Azura Benguerra
Azura Benguerra is an eco-boutique retreat located on Benguerra Island, part of the Bazaruto Archipelago that lies just off the coast of southern Mozambique.
20 individual hand built villas are nestled along the deserted beach and each feature a private plunge pool, sundeck with daybed and a beachside sala. Inside modern amenities blend with traditional Mozambique design seen in the thatched Jekka roof and African art work that dots the walls.
Dining at Azura is simple and informal, focusing on fresh local seafood and the catch of the day. Guests can dine on the beach by candlelight, or in the privacy of their own villa.
Benguerra lies within the Bazaruto Marine National Park, which makes for excellent diving and snorkelling on the nearby reefs, and Azura has its own PADI dive centre offering a full range of instructional courses.
Other water-based activities include big game fishing on a tag and release basis, saltwater fly-fishing, and sunset dhow cruises. On land, you can enjoy island tours to discover the local fauna and flora, or relax with a spa treatment or massage.
Why We Love It
The hotel was built entirely by hand by the local community and is operated in partnership with them.
Pambele
An exclusive private retreat on the white sand shores of southern Mozambique.
There are four large villas, each of which has a large lounge area, an open terrace and private space on the beachfront. The villas can accommodate a total of ten people. Guests can enjoy three meals a day at Pambele which are freshly prepared using local ingredients and served in the dining area or on wooden decks by the infinity pool.
Pambele is on the southern border of the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park, renowned for its virgin coral reefs and pristine tropical islands and ideal for divingand snorkelling. Deep sea fishing and whale-watching is possible from July through to November, and there is a whale breeding area just 30 minutes away by boat. The Beach House is fully equipped with vehicles (with drivers) and dive boats and there are kayaks and an inflatable rib for snorkelling trips.
Why We Love It
The lodge's ocean going catamaran, Osprey, is perfect for island-hopping expeditions.
White Pearl Lodge
With the Indian Ocean to the East and the Maputo Elephant Reserve to the West, the new White Pearl Resort is the perfect location for guests seeking an active beach break, a post safari 'chill out' or a relaxing and restorative retreat.
White Pearl Resort has 22 contemporary ocean-facing pool suites with private plunge pools, indoor baths, outdoor showers and spacious terraces for both dining and lounging about. The restaurant, set right on the beach, serves mezze platters of fruit and freshly baked pastries for breakfast, light lunches and excellent seafood by elegant candlelight in the evenings while the beach bar also serves tapas. Elsewhere the barman at the pool bar mixes a mean cocktail.
Activities on offer include diving the region's pristine coral gardens, riding, kayaking, snorkelling, deep sea fishing and in-room spa treatments. Access to White Pearl Resort is via Maputo in Southern Mozambique followed by a 45 minute helicopter transfer direct to the lodge or an adventurous 2 hour 4x4 road transfer, making it a very easy combination with a safari in the Kruger area in South Africa. Alternatively, we can arrange a one hour road transfer from northern Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa.
Why We Love It
If you are lucky, you might have the chance to swim with dolphins or witness turtles arriving at one of Mozambique's best nesting sites.
Villa Santorini
Villa Santorini overlooks Vilanculos Bay, just a few miles from the coastal town of Vilanculos on its own stretch of beach. There are five double bedrooms in the main house and the place can be taken in its entirety as a private villa taking a total of ten adults or eight adults and six children or as individual hotel rooms. The separate Chapel is basically a private villa designed for a couple and ideal for honeymooners, with a private plunge pool and lovely views across the beach and ocean.
The bedrooms in the main villa have a very fresh feel with billowing linen thanks to the sea breezes, whitewashed walls, elegant Portuguese and Arabic furniture and either terraces or balconies depending on whether they are on the ground or first floor.
Villa Santorini has two pools, one in a sheltered courtyard and one infinity pool overlooking the beach which is lovely, but if we're honest not as nice as many of the classic white sand beaches Mozambique has such a fine reputation for. The beach is also home to a boma where the super-friendly staff dish up delicious seafood and sushi. Back at the villa proper there is a pizza oven as well as an open plan kitchen complete with well stocked fridge for guests to help themselves, a small wine cellar and a number of lovely spots for romantic dinners a deux or fun group get togethers.
Meanwhile the extremely helpful villa team are on site to arrange spa treatments, fun activities for younger guests and activities such as island visits, beach picnics; kayaking, paddleboarding, deep sea fishing, dhow cruises, diving, snorkelling, guided kitesurfing, and even horse or camel safaris.
Why We Love It
There are plenty of places dotted around the property in which to have a romantic dinner a deux or group get together to enjoy the villa chef's excellent cooking.