Best hotels in Maputo

Located in the channel between Inhaca Island and the dunes of the Santa Maria Peninsula in southern Mozambique, the small and delightful lodge of Machangulo is tucked into lush forest, mere steps away from the glittering waves of the Indian Ocean. A 30-minute boat ride from Maputo, the Machangulo peninsula feels very much like a island, and it's definitely yours to explore. Stroll along stretches of unpopulated beach, snorkel in the Inhaca Island marine reserve and at night, watch the sky light up with a million stars. A hidden, beach paradise indeed...

Colina Verde is a stylish, sole-use villa, set on a magnificent ridge of forested sand dunes overlooking the calm Indian Ocean waters of Maputo Bay. The villa is huge, with seven bedrooms and plenty of living space inside and out, making it a wonderful choice for families or groups of friends seeking a 'home-from-home' beach holiday. It comes with a host of decadent comforts, including a dedicated team of staff, a chef and a knowledgeable manager-guide, heated infinity pool, small gym and yoga room, plus its own fishing boat and game viewing vehicles for exploring surrounding beaches and nature reserves.

Considered one of the finest hotels in Africa, the Polana exudes the grace and charm of the bygone Portuguese era. Built in 1922, the hotel stands sentinel on a hillside over Maputo's vibrant city centre, with sweeping views across to the Indian Ocean. Over the years, celebrities, high profile politicians, spies and secret agents have pass through its famous passageways and although there have been some modern renovations, the splendour, atmosphere and charm of this historical landmark on the Maputo city landscape remains as strong as ever.

The Montebelo Girassol Maputo, with its circular building and spectacular panoramic views over the Maputo Bay, is already ex-libris of the city, considered a benchmark in the Mozambican hotel industry. In 2016 it was refurbished, gaining more rooms, a restaurant with a panoramic balcony, a swimming pool and a gym, further enhancing the excellence of its service, combining comfort, landscaping, multipurpose facilities for leisure and business, and a high-quality restaurant service.

Tucked away in one of the few unspoiled stretches of natural forest and coastline, on the eastern side of Machangulo Peninsula, lies Loggerhead Beach Villa. The eco-luxury villa presents guests with an exquisite blend of comfort and nature. Within its premises, one can indulge in the serene ambiance of a private pool and bar, providing a tranquil escape with breathtaking vistas of the turquoise Indian Ocean. The remote retreat serves as a catalyst for strengthening family ties, utilizing the rejuvenating force of its surroundings. With an array of idyllic leisure activities and an expansive stretch of immaculate sandy beaches, guests can forge unforgettable memories. Machangulo, renowned for its remarkable wildlife and marine ecosystem, stands as a rare sanctuary where loggerhead turtles choose to nest, creating a truly unique experience.