Overview
Envision a pristine island within a flawless Marine National Park. Miles of untouched beaches with silky white sand. Glittering turquoise waters, dotted with local dhow boats. Swaying palms, gentle breezes, sunny days, and starlit nights. Welcome to Azura Benguerra Island.
Handcrafted in collaboration with the local community, we offer 20 spacious ‘beach-chic’ designer villas, each with a private pool extending towards the Indian Ocean, and just steps from the immaculate white sand beach. These villas provide our discerning guests with every luxury, featuring handcrafted king-size beds, lavish bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, daybeds, lounging decks, and beachside salas. They are designed for the ultimate escape in this stunning beach paradise.
Beach Villa
Azura has 3 Beach Villas, set in a fantastic location near the Spa, offering complete privacy and ideal for honeymooners. The Beach Villa is the smallest of our accommodations but includes all essential comforts.
Luxury Beach Villa
Azura has 3 Luxury Beach Villas, furnished in a contemporary style and situated just steps from the beach.
Infinity Beach Villas
Azura has 10 Infinity Beach Villas, decorated in an Afro-contemporary style, overlooking a stunning infinity pool with views of the beach and sea. They boast prime beachfront locations.
Royal Beach Villa
Azura has 2 Royal Beach Villas, featuring infinity-edge pools and magnificent sea views. Each 172 square meter villa is the largest and most luxurious, with 30 meters of picturesque beachfront on a beautifully landscaped plot. Located at the northern end of the property for maximum privacy and uninterrupted views, these villas offer extensive outdoor spaces for the discerning guest. The main bedroom and bathroom area is similar to the Infinity Beach Villas, but with the addition of a lounge area connected via a walkway with glass sliding doors, surrounded by indigenous gardens. The lounge features comfortable sofas, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a tea/coffee area with a minibar and Nespresso machine. Outdoor amenities include a 10m rim-flow pool with a Jacuzzi, a poolside pavilion, a double daybed under a latte roof, a single daybed on the deck, a dining area, and a beachside sala.
Villa Amizade
Villa Amizade, meaning “friendship villa” in Portuguese, is a 2-bedroom en-suite villa located at the western end of the property, with stunning sea views and sunsets. Ideal for families or couples needing more space, it includes a sitting area with a flat-screen TV, DVD player, Bose Sound Dock, and a selection of games. It opens onto extensive decking, dining, and relaxation areas, including a ‘wine bar’. A private chef service is available at an additional cost. Maximum occupancy: 5 people, including children.
Presidential Villa
The Presidential Villa at Azura Benguerra is regarded as one of the finest villas in the Indian Ocean. Located 150m from the main Azura area, it offers a secluded private setting with its own Butler-host and private chef. The villa features 3 en-suite bedrooms, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, a media room, a sitting/dining area with a ‘wine bar’, and a vast infinity pool spanning the front of the villa. Just steps from the beach, it ensures maximum privacy, with a fantastic treehouse to enjoy the afternoon breezes and panoramic views of Bazaruto Island and the Indian Ocean.
Activities
Diving
The reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago are teeming with various fish and corals, offering diverse depths and reef formations for both novice and experienced divers and snorkelers. Azura is closest to the reefs, ensuring easy access. Our marine life and corals are often cited as the best off the East Coast of Africa. Azura has a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre with top-of-the-line Scubapro equipment. The training pool is perfect for refreshing diving skills or trying out snorkeling before heading to the reefs. We offer a full range of courses with a PADI Instructor.
Guided Island Hopping
This is a fantastic day out and Azura’s signature activity! Snorkeling at Two Mile Reef, where there are hundreds of species of tropical fish, rays, invertebrates, the possibility of Sea Turtles, and Dolphins, humpback whales in season, and possibly a dugong… After snorkeling, arrive at Pansy Island for a tantalizing picnic lunch. This isolated sandbar nestled between Bazaruto Island and the Mozambique Channel offers a perfect leisure spot. Bask in the sun, laze on cushions and beanbags, and swim in the cool clear waters. Then, take a short hop to Bazaruto Island for a hike up Bazaruto Dune, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the reef system. This location is a must for photography enthusiasts.
Fishing
The Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for big game, reef, and bill fishing. Species include Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna/Bonito, King/Queen Mackerel, Prodigal Son, Wahoo, Dorado, and Barracuda. Giant Trevally (GTs) often exceed 25kg. Azura caters to both novice and experienced anglers, operating a strict tag and release policy on protected species. You can choose to go trawling with our local guides, or engage specialist fishing guides for saltwater fly fishing, jigging for Giant Trevally, and other techniques.
Island Drive
We depart from Azura on Game Drive vehicles towards Red Dune and Crocodile Lakes. Along the way, we pass through the island’s many villages, offering a chance to meet local residents. You’ll learn about the island’s lifestyle, history, and way of life. We may visit Benguerra’s School (built by Azura’s Rainbow Fund charity, donations appreciated), where you can see the local children in class, meet the teachers, and the Headmaster. On Sunday mornings, guides may take you to a village church service attended by many local islanders.
Dhow Cruise
A sunset dhow cruise is a beautiful end to a day on the water, offering views over the archipelago and a chance to experience the local mode of water transport.
Horse Safaris
For those who enjoy riding, a trek along the water’s edge on the horses based on Benguerra Island and back along the island’s tracks and trails is an unforgettable experience. Arranged through Mozambique Horse Safaris, there are 9 horses available to suit all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders.
Paddle Boards
Go on a self-guided adventure with a paddle board, exploring the pristine waters off the Bazaruto Archipelago and riding alongside the dhows. This is a fun way to experience the island.
Restaurants
Dining options at Azura Benguerra Island include Jellyfish Restaurant, Beach Dining, and Peri Peri Beach Club.
