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A white Christmas on Mnemba Island – without the cold, sleet and snow

Northern hemisphere guests wishing to celebrate a white Christmas without the cold weather, sleet and snow are guaranteed a delightful twist to the festive season on the white sands of tropical &Beyond Mnemba Island, situated off the coast of Zanzibar. While the island’s coral sands are as pure and soft as driven snow, the traditional Christmas festivities at Mnemba are accompanied by unique touches more suited to the island’s balmy climate and tropical vegetation. Christmas trees here have been known to be made of driftwood or cleverly recycled beach footwear and guests may even be lucky enough to celebrate this special day with the birth of endangered green turtles, which nest on this island paradise. Mnemba Island Tradition has not entirely been abandoned on the island and Santa usually pays a visit sometime during the annual Christmas Day dive. This is followed by a decadent celebration feast on the white sands, complete with such delicacies as cranberry-stuffed cheese and clove-studded hams. The island festivities continue in the build-up to the New Year, which may very well be ushered in with a beach party. A delicious seafood feast, traditional dhow festooned with fairy lights and spectacular fire show complete the festivities.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.

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