Top 5 Luxurious Beach Holidays in Mozambique
Mozambique has firmly established itself as Southern Africa’s top destination for luxurious beach holidays. The combination of tropical weather, idyllic beaches and the warm Indian Ocean is a perfect one, and direct flights from Johannesburg, the Kruger Park and Cape Town make Mozambique’s beaches an easy add-on to a South Africa holiday.
And when they say luxurious beach holidays in Mozambique, they mean it. There may be budget accommodation available but it’s the luxury side of things that Mozambique does so well: stylish, air-conditioned chalets, private beaches, fine food and wine. Pair the accommodation experience with scuba diving, yoga, horseback adventures and sunset sailing, or simply kick back and relax – the days are yours.
Where to start? With Safari Online’s Top 5 luxurious beach holidays in Mozambique: we’ve seen them for ourselves and rate them as much for their comfort and cuisine as the range of activities that they offer. Pop on a sun hat and have a look for yourself.
AZURA BENGUERRA
Sit back on a sailing dhow or explore the Indian Ocean under your own steam at Azura Benguerra.
A setting within the Bazaruto Marine Park means Azura Benguerra is a top destination for scuba divers – there’s even an in-house PADI dive centre – while its beautiful scenery and remote feel has made it a favourite for couples and honeymooners. The resort has 20 luxurious villas, each air-conditioned and with a private pool, and there’s plenty of indulgence on offer whether you’re selecting a treatment at the spa or choosing a fine wine from the cellar. Other activities include horseback rides on the beach, whale watching and deep sea fishing. And while there is undoubtedly a romantic side to Azura Benguerra, this is also a destination that welcomes families, although we’d recommend it for older children.
AZURA MARLIN BEACH
Step out of your chalet & onto the beach at Azure Marlin, a great destination for scuba divers.
A kilometre of white-sand beach on Benguerra Island is where you’ll find Azura Marlin. A sleek and luxurious holiday resort with 10 chalets overlooking the beach and sunset, Azura Marlin takes advantage of its access to a marine park to offer excellent scuba diving and snorkelling although you don’t even have to get your feet wet to see amazing marine life: you’ll probably see dolphins and maybe even dugongs while cruising the islands by motor boat. Bringing the family? The resort’s flagship Villa Vista sleeps four in air-conditioned comfort and has its own pool and entertainment facilities.
SANTORINI MOZAMBIQUE
A mainland setting for Santorini means an easy direct flight from the Kruger Park – ideal for travellers who don’t want too many connections.
The architecture will make you think of the Greek Isles but Santorini sits on a private beach surrounded by forest on the Mozambique mainland. This luxurious beach villa is a short drive from Vilanculos, gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, which makes it an easy direct flight from the Kruger Park – the perfect post-safari treat. The main villa has wonderful suites but couples may prefer the privacy of The Chapel, a two-bedroom hideaway; larger groups and families will enjoy the same kind of exclusivity at Santorini’s Villa da Praia with three suites each set on different level. There’s great diving and snorkelling in the nearby marine park – island-hopping is a popular excursion – plus a wide range of activities at the resort, including plenty for children to do from beach sports to movie nights with popcorn.
ANANTARA BAZARUTO ISLAND RESORT
Anantara has a great location & offers perhaps the widest range of activities – perfect for active people & multi-generational families.
Don’t be put off by its size: Anantara Bazaruto may be the biggest resort in our list (it has 44 chalets in total) but it’s simply ideal for active people and families with children of any age. There’s a top dive centre at the resort plus local snorkelling and plenty of kids activities. There are two pools, one for families and one only for adults – a nice touch we thought – and the resort has a spa, tennis court and gym as well as several bars and restaurants. In fact, you can even take a cooking course there. All accommodation is air-conditioned and ranges from ‘simple’ beach villas (private bathrooms and king-sized beds) to executive suites and the two-bedroom Presidential Villa with its own pool.
ANDBEYOND BENGUERRA ISLAND
If you’re looking for a Robinson Crusoe experience but with your own pool & room service, then look no further than andBeyond Benguerra.
Our top choice for a luxurious ‘castaway’ experience is set on a protected lagoon within a marine park. There are only a dozen chalets available at andBeyond Benguerra Island – each with their own rim-flow pool and beach sala – as well as a grand three-bedroom villa; this is the place to come for a more intimate and private beach holiday. There’s fabulous snorkelling and diving available as well as seasonal whale watching and excursions to see one of the world’s last remaining populations of dugongs, one of the strangest of marine mammals. The resort has a charming beach bar (a converted sailing boat) and you can expect great food served in a variety of locations – from the edge of the ocean to your private deck.
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