Azura Quilalea Private Island
Nine seafront, African-chic villas are set on a wholly uninhabited isle in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by the pristine waters of the Quirimbas Archipelago marine sanctuary. Beach access scuba diving and night dives are available in addition to dhow sailing and cultural excursions. This hidden gem is the perfect place for a romantic getaway and honeymoon specials are offered. The cliff-top Villa Quilalea offers a private pool, bathroom and dressing room, outdoor shower and a separate dining area. Spend your days relaxing in a hammock, snorkeling the island’s shores, kayaking the mangroves, or diving from the main beach.
Photo: Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa
Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa
Located very near the airport in the ancient port town of Pemba, the Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa is an ideal overnight stop over for travelers on their way to the islands.
Coral Lodge 15.41
This beach retreat includes the location coordinates in its name-- 15 degrees south latitude and 41 degrees east longitude. Coral Lodge 15.41 is only a short distance from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of IIha de Mocambique (Mozambique Island) offering the opportunity to delve into the cultural history and learn more about the indigenous tribes of the region. The lodge is situated on a lagoon in the Veranda Reserve and the ten villas are secluded amongst the dunes and unspoiled beaches. Good for couples and families, there are superb cultural visits, diving and water sports facilities as well as whale watching during the migration from August to October.
Southern Mozambique
These properties are on the Southern Coast or in the Bazaruto Archipelago where a marine national park protects the marine life in the azure seas. The perfect finish to a Southern Africa safari is a stay on one of these pristine beaches where you can do as much or as little as you please.
Photo: Azura Benguerra Island
Azura Benguerra Island
This is the area’s first luxury eco-boutique resort. Located within the national park, the 18 beach villas are footsteps away from the white sand beach and feature king size bed, indoor and outdoor showers, air conditioning, private pool and lounging decks. For families or groups of friends there is the two-bedroom Villa Amizade, or the three-bedroom Presidential Villa. Days are spent snorkeling or diving the incredible two-Mile reef, walking the beach, watching for whales and dolphins and enjoying sunsets on a traditional Mozambican Dhow sailboat.
Photo: Azura Marlin Beach
Azura Marlin Beach
Azura’s second property on Benguerra Island opened in 2020. The name comes from the original hotel built on this site by one of the country’s top marlin fisherman. The ten Mozambican-chic villas are elevated to provide Indian Ocean views. Children are welcome and a number of the villas can accommodate families. There is a PADI 5-star dive center for water activities and a massage pavilion for those who want to relax. There are a host of supervised activities for children. Lunch is generally served by the pool and beach dinners on the sand.
Benguerra Island Lodge
Tucked into a lush indigenous forest and looking out onto a picturesque crescent of sandy beach, the lodge has a chic Afro-Portuguese vibe. There are two cozy cabanas, ten casinhas and a three-bedroom Casa Familia which has a private swimming pool. There is swimming and boat access directly off the beach even at low tide. Located next to the Mozambique Channel, this island is renowned for some of the world’s best catch and release deep sea and fly-fishing opportunities. Horseback riding on the beach and swimming in the warm ocean is also on offer here.
Photo: Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa
This large resort is a good choice for multi-generational families with wide-ranging activity interests. There are assorted dining venues, bars, swimming pools for adults and families, and specific children’s activities. In addition to the many water sports that can be enjoyed off these white sandy beaches, there are cooking classes and full service spa. The 44 villas are constructed of indigenous materials and feel at one with this exquisite environment. Boat transfers between Vilanculos and Anantara Bazaruto are included in the rate.
Photo: White Pearl Resort
White Pearl Resort
Pure beauty meets exclusivity at White Pearl at Ponta Mamoli, previously voted as one of the top 10 beaches in Africa. Nestled in a bay of Mozambique’s Lagoon Coast, each of the 22 suites offer laid back luxury with a private plunge pool, outdoor shower and air-conditioned bedrooms. Crisp, modern lines mixed with surrounding coastal landscapes give an Ibiza-style setting. Spacious guest areas and a swim up pool bar are wonderful for meeting new friends. Whales pass by from August to November, and the loggerhead and leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the beach at night from November to February.
Villa Santorini
Located on Vilanculos Bay, gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, this multi-tiered landmark villa sits up high on the coast, offering panoramic views. The villa features five sea-front en-suite bedrooms, each with a private balcony. In house management takes care of every detail whether you are looking to charter the resort’s 27-foot boat for island hopping, go horseback riding or arrange child-minding services. “The Chapel” is a 2-bedroom villa that is ideal for honeymoons and romantic getaways. Villa da Praia is an exclusive use property with three bedrooms, private chef and host.