Benguerra
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.
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Meals at Azura can be enjoyed in all sorts of ways from dinner at the water's edge, picnics on a sandbar or back at the main restaurant where an array of freshly-caught seafood is served with wines flown in from the Loire Valley. You can also partake in the weekly beach BBQ under the stars! Enjoy reclining by the pool on four-poster day beds or indulge in one of the signature spa treatments like body wraps in Mongongo oil or a full-body massage that mimics the rhythm of a beating drum.
Azura has 10 private villas, which are decorated in pops of bright blue, shabby-chic wooden furnishings and woven rugs. Each comes with a canopied king-size bed (or twin beds), air con, mini bar and spacious deck with a comfortable sitting area and outdoor shower. The grandest is Villa Vista, which is ideal for families with 2 en-suite bathrooms, an indoor entertainment area with a bar and a lovely private pool. Down on the beach, each villa also has a rustic sala to soak up the views!
The resort is just a boat ride away from the archipelago's many little islands, where you can enjoy a picnic and spend an afternoon exploring, swimming and bird watching. Jet off in a speedboat and keep an eye out for dolphin and the continent's only population of dugong. Experience some of the best reefs off the East Coast of Africa as you snorkel amongst a menagerie of fish in every colour plus a turtle or two. Stroll along the sun-kissed beach, go horse riding in the surf or catch an Island League soccer match!
The beach bar! It's right by the pool with large cushions on the sand and a winning atmosphere.
If you plan on enjoying the glorious waters of Benguerra on a SCUBA diving excursion and you're a first-timer, be sure to do the theory portion of the course before you arrive.
The island is wonderfully remote but this means it takes a few extra steps to reach the resort including a helicopter transfer.
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The second largest island in Bazaruto is home to stunning lodges to make all your island dreams come true.
