adventure or relaxation as your heart desires; it caters for all types of holidaymakers, except they all have one thing in common - they have plenty of cash. Small in size, it would take you a mere ten minutes to walk the circumference of the island, which is lined with the softest and whitest of sands.

Things to do on the island

Some of the activities available to do from this isolated paradise include conservation safaris, cultural tours, private cruises, water sports, wellness experiences, and wildlife safaris. Or, more simply, you can spend your days in a haze of sunbathing along the stunning beaches; you might as well absorb every last drop that Thanda has to give you.

Guests can spend their days swimming with sharks surrounding the island, snorkelling with turtles and exploring the space in its entirety on a kayak or canoe. For those who prefer a pool swim, Thanda is not short of sun spots around the pools and hot tubs as you sit back and listen to the waves crashing in the distance.

The resort also houses a tennis court and water sports area, along with a gym and outdoor dining areas here and there. Although, overall, it aims to be unpretentious in its layout and often has everything you need without being too flashy.

Food at the resort

Thanda Island offers "phenomenal food", according to one visitor, who shared her experience on Dorita Travel. She wrote: "With a variety of themed meals, we enjoyed everything from Italian and French to local dishes.

"Breakfast offered an extensive menu, which I appreciated, even though they will make you whatever you want. It even has a milkshake section, which makes it my kind of place."

As you'd expect on a luxury budget, Thanda's food is nothing short of excessive, with giant cheese boards, huge fruit platters and plenty of bread to soak it all up. Whatever your taste buds desire, it seems this tiny island has got whatever you fancy in mind.

Best time of year to visit

Thanda Island is lucky enough to experience stunning weather all year round, and from as early as June through to October is when the weather is extra hot. While from December to March there is still plenty of sunshine, and most likely fewer visitors, you can enjoy slightly more of a breeze packed in with the heat.

According to their 2024 rates package, Thanda Island will have you forking out 35,400 US dollars for accommodation and helicopter to the island for six people. Although, to go hard or go home and experience an all-inclusive stay, it will cost the group 40,000 US dollars.