 GALLERY
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Imagine an unspoilt island within a National Park, deserted beaches of pure white sand, sparkling turquoise seas crisscrossed by local dhows plying their trade, swaying palms, sunny days and star studded nights…and you have Azura Mozambique.
Azura is the country’s first luxury 'eco' boutique retreat.Built entirely by hand by the local community and operated in partnership with them, it has just 14 villas, each with their own infinity pool and designed for both pampering and barefoot escapism.
Our handbuilt 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 jekka roof.
Each is just footsteps from the beach, yet designed with seclusion in mind. Nestled amidst indigenous gardens, we have created your own sanctuary. A haven of rest and relaxation, where you can feel at one with the environment. A fusion of indoor and outdoor space where time becomes your own.
Wander down to the pristine white beach and welcoming azure sea beyond. Lounge around on plump cushions on your daybed, or tan in private and cool off in your sparkling plunge pool. Dine on your deck, or sip champagne in your beachside Sala as the sun goes down. Lie in your bath and gaze at the view, or shower beneath the stars. Do whatever you want to do. Our villas are a welcoming place to stay. You may not want to leave them at all.
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 and upliftment of the country’s people. Many of them have very little in the way of formal education, but they have a genuine warmth and friendliness, and will delight in looking after you.
Azura is located on Benguerra Island within the Bazaruto Marine National Park. Benguerra Island lies 14km north east of Vilanculos, the nearest town and site of the international airport.
Co-ordinates: 21o51’12.83”S 35o26’ 18.79”E
How to get there?
There are daily flights from Johannesburg International airport (OR Tambo) to Vilanculos International Airport which connect well with the major international flights to Europe. The flying time from Johannesburg is 2 hours on a 42 seat ATR aircraft. On Tuesdays and Fridays these flights collect passengers from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, with an onward flying time of just 1 hour. This facilitates an effortless beach and bush experience.
There are also regular flights on Travelmax from Lanseria northern Johannesburg, LAM from OR Tambo, Lanseria and Maputo, and on Swazi Airlines connecting with Matsapha and Durban. Visas are available on arrival (currently US$31 but note this is subject to frequent change). Airport taxes are charged at the airport, US Dollars, South African Rands and Meticals are accepted. Currently US$3 on arrival and US$ 30 on departure.
Transferring to Benguerra Island
Azura operates a state of the art 6 seater Eurocopter helicopter for the transfers from Vilanculos to Benguerra Island. The flying time is approx 10 minutes, and will connect with your arriving/departing flight. This should be booked at the same time as your accommodation.
For those with an aversion to air travel, Azura will transfer you by speedboat on request and subject to availability. Transfer time is 15 minutes by minibus to the port, then 25-45 minutes by boat depending on sea conditions. Guests choosing to transfer by boat should be prepared for a knee deep walk through the sea.
Benguerra Island does have a short grass strip which can accommodate smaller private aircraft. You should check suitability and conditions in advance as the runway lies in a wetland area and conditions are not always suitable for take off and landing.
Our uniquely African spa
Azura’s spa has 2 double treatment rooms located right on the beach and open to the breezes so that you feel at one with nature. Our signature treatments are based on local ingredients and traditions. Be rubbed down with ground coconut and natural spices, covered head to toe with tamarind and aloe, and gently massaged with warm marula oil.
Nothing is hurried. Relax, lie back and be pampered. In your villa if you choose (small supplement). Take in the aromas that surround you. And savour the experience.
Dining is a simple understated affair. Our top chef combines local ingredients with contemporary style and flair. We always offer a choice of dishes, and our chef will happily try to accommodate any personal requests that you may have.
Breakfast is to order in the restaurant, including a special of the day or your choice of full english. On Sundays we have a wonderful champagne brunch and then afternoon tea in the lounge. Lunch may be a picnic if you are out enjoying an activity, or informal dining at the Star Bar, or at the Gekko Deck with your feet in the sand.
Dinner is always a special event, eaten on the beach by candlelight beneath the stars whenever we can. There’s a choice of main course, with the emphasis on local seafood, and we offer snacks in the Star Bar before dinner including fresh sushi when our fishermen have been lucky in their catch. Our 7 course tasting menu showcasing the chef’s favourite creations is a highlight of the week, along with our ‘Fruits de Mer’ platter.
We offer a variety of special dining options too, including secluded beach picnics or romantic private beach dinners at your villa.
We ask younger children to eat supper early or in their villa, and our chef will happily make a range of children’s meals in discussion with you on arrival.
Activities Introduction
A kaleidoscope of colour greets you above and below the ocean. Magnificent reefs for diving and snorkelling, home to the turtles that nest on the island’s outer shores. Migrating whales, dolphins, and the elusive and protected dugong ply these waters, along with marlin, sailfish and tuna to tempt the sportsfishermen. On land, towering sand dunes give way to indigenous bush abundant with local flora and fauna, an interesting variety of birdlife, as well as the odd crocodile or two at the lakes. The island’s local people make for fascinating cultural encounters, and the starry night sky is quite magnificent to behold. Guests staying more than 3 nights will receive a free landrover island drive, sunset dhow cruise, and 15 minute refresher massage on arrival (subject to availability). We also arrange lots of special treats for honeymooners!
Water Based Activities
With the sea right there, many of our activities are focused around it. You can snorkel or dive, saltwater fly fish or big game fish. Watch the sunset as you sail on our dhow, or cruise to deserted beaches to look for pansy shells. Gaze at the dolphins, who are regular visitors to our beach, or track down humpback whales on their migration past our shores (seasonal).
Scuba Diving
* Padi Gold Palm dive centre with all new Scubapro equipment
* Full range of instructional courses from discover scuba upwards
* Dedicated watersports 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 world 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
Land based Activities
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
* Birdwatching
* Beach picnics
* Star gazing
* Day trips to Vilanculos
* Small exercise room
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 2009 - USD RATES PER PERSON PER NIGHT
All Rates include full board
LUXURY BEACH VILLA
Jan – Mar
$ 575.00
Mar –Dec
$ 67500
Dec – Jan
$ 775.00
INFINITY BEACH VILLA
Jan – Mar
$675 .00
Mar –Dec
$ 750.00
Dec – Jan
$ 850.00
PRESIDENTIAL VILLA (2 PERSONS)
Jan – Mar
$300 .00
Mar –Dec
$ 350.00
Dec – Jan
$ 400.00
Single supplements: 50% surcharge (100% for Presidential Villa)
Rates include:
Accommodation
All meals other than in villa dining and beach picnics
Local beers and spirits, house wines, soft drinks
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
Various Honeymoon special treats (discuss with guest services)
EVAC Medical Insurance
Rates exclude:
US$10 per person per stay Bazaruto National Park levy
Transfers to and from Benguerra Island, airport taxes and visas
In villa Dining and Beach Picnics
Premium beers, spirits, wines and champagnes
Other activities including fishing, scuba diving,
reef snorkelling, stargazing, dhow cruises and day trips
17% government tax is charged on all extras locally
Children's rates:
Children 12 years and over = full price
Children 5-11 years sharing villa with adult = 50% of adult rate
(max 1 child per villa)
Children under 4 years sharing villa with adult = 25% of adult rate
Presidential Villa bedroom 2 charged at standard extra person rates
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