Premier Destination
Imagine an unspoilt island within a National Park, deserted beaches of pure white sand, sparkling turquoise seas, swaying palms, sunny days and star studded nights…and you have Azura on Benguerra Island, Mozambique. Benguerra is famous for its unspoiled white beaches, remarkable dive sites and excellent fishing.
Built and operated in partnership with the local community, it has 14 villas, each with their own infinity pool and designed for the ultimate in pampering and privacy.
Azura's 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 beautifully carved beams and traditional artwork beneath a local thatched jekka roof.
The 14 luxury beach villas comprise of three Luxury beach villas and 11 Infinity beach villas. All villas are very spacious with the Infinity and Luxury villas covering a total private area of 650 metres squared. Each villa offers guests their own private pool, beach frontage, outdoor sala, his and hers showers, full bathroom, king size beds, mini bar, air-conditioning, and butler service. The key difference between the luxury and infinity villas is the prime positioning of the Infinity villas and the size of the villa pool. The Luxury beach villas each have three and a half metre plunge pools whereas the Infinity villas have a five metre long infinity pool. The villas are nestled amidst the indigenous trees and bushes and have been painstakingly created to offer guests their own private sanctuary where they can feel at one with the environment. Guests need only take a few steps to the pristine white beach or they may choose to just lounge around on plump cushiness and have their butler serve them tea and cold drinks. They can dine on the private deck, or sip a cocktail in the beachside sala as the sun goes down. Lie in the large bath and gaze at the view, or shower beneath the stars.
The lodge's public areas are open to the beach and sea with amazing vistas across calm blue waters to the Indian Ocean beyond.
A key focus and one of the highlights at Azura Mozambique is the cuisine.
The main fine dining restaurant offers magnificent uninterrupted views out to sea. Azura’s top international chef Edmund Vilojen (ex Birkenstead House and Fat Duck) combines the freshest local ingredients, largely freshly caught seafood delicacies such as prawns, crab and crayfish, with contemporary style and flair. The array of signature dishes will not disappoint, and nor will the accompanying wines, including those flown in from the owners chateau in France’s Loire Valley. The Gecko Deck on the beach offers you a more informal ‘foot in the sand’ dining experience perfect for lunches.
Alternatively, you may choose for one of Azura’s staff to drop you off at a secluded spot where you can enjoy a freshly prepared picnic, dine by candlelight on the beach beneath the stars or feast in the comfort and intimacy of your own villa.
A kaleidoscope of colour greets you above and below the ocean. Magnificent reefs are home to the turtles that nest nearby. Whales, dolphins, and the elusive and protected dugong can also be seen. On land, towering sand dunes give way to indigenous bush abundant with local flora and fauna. And you are welcomed by a warm and friendly people, rich in culture, for which Mozambique is rightly famous.
Activities at Azura include beach picnics / private dining, guided bird watching / walking trails, oceans sea museum, dugong / whale tracking, Land Rover island drives, cultural encounters, beach walks with a picnic and star gazing events.
Water based activities include scuba diving, guided snorkelling trips, deep sea fishing in custom built boat’s, fly fishing, shore based fishing, sea kayaking, dhow sailing and a dhow sunset cruise.
There is also a unique African spa at Azura based on local ingredients and traditions. These include being rubbed down with coconut shells or diamond dust, covered head to toe with tamarind and aloe, or gently massaged with warm marula oil.
Azura is located on Benguerra Island within the Bazaruto National Park. Benguerra Island lies 14km north east of Vilanculos, the nearest town and site of the international airport.
A state of the air Eurocopter whisks passengers from Vilanculos straight to the helipad at the back of the property with a flying time of 10-15 minutes.