Mozambique: Benguerra Island - Azura *****
New: Azura children and teens activities
Built entirely by hand by the local community and operated in partnership with them, it has just 15 villas, each with their own infinity pool and designed for both pampering and barefoot escapism. With wonderful Mozambican cuisine and friendly service, a vast range of activities and experiences including scuba diving, deep sea fishing, stargazing and a unique African Spa, you have the perfect undiscovered island getaway. Link to map
The villas blend modern chic with all that is traditional in Mozambique. The creature comforts you would expect from a luxury boutique resort are there, set off by locally sourced wooden beams and traditional artwork beneath a thatched roof. Each is just footsteps from the beach, yet designed with seclusion in mind. Nestled amidst indigenous gardens, we have created your own sanctuary.
You’ll have a dedicated Mozambican host to look after you during your stay. They’ll take care of all your needs, including serving your meals, arranging activities and joining you on excursions. They are part of Azura’s commitment to the community.
All 15 villas have the following facilities: air-conditioning and fans, king size bed and oversize mosquito net, indoor/outdoor his and hers showers, large bathroom with panoramic views and separate toilet, beach front location and views, mini bar and tea and coffee facilities, undercover deck with daybed and dining facilities, Mozambican host service, sun deck, beach side sala.
Azura has 3 Luxury Beach Villas, furnished in contemporary style and just steps from the beach. The Luxury Beach villas have 100 m2 under roof, 650 m2 private area and a private plunge pool (2m x 3m x 1.2m deep).
Azura has 11 Infinity Beach Villas. They are furnished in contemporary style and look out over a stunning infinity pool towards the beach and sea beyond. They have the best of our beach front locations. Additional facilities to the above mentioned are 110 m2 under roof and 650 m2 private area, private 5 metre infinity pool (5m x 2.5m x 1.4m deep) and IPod docking stations.
The new villas (PFD download 325KB)
The Presidential Villa has been significantly enhanced and upgraded. With 425 m2 under roof it features the following:
- Complete privacy with its own beachfront location and amazing views towards Bazaruto Dune
- Huge split level master suite with king size bed, sitting area, massive bathroom with panoramic
- Free-form bath, separate toilet, his & hers indoor and outdoor showers, and air-conditioning.
- Second beachfront bedroom with the same gorgeous layout as our existing Infinity Beach Villas
- Third small en-suite bedroom suitable for bodyguards/nannies/pilots/guides or children
- All linked by wooden walkways and screened by natural indigenous vegetation
- Stylish separate lounge area with fireplace, flat screen TV, DVD and Bose Sound Dock
- Dining area with feature star shaped roof and ‘wine bar’
- Tree house lounging area
- 16 m infinity edged swimming pool spanning the front of the villa
- Private kitchen with personal chef
- Guest toilet
- Extensive decking, relaxation areas and beach salas
- Maximum occupancy 6 people including children
Villa Amizade: This 2 bedroom en-suite villa is located at the western end of the property, and offers more than 185 m2 under roof. It is perfect for families or a couple requiring more of a private residence feel, and represents excellent value when occupied by 4 people.
- Master bedroom with king size bed, indoor/outdoor feel with doors opening up on 2 sides of the room
- to lounging decks, ensuite bathroom with freeform bath, indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning.
- Second en suite bedroom with twin beds, sitting area, feature indoor/outdoor bathroom, look through
- sea view and air-conditioning
- Lounge area with flat screen TV, DVD, Bose Sound Dock and selection of games, opening onto
- Extensive decking, dining and relaxation areas, including a ‘wine bar’
- 10 m fully tiled swimming pool
- Large beachfront garden with daybeds and hammock, wonderful views of the sea and sunset
- Guest toilet
- Small kitchenette
- All the normal Azura design touches and finishes
- Maximum occupancy 4 people including children
Wander in and out as you please. Find a quiet corner to read a book, or a place to share the stories of your day with others. Sip champagne on the beach with your feet in the sand, or snack on fresh sushi in the Star Bar, which showcases the magnificence of the skies above you.
Learn more about the environment you are in, or browse our collection of hand crafted artefacts, designer clothing and jewellery (own range by world famous designer David Shilling) at the Trading Store. The mod cons are there too if you need them, with TV and internet discreetly tucked away in our library. Our staff is always on hand to look after your every need.
Activities:
Kids and Teens activities - [download PDF: 107kb]
Scuba Diving
- PADI Gold Palm dive centre with all new Scubapro equipment
- Full range of instructional courses from discover scuba upwards
- Dedicated water sports centre with 9m long training pool
- DAN equipped 8m diving rib
- Varied and interesting reefs with several species of turtle, dolphins, shark, pelagics, moray eels, eagle rays and a wonderful array of reef fish and corals
Snorkelling
- The famous aquarium at 2 mile reef
- Nearby Ponto Dundo
Big Game Fishing
- Some of the world’s best fishing for Marlin, Sailfish and Tuna
- Fully equipped speciality big game fishing boat
- Tag and release policy
Salt water fly fishing
- Azura has its own specialist instructors from beginner to advanced
- Giant Trevally (GT’s) up to 50kg a speciality year round
Pansy island visits
- This island emerges from the sea at low tide
- Take a picnic and look for pansy shells
Dhow sailing
- Time stands still as your butler/host will serve you snacks and drinks on our 40 foot traditional dhow as the sun goes down.
There are land based activities too. Take a tour of the island, and experience the local culture. Climb the dunes, some of which are scattered with the remnants of ancient Arab pottery. Visit the island’s lakes and spot a crocodile or two. Discover the local fauna and flora. Take a long walk and we will meet you with a picnic. Or join one of our star gazing events and lie back and listen to the ancient African stories that chart the cosmos. The view of the stars and Milky Way from Azura is quite spectacular.
- Unique African spa
- Land Rover Island drives
- Cultural encounters
- Bird watching
- Beach picnics
- Star gazing
- Day trips to Vilanculos
- Exercise gym (from June 2008)
Please note:
- Prices include local beers and spirits, house wines, tea & coffee and soft drinks, all meals other than in villa dining and beach picnics.
- Rates also include: Mozambican Butler/Host Service, 15 minute refresher back and neck massage on arrival (subject to availability), bottle of sparkling wine chilled in the room, Land Rover Island Drive, Sunset Dhow cruise, EVAC Medical Insurance.
- Various Honeymoon special treats (discuss with guest services).
- Island transfers: Vilanculos to Benguerra Island operated by helicopter (6-seater).
- Minimum stay is 5 nights during peak season 24 Dec – 2 Jan and a 50% deposit is required to secure the booking.
- Children are welcome. Villa Amizade and Presidential Villa are particularly suited for families. Presidential Villa takes maximum 6 people including children and Villa Amizade takes maximum 4 people including children. In the Infinity Beach Villas and Luxury Beach villas only one child can share with two adults.
- There is a 10US$ per person per stay charge for the Bazaruto National Park levy (payable at the hotel).
- Azura is closed from 1-28 Feb 2010.
Itinerary: 7 nights
Day 1: Flight from Johannesburg International airport to Vilanculos with Federal Air. Meet and greet at Vilanculos airport and fly by helicopter to Benguerra Island. 7 nights at Azura on a fully inclusive basis.
Day 8: Flight back to Vilanculos and flight back to Johannesburg.
Prices include
International flights (departure from Johannesburg), hotel accommodation and meals as indicated, all airport - hotel transfers and a Mozambican Butler/Host Service, 15 minute refresher back and neck massage on arrival (subject to availability), bottle of sparkling wine chilled in the room, Land Rover Island Drive, Sunset Dhow cruise, EVAC Medical Insurance.
Not included
Visas fee, airport taxes, drinks, tips, personal expenses and travel insurance, USD10 per person for Marine National Parks fee payable locally.Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010)
- ±USD6353 (Luxury Beach Villa)
Specials
- March madness (SA residents only!): valid 1 Mar – 31 Mar 2010.
Minimum 2 nights stay.
Applicable to Luxury Villas only.
Full payment due 30 days before arrival.
Included: Sunset cocktail, 15 min refresher massage (subject to availability), Land rover island drive and sunset dhow cruise included.
- Free night special: valid 1 Jan – 30 Jun 2010
Pay for 6 nights and stay for 7 or pay for 10 nights and stay for 12. - Honeymoon special: valid 17 Jan – 30 Jun 2010
Minimum stay is 5 nights.
Bride gets 50% discount on the accommodation.
This special cannot be combined with any other offer and proof marriage certificate is required. - Honeymoon special: valid 1 Jul – 21 Dec 2010
Minimum stay is 5 nights.
Bride gets 25% discount on the accommodation.
This special cannot be combined with any other offer and proof marriage certificate is required.
- A half hour couples massage.
- Bottle of chilled sparkling wine in room on arrival.
- Private dinner and special honeymoon turndown on one evening.
- Sunset Dhow cruise.
- Landrover Red Dune Community Island drive.
- Room upgrade from Luxury Villa to Infinity Villa if available.
Download or print this page as a PDF.