LABA Fanjove Island, Tanzania

Just off the southern coast of Tanzania, in the azure embrace of the Indian Ocean, lies Fanjove, a private island sanctuary of barefoot luxury and natural wonder. Only one kilometre long and 400 metres wide, this exquisite coral island offers an exclusive retreat far removed from the ordinary. Accessed via a scenic 45-minute flight from Dar es Salaam to Songo Songo Island, followed by a tranquil 40-minute sail, the journey itself sets the tone for an extraordinary escape. It is the most intimate and picturesque of the six isles that form the Songo Songo Archipelago – a place where time slows, seabirds soar above, and dolphins play in the turquoise shallows. Here, days unfold at a leisurely pace: diving among kaleidoscopic coral reefs, sailing into fiery sunsets aboard traditional dhows, or fishing for the evening’s indulgent catch. The island’s spa offers rejuvenation inspired by the sea, with thalassotherapy rituals that restore and renew. From picnics on untouched sandbars to candlelit dinners in the restored 19th-century lighthouse or gourmet meals in the privacy of your villa, dining is an art form – helmed by Michelin-trained Chef Edmund, whose cuisine is a celebration of fresh, local, and healthy ingredients. Whether concluding an epic East African safari or seeking a serene hideaway, Fanjove promises effortless luxury in harmony with nature: a rare gem for those who desire beauty, privacy, and authenticity in equal measure. 

Following in the footsteps of Africa’s great safari pioneers, LABA LABA brings the concept of the “slow safari” to the coast, where time slows down and every moment is deeply felt. In keeping with the brand ethos, LABA Fanjove offers tailor-made land and marine safaris that support biodiversity and conservation across Tanzania’s lesser-known reserves. A hidden gem in the Indian Ocean, the resort enjoys a level of seclusion and natural beauty that is increasingly rare in today’s world. Far removed from mass tourism, this pristine private island is a sanctuary of barefoot luxury – an untouched paradise where exclusivity, authenticity, and elegance converge. At LABA Fanjove, privacy is paramount, and luxury is felt in the details: intuitive service, curated experiences, and the gentle rhythm of nature guiding each day. 

Discerning travellers seeking exclusive, barefoot luxury will find their sanctuary at LABA Fanjove Island. This private island escape is perfectly suited for honeymooners in search of intimacy and romance, as well as high-end guests craving tranquillity, natural beauty, and personalised service. Whether enjoyed as a serene standalone beach retreat or as a seamless pre- or post-safari extension, Fanjove offers an unforgettable blend of privacy, sophistication, and castaway charm. 

At LABA Fanjove, guests are welcomed into a world of understated sophistication with beautifully appointed eco-villas that blend seamlessly into the island’s tropical landscape. This exclusive retreat offers just 18 exquisitely crafted beachfront villas, each a sanctuary of serenity, nestled beneath swaying palms and open to the gentle rhythm of the Indian Ocean. Once home to one of the last remaining 19th-century German lighthouses, Fanjove is steeped in quiet history and natural elegance. Every villa is thoughtfully positioned to maximise privacy and panoramic ocean views. Constructed by skilled local artisans, each space showcases a harmonious fusion of organic materials: sustainably sourced Tanzanian teak floors, hand-carved Zanzibari doors, coral stone accents, and traditional Makuti thatch roofs crafted from sun-dried palm leaves. Guests are invited to indulge in the barefoot ease of island living, with two sunbeds beneath a shaded sala trellis, and indulgent bathrooms offering both indoor and open-air showers under the stars. Fourteen of the villas are dotted along the island’s powdery beachfront – including two designed for families – while four occupy the dramatic coral side, where the Coral Manor awaits. This two-bedroom haven features a private jetty and uninterrupted sea views, perfect for multigenerational escapes or private gatherings.