Imagine an unspoilt island within a Marine National Park, deserted beaches of pure white sand that extend for miles, sparkling turquoise seas criss-crossed by local dhows plying their trade, sunny days and star-studded nights. This is the enchanting island escape you always imagined.
Azura Benguerra, the first eco-friendly resort in Mozambique, was hand-built by the local community and is operated in partnership with it.
Just 20 villas are nestled along one of the last undiscovered stretches of beach in the world, with all the creature comforts you could wish for, sparkling private pools, Mozambican butler-hosts to look after your every need, fish and seafood fresh from the ocean, a fantastic range of activities and experiences, an African spa to relax in, all at a community based project where the local islanders benefit as much as you. Azura Benguerra Island is paradise found.
Azura Benguerra Island's public areas are right on the beach and open to the sea. The hotel has several different zones for
your enjoyment and relaxation, from the comfortable lounge area, to the vibey Star Bar, and the fabulous wine cellar offering a selection of the owner’s wines, especially flown in from their Chateau in France. The Jellyfish Restaurant offers breakfast and more formal dining.
There is a media room for those needing TV and internet access, a boutique at reception, and the Padi 5 Star dive centre with top of the range Scubapro equipment.
Azura on Benguerra Island is blessed with hot and sunny weather year round. Temperatures are generally in the upper 20′s to low 30′s celsius, and rarely fall below 20 degrees even at night. The water temperature is gloriously warm, and ranges from 24-30 degrees plus.
Benguerra Island tends to receive on average a quarter of the rainfall that the mainland does, and there can be several months of the year when there is no rain at all. This makes the landscape very arid, and challenges the indigenous gardens and water supply, but usually makes guests very happy!
The hand-built villas blend modern chic with all that is traditional in Mozambique.
Each of 20 villas is just footsteps from the beach, yet designed with seclusion in mind.
Nestled amidst indigenous gardens, you have your own sanctuary, with a personal infinity swimming pool and spectacular beach-side view. A haven of rest and relaxation, where you can feel at one with the environment.
The Presidential Villa at Azura has been described as one of the best villas anywhere in the Indian Ocean.
It has a very secluded private location, some 150m down the beach from main Azura, and comes with its own butler-host and private chef. It is the beach house of your dreams.
The epitome of style and luxury, with its own unique décor, there
are 3 en-suite bedrooms, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, a media room, sitting/dining area with "wine bar", and huge infinity pool spanning the front of the villa.
It is located just footsteps from the beach at the end of the property to ensure maximum privacy, with a fantastic treehouse to catch the afternoon breezes and panoramic views to Bazaruto Island and the Indian Ocean beyond.
Villa Amizade means friendship villa in the Portuguese. This 2 bedroom en-suite villa is located at the western end of the property, with fantastic views out to sea and towards the setting sun. It is perfect for families or couples requiring more space and facilities. It offers a sitting area with flat screen TV, DVD, Sound
Dock and selection of games, opening onto extensive decking, dining and relaxation areas, including a "wine bar". You can opt for a private chef service, available at a supplement. All the normal Azura design touches and finishes. Maximum occupancy 5 people including children.
Azura has 2 Royal Beach Villas, they feature infinity edge pools and magnificent sea views.
They are 172 square metres, making them the largest and most lavish of all the villas, with 30 metres of picturesque beach frontage on a large beautifully landscaped plot.
They are located at the northern end of the property, ensuring the utmost privacy and uninterrupted views. They offer the next level of comfort for the discerning Azura guest to enjoy.
The main bedroom and bathroom area is similar to the existing Infinity Beach Villas and guests can now delight in the luxury of their own lounge area connected together via a walkway with glass sliding doors.
The lounge comprises of comfortable sofas around a flat screen television, and has its own bathroom, as well as a tea/coffee area with minibar and nespresso.
The sofas can be converted to two beds for any children that may want to share.
Outdoor areas are astounding, offering a 10m rim flow pool with a Jacuzzi on the one end, and a poolside sitting pavilion on the other, from which guests have access straight into the pool.
The villa also has a double daybed under latte roof, as well as a single daybed on the deck, a dining area, and beachside sala, all of which are perfect for relaxing and enjoying your own private space.
Azura has 3 Luxury Beach Villas, furnished in contemporary style and just steps from the beach.
They are slightly larger than the Beach Villas with a larger private undercover deck.
The menus are based on what is fresh and available, with a focus on light meals, simple ingredients, and lots of fresh fish and seafood. There is a fabulous wine cellar for special wine tasting events and themed dinners. The hotel offers a selection of the owner’s wines, especially flown in from their Chateau in the Loire Valley, France.
The Jellyfish Restaurant is located in the main area of the hotel, and beautifully decorated with beaded jellyfish, all handmade by a community project.
This beachfront restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available.
Azura Staff are creative souls. Your host will set up a private dinner on the beach in front of your villa, surrounded by candles arranged in the sand. Alternatively you can choose to have this candle-lit dinner on your deck or beneath your sala.
They normally like to do it on guests last night at Azura but if you would prefer to do it another day please discuss this with your host.
Azura’s spa signature treatments are based on local ingredients and traditions, the treatments take their inspiration from the very heart of Africa. Try a ‘Butter me up’ wrap using a unique blend of African body butters and oils, including the highly prized Mongongo Nut Oil. Follow that up with a relaxing massage using
the new beauty miracle, Marula Oil. Or try something different with the Tribal Traditions massage, where olive and shea butter is poured all over the body, and massage strokes mimic the beating of African drums. Nothing is hurried at the Azura Spa. Relax, lie back and be pampered.
Children can enjoy seeing interesting marine life above and below the water, search for pansy shells on an island that appears at low tide, climb dunes, look for crocodiles (from a safe distance), taste the island’s fruits and learn a new skill or two.
The Bazaruto Archipelago has some of the best big game, reef and bill fishing in the Indian Ocean. Species include: Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna/Bonito, King/Queen Mackerel, Prodigal Son, Wahoo, Dorado, and Barracuda.
For those who like to ride, a trek along the water’s edge on the horses based on Benguerra Island and back along some of the island’s tracks and trails is an experience never to forget!
Welcome aboard Azura’s signature activity - a short hop to Bazaruto Island to hike up Bazaruto Dune for unsurpassed 360 degree panoramic views of the Archipelago.
The whole of Africa is soccer mad. Come and support Azura’s soccer team at one of their matches on the weekend, normally on a Sunday afternoon. You can even join in the game! It’s great entertainment for all.
Experience a sunset dhow cruise, or have one of the guides lead you on a dune climb. Alternatively take to the water for a guided snorkeling safari, or go out whale watching in season. All activities are subject to weather and tidal conditions.
Azura has a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre with top of the range Scubapro equipment. The training pool is perfect for refreshing your diving skills or even trying out snorkelling before you head off to the reefs.
This island is home to a ruined hotel from the days of Portuguese rule, and was named Paradise Island for its beautiful white beaches and fantastic snorkelling. The ruins of the old hotel and church are fascinating and your guide will recount you the tales of yesteryear.
Depart on a game viewer vehicle for some local island adventure! There is the chance to see some of the large Nile crocodiles that live in the 3 lakes. Hike up Red Dune, an easy climb, for amazing views of Benguerra Island.
The marine life and corals are often cited as the best off the East Coast of Africa.
Head towards picturesque Southpoint Beach. The location is dramatic especially with the driftwood tree trunks that lie resting on the perfect white sand. Walk through the mini sand dunes and arrive at the swimming and beach picnic spot.
Azura Benguerra Island is a wonderful place for a family holiday, with Villa Amizade and the Presidential Villa being the best choice.
Children and teens will be spoilt for choice when it comes to spending time here.
Whilst the hotel doesn’t have the traditional kids and activity clubs you find in larger hotels, it offers a host of activities for children and families to participate in.
The chef will meet with you on arrival to discuss any particular dietary needs you may have.
AZURA BENGUERRA ISLAND
Benguerra IslandMozambique