Best hotels in Mozambique

Nkwichi Lodge lies on the pristine Mozambican shoreline of Lake Malawi, in a beautiful secluded setting beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The lodge has been cleverly designed using natural materials to blend in with the surrounding boulder-strewn lakeshore, and offers superb accommodation, with a choice of five unique chalets, and two impressive fully staffed villas for the ultimate private experience. Activities are focused on and around the lake, with a good mix of water-based activities, and guided bush walks along the shores. This remote location is a perfect spot to relax, far from the distractions of modern life.

This thatched beachfront lodge on the northwest coast of Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago oozes understated elegance. Known for its eco- and community-friendly management style, the charismatic local staff know their surroundings intimately and will look after your every need – most of them even help to build the lodge! Take advantage of the attentive hospitality, enjoy the bucket-load of activities on offer (kayaking, snorkelling, diving and star gazing to name a few), or simply relax on a recliner with a book and let the days unfold at their own leisurely, easy-going pace.

With a view of lapping, turquoise waters and powder-fine sand, the resort feels like your own piece of paradise. Azura believes every day should be different and it's a promise they have no trouble keeping with activities like island-hopping, snorkelling and cocktails on the beach. Living up to Azura Retreat's reputation, the resort takes care of its seaside world - the villas were built by local people using sustainable materials and most furnishings were hand-crafted by communities across Southern Africa. Wake up to the sound of the surf from your private villa in a place where nothing is hurried.

Resting lightly among the dune forests on the shoreline of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Bazaruto Sands is an authentic, exclusive boutique ecolodge with a purpose. Thoughtfully designed spaces, genuine Mozambican hospitality, and a peaceful coastal setting come together to create a luxury that feels effortless and truly connected to place.

Forget everything you think you know about beach lodges. On a secluded section of powder-white sand north of Vilanculos, Italian couple Elena and Fabio have crafted something rather extraordinary. Their eight-suite retreat feels more like staying with impossibly stylish friends than checking into a hotel. With every suite boasting its own private pool and the Bazaruto Archipelago shimmering on the horizon, this fully inclusive hideaway strikes that perfect balance between barefoot luxury and genuine warmth. From the home-grown vegetables in your five-course dinner to the daily spa treatments, every detail whispers, "we've got this sorted".

“Between lake and sea” is probably the best way to describe Sentidos Beach Retreat that upholds a strong sense of social responsibility. Among mangroves inhabited by exotic birds and the deep blue ocean once travelled by sailors and pirates, this retreat is a true oasis of water and blue hues that soothe the ardour of the African heat.

Baia Sonambula holds pride of place at Tofo Beach on southern Mozambique's Inhambane Peninsula. Beaches don't come much more beautiful; here, golden sand meets the deep turquoise-blue of the warm Indian Ocean. Perfect right-handers peel off the point and, under the surface, the waters teem with marine life. This boutique guesthouse has only six bungalows, so it's never crowded. Service is always friendly and personal, and the homemade food is superb. When you add in the super-comfortable accommodation and lush emerald and bougainvillea-filled gardens, you've basically got the ultimate beach holiday.