Laba Fanjove Island is a masterclass in "luxury through subtraction." By removing TVs, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, the resort focuses entirely on the sensory experience of the Indian Ocean. Owned by the Laba Laba group, the island is a carbon-neutral operation powered by the sun. The centerpiece of the island is a historic 19th-century German lighthouse, which now serves as a unique sundowner terrace and restaurant. Life here revolves around the rhythm of the tides; guests can spend their mornings snorkeling with resident pods of Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins and their evenings dining by candlelight on a shifting sandbank.
Accommodations & Design The island features 18 eco-villas, each approximately 1,300 sq. ft., designed to resemble the triangular sails of a traditional dhow.
Beach Villas: A-frame structures built from teak, bamboo, and makuti (palm thatch), featuring open-fronted designs that allow for natural cross-ventilation.
The Coral Manor (Primary Suite): This flagship two-bedroom residence is the island’s premier accommodation. It features a private dining area, an expansive sun deck, and a wooden stairway that leads directly into the sea.
Design: "Eco-Chic Minimalism"—featuring dual open-air showers, carved Zanzibar doors, and locally woven fabrics. Every villa is stilted to ensure the lowest possible impact on the island’s nesting turtle sites.
Amenities & Inclusions The Fanjove rate is highly inclusive of the island’s marine wilderness:
Gastronomy: All-inclusive menus focused on "rod-to-fork" dining. Freshly caught lobster, coconut curries, and tropical fruits are served on the lighthouse terrace or the beach.
Marine Safari: One guided dolphin excursion per stay is included. Guests often have the rare opportunity to swim alongside the resident pods in the open ocean.
Activities: Unlimited use of sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. Dhow sailing trips at sunset are a signature afternoon ritual.
Wellness: An oceanside spa offering thalassotherapy treatments and massages with a view of the reef.
How Private Is This Island? Privacy at Laba Fanjove is fundamental. Since the island was uninhabited before the lodge's creation, there are no villages or public facilities on the island; your only companions are the staff and the local wildlife. The villas are discreetly tucked into the palm fringe, ensuring no villa is visible from another. For high-profile groups, the Full Island Buyout provides a secure, "off-the-grid" sanctuary where the entire 11km reef and the island’s nature trails are yours alone. With no Wi-Fi and limited cell service, it offers a level of digital privacy that is increasingly rare in the modern travel landscape.
