Azura Benguerra Island

Beach Villas

Azura’s Beach Villas are set in a fantastic location at the end of the property close to the Spa, it is wonderfully private and perfect for honeymooners.

The Beach Villas are the smallest of the villas, but still offer all of the creature comforts:
A private plunge pool (2m x 2.5m x 1.2m deep),
King-size bed with oversized mosquito net (Can also be configured as a twin),
Bathroom with double vanity and separate toilet,
Indoor and outdoor panoramic showers,
Large private undercover deck with deck chairs,
Sundeck, and a beach side sala.

Luxury Beach Villas

The Luxury Beach Villas, furnished in contemporary style and just steps from the beach:
More than 100m2 under roof, 650m2 private area,
A private plunge pool (2m x 3m x 1.2m deep),
A king-size bed with down duvets, Egyptian cotton sheets, and an oversize mosquito net. Some of these can be configured as twin beds,
A large bathroom with a feature shower, dressing area, and separate toilet,
His and her outdoor showers,
Large private undercover deck with daybed and dining facilities,
Poolside sundeck, and a beachside sala.

Infinity Beach Villas

The Infinity Beach Villas are furnished in Afro-contemporary style and look out over a stunning infinity pool towards the beach and sea beyond. They have the best beachfront location:
120m2 under roof, 650m2 private area,
A private 5-meter infinity pool (5m x 2.5m x 1.4m deep),
Large private undercover deck with a daybed and dining facilities,
A king-size bed with a down duvet, Egyptian cotton linen, and oversize mosquito net (some can be configured as a twin),
Indoor / outdoor his and hers showers,
Large bathroom with panoramic free-form bath, dressing area, and separate toilet,
Garden sundeck, and a beachside sala.

Royal Beach Villas

The Royal Beach Villas feature infinity edge pools and magnificent sea views. They are 172 square meters; making them the largest and most lavish of all the villas, with 30 meters of picturesque beach frontage on a large beautifully landscaped plot; for a sense of total privacy and exclusivity. The Royal Beach Villas are at the northern end of the property next to the Presidential Villa.

They offer the next level of comfort with even more outdoor space for the discerning Azura guest to enjoy. The main bedroom and bathroom area are similar to the Infinity Beach Villas and guests can delight in the luxury of their own lounge area connected together via a walkway with glass sliding doors, and surrounded by indigenous gardens. The lounge comprises comfortable sofas around a flat-screen television and has its own bathroom; as well as a tea/coffee area with a minibar and Nespresso machine. The sofas can be converted into two beds for any children that may want to share.

Outdoor areas are astounding, offering a 10m rim-flow pool with a Jacuzzi on the one end, and a poolside sitting pavilion on the other; from which guests have access straight into the pool. The villa also has a double daybed under a latte roof; as well as a single daybed on the deck, dining area, and beachside sala; all of which are perfect for relaxing and enjoying your own private space.

Villa Amizade

Villa Amizade means friendship villa in the native Portuguese and was featured in Conde Nast Traveller as “Best Beach Villas in the World”.

This 2 bedroom en-suite villa is located at the western end of the property. With fantastic views out to sea and towards the setting sun.

It is perfect for families or a couple requiring more of a private residence feel:
285m2 under roof, 975m2 private area,
Master bedroom with King size bed, indoor/outdoor feel with doors opening up on 2 sides of the room to lounging decks, en-suite bathroom with free-form bath, indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning.
Second en-suite bedroom with King or Twin beds, sitting area (with sleeper couch for a maximum of 1 child), feature indoor/outdoor bathroom, look through sea view and air-conditioning,
Sitting area with a flat-screen TV, DVD, Bose Sound Dock, and selection of games, opening onto extensive decking, dining and relaxation areas, including a ‘wine bar’,
A 10m fully tiled swimming pool,
Large beachfront garden with daybeds and a hammock, wonderful views of the sea and sunset,
Guest toilet,
Small kitchenette (for children’s meals). A private chef can also be booked at an additional cost.
All the normal Azura design touches and finishes,
These villas are particularly suited for families.
Maximum occupancy 5 people including children.

Presidential Villa (490m2 under roof, 1075m2 total private area)

The Presidential Villa at Azura has been described as one of the best villas anywhere in the Indian Ocean. It has a very secluded private location. Some 150m down the beach from the main Azura. It comes with its own entrance, helipad, Butler host and a private chef. It’s the beach house of your dreams.

The epitome of style and luxury, with its own unique decor. There are 3 x en-suite bedrooms, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, a media room, a sitting/dining area with ‘wine bar’. A roof terrace with spa hot tub, lounging area, sunloungers and 300 degree views. A huge (16m) infinity pool spanning the front of the villa.

The Presidential Villa is just footsteps from the beach and at the end of the property to ensure maximum privacy. There is a fantastic treehouse to catch the afternoon breezes. And a beachfront sala lounging area and sundeck with panoramic views to Bazaruto Island and the Indian Ocean beyond.

The villa has a Nespresso machine and is air conditioned with ceiling fans. The 3 bedrooms all have a ‘gym in a bag’ and their own minibars.

Quick facts about the Presidential Villa

The oversized Master suite has its own sitting area. A massive bathroom with panoramic free form bath & shower, separate toilet, and a dressing area. His & hers outdoor showers make this a real luxury suite.
The 2nd Beachfront bedroom is the same gorgeous layout as the Infinity Beach Villas. It can be setup as either a twin / king room.
A 3rd Bedroom is a full-size spacious room with a partial sea view. It has it’s own private terrace with daybed and seating area. The bathroom features a gorgeous new outdoor bush bath. As well as double outdoor showers. It can be setup as either a twin / king room.

All are linked by wooden walkways and screened by natural indigenous vegetation,
Stylish separate sitting room with fireplace, flat-screen TV, DVD, and Bose Sound Dock,
A private kitchen and your own personal chef included,
Guest toilet,
Extensive sundecks, relaxation areas, daybeds, and beach Salas,

Included Activities

Island Drive

The island drive is remarkable in so many ways. Because it covers such a wide range of fascinating aspects of island life. Not only does it take you through the communities. Where you are able to appreciate the local people’s simple, yet happy way of life. But you also stop by the school, built by Azura’s Rainbow Fund. Where 400 children now have the opportunity of primary education. Learn about flora and fauna. Much of it indigenous to only this island and climb the magnificent Benguerra red sand dune on the ‘wild side’. To take in the breath-taking panoramic views of the island. This 2-hour activity is available twice a day. Departing from Reception at either 9 am or 3 pm. It is guided by a local islander, with refreshments available on board the vehicle.

Island Football (Soccer)

The whole of Africa is football (soccer) mad and on Benguerra Island, it’s no different. There is an Island League made up of teams from different lodges and villages. It is an important event amongst the local community with lots of pride at stake. Come and support the Azura team at one of their matches over the weekend. We will set up a tent with refreshments and, if you fancy it, you can even join in the game. It’s great fun for everyone. Duration approximately 2 hours on a Sunday afternoon.

Lantern Lit Private Dinner

Your host will make the most beautiful set up for a private dinner. On the beach in front of your villa on your last evening. Alternatively, you can choose to have this candle-lit dinner on your deck or beneath your sala. The private dinner is included once per stay. However; for a small additional cost you can do it a second time. Or; you can upgrade to a seafood barbecue (yum, yum). And they’ll come and cook fresh seafood in front of you. Most of the seafood is locally sourced and is subject to availability. Therefore; we require at least 24 hours notice for any special requests.

Star Gazing

Join the Sky Guides who will guide you through an informative presentation and discussion about the African night skies. Using a telescope, you will be shown constellations such as Orion, Scorpio, Hydra, and the glittering Milky Way. Learn about astronomical phenomena, and stellar events from Nebulas to Gas Clouds and Black Holes! Learn how to orientate direction from constellations; such as Orion and the famed Southern Cross to locate North and South. Sky Guides will be equipped with laser pointers reaching 1.5km into the skies, and an 8-inch reflecting telescope. If we’re lucky we can point our telescope toward Mars, Jupiter, our Moon, and even Saturn’s icy rings. The presentation will be conducted on the beach with comfortable beanbags and cocktails/drinks.

Kayaking and Sups

Kayaks and Sups are available for your pleasure at any time. Please ask the watersports center for paddles and safety equipment.

Dhow cruise

Sit back, relax and join our boat crew at sunset for our traditional Mozambican dhow cruise. Enjoy seeing the island from a different perspective. While you sip on a sundowner and sail along the leeward side of Benguerra Island.

A dhow is a traditional sailing vessel, still widely used all along the East African coast. The crew will show you how they are able to navigate this incredible vessel by using a lateen sail. A triangular sail set on a long yard mounted at an angle on the mast. This enables the vessel to tack “against the wind’. For centuries they have been used as trading vessels carrying heavy loads such as water, fruits, and merchandise. The dhow will set sail from in front of the main area of the lodge an hour before sunset. No shoes are needed. Your first dhow trip is complimentary.

Activities at an additional cost

Guided Island Hop

This is Azura Benguerra’s signature activity. It is a fantastic combination of some of the best activities they have to offer! Departing by boat you will head to the Bazaruto dune. The expression ‘on top of the world’ will come to mind once you reach the summit of the dune. As you will enjoy the most incredible panoramic views of the northern tip of Benguerra island. And of course; of Bazaruto itself. Surrounded by the stunning azure waters of the archipelago.

From there you hop across to Pansy Island. This tiny spit of sand all but disappears during high tide. Then when the tide draws back it reveals numerous delicate pansy shells.

The next hop is across for an amazing snorkel on the shallow side of 2 Mile reef. The reef is literally teeming with fish life, turtles, and rays! It is snorkeled on a low tide. So that you are closer to the reef. And; so that the sun’s rays can light up this undersea paradise.

Your final hop will be to North Point, the northernmost tip of Benguerra. Where you will be greeted with a beautifully set up picnic lunch to feast on. The departure time varies depending on the tide and the whole trip will take approximately 4 hours.

Paradise Island (Hotel Santa Carolina)

Located on the smallest of the five islands which make up the Bazaruto archipelago. Explore the incredible ruins of the once magnificent Hotel Santa Carolina. Where Bob Dylan composed his famous song on Mozambique. The hotel opened its doors in the early 1950s but closed in 1973. As you wander through the ruins you can only imagine how glamorous it all must have been in its heyday. After exploring the ruin,s enjoy a relaxing few hours on this magical island. Stroll straight off the beach into the sea and enjoy some unparalleled snorkeling. Often seeing turtles on the abundant reefs. Once you have finished snorkeling, delight in a mouth-watering picnic lunch set up on the beach.

Departing in the morning, the boat ride is approximately 45 minutes. With dolphins and sometimes the rare Dugong spotted along the way. You will return to Benguerra late afternoon. Archipelago Charters also offers the opportunity to whisk you to and from Paradise Island by helicopter. For a supplement enjoying a scenic trip on the way.

South Point Picnic

Imagine endless deserted white sand beaches. And in the distance; a table and chairs set up under the shade of an umbrella. With a bottle of wine chilling in an ice bucket. Welcome to South Point. Stroll along the beach which takes you from one side of Benguerra Island to the other, around the southernmost tip. Drink in the unimaginable range of blues that the waters surrounding the island offer you. Then go ahead and immerse yourself in it. Finally, delight al fresco in an array of beautifully prepared food. The drive to South Point takes approximately 30 minutes in a Land Rover.

North Point Picnic

Enjoy an incredible picnic lunch at stunning North Point. This is the northernmost tip of Benguerra Island. The ever-changing colors of the sea, as the tide moves in and out, are just spectacular! Stroll along the white sand beach, swim in the calm waters, and finally feast on delicious picnic fare. For a special treat ask the team about having a chef prepare a seafood BBQ. The departure time is flexible.

Horse Riding

Horse Riding on Benguerra Island is an incredibly unique experience. Ride along the beautiful shoreline, venture across to the ‘wild side’ using the island’s tracks and trails. Or even go for a swim with the horses (tide permitting). An unforgettable experience. The horses suit all experience levels, from beginner to experienced. Duration is dependent on which ride you choose to do.

Scenic helicopter flights

Explore the scenic wonders of the Bazaruto Archipelago with any of our popular helicopter flights and transfers. Treat yourself and discover the magic and beauty of the Mozambique islands from the air. Various scenic helicopter flights are available.

Snorkeling at 2 Mile reef

Immerse yourself in the underwater world. 2 Mile reef is a flourishing reef, abundant with marine life, located within a Marine National Park. A guide will join you in the water and point out things of note. Turtles are often seen at this spot. The reef is best enjoyed at low tide therefore the departure time will reflect that. The round trip is approximately 2 hours.

Whale Watching

Trips to watch humpback whales are available in season (from July to October). If you are lucky; you will see these beautiful animals breaching and lob tailing. Sometimes they are even spotted swimming past in the deep waters just off the beach. Dolphins can be spotted all year round. The site is known to be an important nursery area for bottlenose and humpback dolphins.

Fishing

The Bazaruto Archipelago offers some of the best big game, reef, and bill fishing in the Indian Ocean. Species include Black Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna and Bonito, King/Queen Mackerel, Prodigal Son, Wahoo, Dorado, Barracuda, and Giant Trevally. Which can often tip the scales at over 25kg. Fishing is a sport for everyone, from beginners to totally hooked. Azura operates a strict tag and release policy for all Billfish and other protected species. You can either choose to go trawling with experienced local guides. Or, use a third-party specialist fishing guide. They offer Saltwater fly fishing, jigging for Giant Trevally, and other specialist techniques. Fishing is very popular and should be booked well in advance.

Main Fishing Seasons in Bazaruto Archipelago

Kingfish/ Giant Trevally are found all year round.

Scuba Diving

The reefs within the Bazaruto archipelago offer some of the most sublime diving in Mozambique. Being in a Marine National Park the coral life is especially healthy with a huge diversity of marine life. Including turtles, moray eels, and rays, plus a wide variety of each fish species. This is always indicative of a healthy reef. For the small stuff, look for incredible nudibranchs and several species of shrimps. The topography of the reef is also stunning with a ridge running along for approximately a kilometer and scattered bommies. Teeming with life, dotted along the edges.

It is all drift diving, with the dive leader carrying a reel attached to a surface buoy. This means the boat always knows where you are and comes to collect you at the end of the dive. We ask that appropriate certification/medical certificates be shown prior to diving.

The PADI 5 Star Dive Centre at Azura Benguerra also offers dive courses. It is also a Diver’s Alert Network (DAN) Business Member. Which entitles all divers doing entry-level courses to basic dives insurance coverage.

We highly recommend that you complete the theory portion of your course at home, before your holiday. That way, you’re ready to start diving; as soon as you arrive. And will get to spend more time exploring the waters around the island.

Children are welcome at Azura, however, guest privacy must be respected.

There is an undeniable magic that comes with the idea of an island getaway. Surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters and pristine beaches all on a remote location. What better way to experience this than with your family and friends.

Royal Beach Villas, Villa Amizade and Presidential Villa are perfect for families with children of all ages. While the family adventures ensure that each day can be jam-packed with an itinerary that meets all your needs.

Young children should dine in the villa.

Family Vacations at Azura Benguerra Island

Children and teens at Azura will be spoiled for choice when it comes to spending time here. A host of activities are available. Many can be done without parents. As they will be supervised by Azura’s guides, hosts, and activity coordinators. One of the obvious focuses is on the amazing pristine environment at Azura. Children can enjoy learning about interesting marine life; above and below the water. Experience cultural encounters, climb dunes, look for crocodiles; from a safe distance, taste the island’s fruits. And perhaps learn a new skill or two. With miles of deserted beach… it’s paradise here for families.

Included Children’s Activities at Azura Benguerra

Marine Life Walk

Join one of Azura’s local guides and explore the tidal flats during low tide. The diverse marine life is explained. During this walk, you may chance across Sand Anemones, Ghost Crabs, Pansy Shells, Starfish, Bivalves. And all different types of small creatures which call this place ‘home’. Get your checklist signed to take home with you. This is a real favorite with all children and those interested in discovering the smaller marine life along our shores. Duration approximately 1.5 hours.

Football (Soccer) Inclusive

You will find children all over Africa kicking a football about with great enthusiasm. Often barefoot and on uneven playing fields. The Azura team plays against one of the other teams from the Island just about every Sunday. All guests and older kids are welcome to play in the team. Or just come along to watch and support the team. It’s a great afternoon out for the family! Azura provides the ride there and back plus refreshments.

Cookie Baking Inclusive

Join one of the team for a chocolate chip cookie baking session and of course; enjoy them afterward! The sharing of cookies with parents is optional but highly recommended.

Children’s Activities at an additional cost

Azura School Visit

A visit to Azura is not complete until you visit the school. EPC1 Benguerra was built by Azura, at the same time that they built the hotel. Through Azura’s nationally registered charity; the Rainbow Fund. Before then the community had little to no access to education whatsoever. To meet the school teachers is inspiring. To see how proud the children are to be at school is heart-warming. This is an incredible cultural exchange for your kids.

Learn to Snorkel

Kids can learn how to snorkel or refresh their skills at the Watersports Center. The team there will teach kids the correct techniques in the pool. There is also a selection of smaller masks and snorkels. Duration approximately 45 minutes.

Learn to Dive

For the budding Jacques Cousteau in your family, Azura has everything you need to take the plunge!

Fishing

Fishing guides will happily take kids out for fishing trips. There are rods and tackle to suit all ages and abilities. Head just offshore to catch a variety of fish. Or go trawling the deep seas at the gap to catch the family’s supper. Duration is approximately 1-2 hours.

Azura African Spa

Children are welcome at the spa and the range of treatments on offer differs per age group.

Azura Benguerra rates include

All meals including main beach dinners,
Local beers & spirits, and a selection of house wines,
Soft drinks, tea & coffee, water,
Sunset cocktail of the day served to your Sala,
Use of Peri Peri Beach Club,
Mozambican Butler / Host Service,
WiFi access from the public areas and in the rooms,
A scenic land rover Island Drive,
A sunset Dhow cruise,
‘Try Scuba’ session in the pool,
Use of snorkeling equipment,
Use of kayaks and paddle boards,
Various honeymoon special treats,
Various Children’s Activities,
EVAC Medical Insurance.

The Presidential Villa also includes:

Signature Activity – Island Hop for the whole group once during stay
Premium Spirits & Cocktails
Private Chef

Azura Benguerra rates exclude:

Bazaruto National Park levy (approx. US$15 per person per stay),
Visas if required,
Premium spirits, cocktails, wines, and champagnes,
Specialist guided activities, day trips, deep-sea fishing, boat hire,
Reef snorkeling, Island hopping, Scuba diving, and Scuba courses,
Spa treatments, laundry, personal gifts, and staff gratuities,
An optional $20 per villa per night Rainbow Fund contribution,
17% government tax on all extras purchased locally,
Travel Insurance (recommended).