Azura Benguerra Island

• Azura Benguerra Island is set on one of Benguerra's best beaches
• All 20 villas have private plunge pools & spacious living areas
• Mozambiquan cuisine - fresh fish and seafood - complemented by fine wines stored in a purpose-built cellar
• Built entirely by hand by the local community & operated in partnership with them
• Mozambiquan butler-hosts look after your every need
• Perfect for honeymoons

Azura means 'beautiful blue' and Azura Benguerra Island could not be a more apt name for this ‘barefoot luxury’ eco-lodge, on the lovely Benguerra Island off Mozambique. Azura lies on one of Benguerra’s best beaches within a Marine National Park, surrounded by miles of pure white sand and tranquil turquoise seas. (Bazaruto and Benguerra Islands are the largest islands in the  Bazaruto archipelago.)

Accommodation

Azura is a luxurious eco-retreat built in partnership with the local community. It has 18 private beach villas, a Presidential Villa (three bedrooms) and Villa Amizade (two bedrooms) all combining modern chic with traditional Mozambique design. Each air-conditioned villa has its own infinity plunge pool, deck and beach sala, and covers an area of 650sqm. The different room types vary only in size and beach locations. Each villa is a stones' throw from the beach, yet designed with privacy and seclusion in mind. Note that there are only three beach villa and it tends to never be available unless you are booking very early so this is why we usually quote on the Luxury beach villa or the Infinity beach villa.

The Presidential Villa with three bedrooms and Villa Amizade with two bedrooms are some of the best Villas on the Indian Ocean, both with secluded private locations and private butler.

This lodge has all the creature comforts and designer touches expected from a luxury boutique retreat, set off by beautifully carved beams and traditional artwork beneath a local thatch roof. The main lodge is open to the cooling sea breezes and has a restaurant, bar, sitting area and library. Internet facilities are discreetly tucked away in the library.

Activities

The majority of activities at the lodge are based in and around the Indian Ocean. Enjoy snorkelling, diving, fly-fishing or big game fishing. Swim with dolphins, track down humpback whales on their migration, or go out with the Dugong Protection Team and search for the shy endangered mammal. For those who want to stay on land, you can tour Benguerra island, climb the sand dunes, enjoy a horse back ride on the beach or visit the island's lakes on an island drive. Alternatively enjoy a sunset dhow cruise to a deserted Indian Ocean beach for a picnic.

A complimentary landrover island drive & sunset dhow cruise are included in the rates, plus use of snorkeling/fishing equipment. However all motorised water sports such as scuba diving, reef snorkelling, deep sea fishing etc are at an extra cost.

The Spa at Azura offers signature treatments based on local ingredients and traditions - get rubbed down with ground coconut shells and natural spices, covered head to toe with tamarind and aloe, or gently massaged with warm marula oil. There is a treatment room right on the beach open to the breezes so that you feel at one with nature.

Dining

Food is another key focus here. Jellyfish Restaurant’s signature dishes do not disappoint, and nor will the extensive wine cellar, which includes fine wines from the owner's chateau in the Loire Valley. Once a week there is a more formal seven course tasting menu as well as a Mozambiquan evening. Fresh local Mozambican produce, much of it home-caught and home-grown, is put together with contemporary style and flair. Where to eat is as much of a decision as what to eat. The restaurant has magnificent uninterrupted views but you can also opt for a private dinner on the beach in front of your villa, or on the deck.

How to get to Azura Benguerra Island - Travel is easy with direct flights to Vilanculos on the Mozambique mainland from Johannesburg or KMIA near the Kruger. From there you take a helicopter direct to Benguerra Island.