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Elevated and crafted along an idyllic island beach, The Manta Resort offers privacy, romance, adventure, and diving on East Africa's finest island sanctuary. Pemba Island for real.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
We had an amazing time at the Manta Resort for our honeymoon. We were blown away by the spectacular views and delicious Pemba spiced tea upon arrival. Our service fundi, Saidi, took incredible care of us. A highlight was when he set us up for dinner one night by the pool and we watched bush babies (small, nocturnal primates) playing in the trees. The resort is so small and intimate it seems all of the staff are invested in ensuring your stay is perfect. The food exceeded our expectations: spectacular fresh seafood seasoned with locally grown spices and fresh tropical fruit. Our night in the underwater from was truly an experience we will never forget. We loved laying out under the stars and sleeping with the fishes. The diving and snorkelling were wonderful, as was the sunset cruise, which we highly recommend. We saw dolphins! We also visited a local schoolroom started by Manta staff that provides extra math and English lessons to children in the village. In sum, it was the perfect honeymoon and we are already thinking about when we could go back.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Cleanliness
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Room Tip:This resort brings you very close to nature, so much so that there are likely to be bugs and...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad we had a week to enjoy Manta, the smallest of the three luxury lodges on Pemba (18 rooms to the other lodges' 30)! We went scuba diving every morning and while it wasn’t quite as varied as the introductory diving we did on a remote Tahitian atoll a few years ago, it was still well worth experiencing. Pemba has many diving sites and Manta’s excellent dive team will take you to all of them if you have time. The dive center is just a few powdery white steps from the divine ocean-front rooms. (FYI, we were originally booked into one of the other lodges, but it does not have its own dive center, which means you have to drive.)
The wait staff is professional and attentive, but relaxed, which suggests management treats them well. They read your mind. Just as it occurs to you that you’re thirsty, someone shows up with a glass of fresh watermelon juice or a fresh coconut with a straw. The food was the best of our entire month-long trip, and every lunch and dinner has a fish menu, another that is vegan and a third that is meat. Our last night there found us dining on the beach by candlelight with an enormous seafood platter – lobster, shrimp, squid, fresh fish, etc.
It is hot on Pemba so we skipped the excursions except for a sunset cruise on a fishing boat carved out of a mango tree and were more than happy to spend the mornings diving and the afternoons reading in our private plunge pool before heading off for our complimentary massages.
We were in a garden cottage the first few nights. It was nice, especially the outdoor shower, but the ocean front cottage had it beat hands-down. In both, we had our first encounter with an air conditioning system that is located under the bed. It keeps you cool even with the doors open which was a revelation to us. To say we hated to leave is an understatement.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Rooms
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Service
Room Tip:If you can, spring for an oceanfront room. They're huge & luxurious, w/ private plunge...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We, a group of seven siblings and spouses, stayed for three nights at The Manta Resort following a nine day Tanzanian safari. A stay here is more pleasant and relaxing than the hustle bustle of Zanzibar. We were greeted warmly when we arrived and through out our stay the ENTIRE staff, including the manager Juma and our waiter Haji, did everything possible to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. They were also a great resource for some of the group who had last minute glitches in their return flights. The oceanfront villas are huge and well maintained and the private soaking pool was a pleasant surprise. The unique a/c over the bed and mosquito netting allowed us to leave the doors open all night so we could hear the ocean and feel the breeze. The meal and beverage service was top-notch! And there was always a vegetarian option. The staff even treated us to a candlelit dinner on the beach for our last night. All other meals were had on the open air terrace. The beach is clean and we enjoyed snorkeling the reef, going on the sunset cruise, and a guided walk through the village to the lighthouse. The spa offerings were another special treat. The dive shop team was also very helpful and fun. We were in good hands and well taken care of during our entire stay.
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Date of stay: March 2022
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Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I traveled to Tanzania to hike Kilimanjaro. Regardless of my outcome, I knew I wanted to recover in a beautiful, warm, quiet place. When my agent sent me three resorts to choose from, Manta stood out immediately. I'm so glad I chose it! From the moment I arrived at the airport, I was greeted by a representative who explained my journey to the resort, and what to expect. My driver was professional and informative, telling me about the island and answering my questions, but was content to let me just sit in silence and take in the scenery.
Upon arrival I was greeted with a cool moist towel for cleaning, a delicious tea, and nuts to snack on while I was being checked in. I spoke with the general manager who walked me through the details and workings of the resort, introduced me to my fundi, and escorted me to my room. At this point I'm already highly impressed. Then I open my room door and am amazed. I reserved the standard Garden room and thought it was PERFECT. I also had no issues with my mobile data working on my phone. I could hear the ocean from my room and didn't feel that I was missing out by not staying in one of the higher priced rooms.
My fundi was simply amazing. I wanted for absolutely nothing during my four days there. He even ensured I had a special tea daily to clear up my nose congestion (it worked!!!) The ladies in the spa made it a personal mission to get rid of every knot, ache, and pain received from the Kili summit. I thank them for their diligence in returning my body back to normal. The chef was AMAZING. Every single dish I had was fresh, well flavored, and delicious. Finally, every worker, bartender, waiter, and excursion personnel I came across were polite, professional, and personally made sure that my stay was perfect. Don't let me start on my stay in the underwater room, this review is already way too long!!!
Just know that I have booked my return for next year already. THAT'S how perfect I found this resort to be. If you need to be entertained, or need music to occupy your time, this is not the place for you. But if you want exceptional service, great food, a beautiful beach with pristine views, and to relax and recharge among nature's soundtrack, book this resort immediately. I am so excited to be returning to my newly found second home.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The journey of getting to Manta Resort itself is where it all begins. Driving through the villages and finally, the forest transported me out of the city life I was yearning to get a break from. It really is a piece of magic on Pemba. The welcome was warm and made me get the sense that I was going to struggle to leave... which was right. Our room had everything we needed in terms of comfort and attention to detail and housekeeping was faultless. We took full advantage of the ocean experience Manta has to offer. Plenty of snorkeling, swimming, and diving exploring the beautiful protected reefs in front of the resort. Spent a night in the underwater room which needless to say - I will dream about for years to come! Thank you to the entire Manta team who really was a key ingredient in making this such a special time for us.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Location
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place is just stunning. After a long but amazing trip you will meet your butler (Thanks to Said) then discover your room with a view, perfectly designed mix between local furniture, elegance and comfort. Food is perfectly executed with local products but well the treasure there is Under Water so go to the underwater room, snorkeling or diving 😊
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Date of stay: December 2021
Value
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Sleep Quality
Room Tip:under water paradise
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Celebrated birthday and wedding anniversary. This is the best resort we have been to and the staff included us in the manta family. We were really spoiled. Saidi, who was our butler, was outstanding. All the staff always greeted, chatted and were friendly and helpful, while taking into account that we were on vacation and wanted it to be quiet and calm. Room was clean. The minibar was filled with what we wanted to drink. Wifi in the rooms. There were both indoor and outdoor showers with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and bodylotion. Clean toilets in the main building with a scent of cloves. The food was fantastic. Three courses for lunch and dinner, and always one fish, meat or vegetarian option. The beach was clean, calm and you could both order from the beach bar, and the guys working there come up to us on the beach and asked if we would like something from the bar. Nice with a SPA treatment every day. We went to a rainforest and spicy tour that was very good and Saidi followed us there. The Underwaterroom was amazing! We had a seafood platter that was lovely. We even had a seafood platter on the beach last night. So spoiled.
We really recommend this place!
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It would be best if you experienced Manta Resort in real life since it is as close to paradise as you get. Hospitality is about more than just a place to stay. Matt and his staff are lovely and attentive; the property is pristine— tropical plants everywhere, stunning ocean views of a private beach during high tide (so every day). If you are passionate about diving, this is THE PLACE to be. It was a privilege to dive into the underwater conservation of Pemba Island and the instructor was very good. I will definitely come back again!
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Date of stay: January 2023
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:The beachfront villas are amazing
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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For my review, I start from the end of the trip when, on the way to the airport, my husband and I looked at each other and promised ourselves that we will return to the Manta. We stayed for 8 nights on the occasion of our honeymoon, following a safari. We couldn't have made a better choice. They were absolutely perfect 8 days, starting from the hospitality and courtesy of all the staff, always available and smiling, from the fantastic food, cooked with local products and without waste as everything was à la carte, to the small size of the resort which allowed us to completely regenerate ourselves in a situation of complete relaxation, also aided by daily massages kindly offered by the girls at the Spa. The beach is wonderful and very large. There are various activities and excursions that can be organised. In addition to the daily trips for snorkeling or diving, we tried the boat trip at sunset (to the other side of the island and towards another beautiful beach) and the trip to the sandbanks in the middle of the ocean, which we did in the morning with breakfast organized for us on the sandbanks themselves. Special mention among all the staff to Said, our personal waiter, a man of great professionalism and discretion. He welcomed us on the first day and followed us throughout the holiday, responding impeccably to our even slightest needs. We also thank Rashid, the boy from the beach bar, who prepared us excellent cocktails and entertained us by teaching us how to play Bao and listening to our Italian lessons. Even though the weather wasn't the best some mornings during our week-long stay, with some quick and passing thunderstorms, our holiday was absolutely perfect. Thanks to all the staff!
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Todays is one year since I was there, and just realized I never wrote a review for this beautiful place.
We were there for our honeymoon (and got a free night extra because of it, so check it out if the offer is still there!) and everything, and with that I mean EVERYTHING, waas perfect. What is advertised, you get without asking. Massage everyday, drinks, delicious food (simple, but always fresh and tasty) in a wonderful environment.
Everyone in the staff is welcoming, from your personal fundi to the gardeners and bartenders, and you will notice that they genuinely want you to enjoy their island and proud to show you all about their culture and world.
There are many more good things that I don't remember, but while you are there I advice to not only enjoy the sea and relay, but to look for the excursion that are offered - they will enrich your stay!
I cannot believe it is already 1 year since I was there... I think I need t go back to renew my batteries!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:We were in the garden rooms (the cheapest) and they were great already with conditioned air over...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When i was there snorkels and fins were available free but they did have a couple add on things where they could take you that did cost. Sadly I can not answer the rest of the questions as I was there a very short time but I will say it was a beautiful place and I enjoyed it completely
There are more places to choose from in the Pemba Island area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
the manta hotel pemba island, manta hotel pemba island
LOCATION
TanzaniaZanzibar ArchipelagoPemba Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
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