Set along remote, endless sands and dramatic dunes, the Anantara is the only hotel on the Barazuto archipelago’s largest island. It shares its home with a friendly local community who will happily chat to you about their day’s fishing. And thanks to the resort’s west coast location, at the end of each day you can watch the sun set over the African mainland. The dazzling mineral-rich waters play host to an extraordinary array of marine life. Spot starfish and hermit crabs in the shallows, while further out you can hope to see turtles, manta rays, four types of dolphin and the rare dugong, as well as humpback whales (mid-June to mid-October) and whale sharks (December to March). The snorkelling and diving opportunities are incredible. Like all of Mozambique’s southern beaches, the beach is tidal, but there’s plenty to do during the times when swimming isn’t an option – the soaring sand dunes provide the opportunity to go horseriding and try out sandboarding. Food here is delicious, with giant prawns and crayfish, and Thai and Malay-inspired curries. Three restaurants include characterful Golfinho, with original walls from Portuguese trading days; the Tartaruga beach deck specialising in grilled meat and seafood specialities; and Clube Naval for light lunches and pizzas by the pool. Dining by design offers romantic dinners set up for you on the beach or in the privacy of your own villa. The resort cleverly caters for adults and families, with a quiet adults-only beachfront pool as well as a family-friendly pool. The Anantara Spa is a highlight, with a gloriously romantic setting. It’s open until 10pm – sunset massages in a private spot amongst the dunes and a bottle of Champagne in the Jacuzzi at sundown both come recommended. Large thatched villas are dotted along the hillside and the beachfront. Beach Villas have beautiful sunset views. Huge Deluxe Seaview Pool Villas sit high up on the dunes, a short golf buggy ride from the beach. With a private plunge pool and two bedrooms, they’re a great option for families and friends travelling together.
On the edge of Mozambique’s first privately-managed protected National Park and overlooking the Bazaruto Marine National Park, Dugong Beach Lodge has a unique location in a diverse eco-system. One day you could head out on a nature drive in the sanctuary hoping to spot pelicans, flamingos, duiker, zebra and giraffe, and the next you could be exploring underwater, where the incredible variety of marine life includes turtles, manta rays, dolphins and the rare Atlantic dugong. There’s a real castaway vibe here, with solar and generator power and accommodation in traditional thatched chalets. Facilities include a decked area with a tiered pool by the beachfront, a dining room serving generous buffets and fresh seafood, an island-style bar and a lounge with library. Snorkel in front of the lodge at high tide, go Hobie Cat sailing or head out on a kayak in search of dolphins. Then as the sun goes down, enjoy sundowners on the jetty or on a sunset dhow cruise. The chalets each have direct access to the beach via individual walkways. All have a private deck with daybeds, indoor and outdoor showers and wonderful ocean views. Two of the chalets have a private plunge pool.
A one-hour adventurous speedboat journey from Maputo will transport you to this rustic boutique hideaway, nestled between dune forests, soft golden beaches and Indian Ocean waters. While Machangulo sits on the mainland, its relative inaccessibility by road from the capital (it is possible to drive here, but it’s a bumpy five-hour journey by 4x4) creates a deserted feel that’s more like that of a private island. The friendly staff members here take great pride in sharing their knowledge of the local fauna and flora. Outdoor activities offer plenty of opportunities to get up-close with wildlife including great white pelicans, flamingos and African fish eagles. Dolphins and humpback whales (June to December) can often be spotted offshore and there’s a whole underwater world to discover. Snorkelling and diving are big news here, whether it’s snorkelling in front of the lodge during neap tides, shore dives or heading out by boat to discover unexplored reefs. The thatched restaurant – the Dining Room – takes inspiration from the lodge’s setting and focuses on simple fresh seafood and local flavours. Oceanview Villas sit high in the treetops with the ultimate ocean, island and bay views, and are great for honeymooners. Each have a private deck with great views of the ocean, and walkways and wooden steps connect these rooms to the public areas and the beach.
With its wide corridors, high ceilings and opulent furnishings, the Polana Serena is old-world palatial. Conceived as an idea in 1917 and completed in 1922, it was designed by world-famous architect, Sir Herbert Baker, who also designed many of Pretoria’s most iconic buildings and the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine estates. Over the years it has played host to millionaires, politicians, spies and secret agents. A sensitive eight-year renovation, completed in 2010, brought this iconic building’s facilities up-to-date without compromising its historic charm. After days spent exploring the city, ease weary limbs in the sauna at the Maisha Mind Body and Spirit Spa, and indulge with a massage where therapies are hand-made using local fruits, flower oils and medicinal herbs. Or you could simply relax in the 18-metre swimming pool set in the tropical gardens. If you prefer to dine in your hotel than out in the city, the restaurants here include Delagoa for classical French cuisine fused with traditional Mozambique ingredients and the open-air Aquarius Bar for fresh sushi overlooking the ocean. Elegant rooms and suites have Indo-Portuguese influences and feature details including hand-carved furniture, plush fabrics in muted tones and overhead canopies. Choose between the traditional main building and the more contemporary Polana Mar Wing – where rooms are set into the rocks facing out over the water.
Featuring on Condé Nast Traveller’s 2016 Hot List, the Lodge at Benguerra Island has come a long way since its fishing camp days. Almost completely refurbished in 2013 by the luxurious andBeyond collection, the accommodation now matches the picture-perfect setting. Arriving by helicopter showcases the Bazaruto Archipelago in all its glory. The dazzling waters here are an underwater paradise, with unspoilt coral reefs that teem with marine life including turtles, dolphins and the rare dugong, plus humpback whales (mid-June to mid-October) and whale sharks (December to March). Benguerra is the second largest island in this stunning archipelago, with an interior of soaring sand dunes, forests and wetlands fringed by golden beaches. The island is home to two boutique hotels and a subsistence farming community. andBeyond is closely involved with supporting its people and the local wildlife. The conservation of the endangered dugong is one of its key Ocean Without Borders initiatives. Peeping out of the indigenous pine forest, the lodge is high-end but understated, with a luxury safari camp vibe. Huge thatched-roof casinhas and cabanas sit on the beachfront, secluded in high-walled gardens, with elegant four-poster beds complete with billowing drapes, bathrooms with large tubs and outdoor showers, beachside cabanas and private plunge pools. The décor is rustic African beach chic combined with Portuguese-influenced interiors of dark wood and splashes of blue. For drinks and dining, a traditional fisherman's dhow has been converted into a beach bar and meals of fresh, fragrant seafood can be set up on the beach or on your private deck. Activities range from picnics on deserted sand bars to guided snorkelling and romantic dhow cruises.
Anantara Bazaruto
Dugong Beach Lodge
Machangulo Beach Lodge
Polana Serena Hotel, Maputo
andBeyond Benguerra Island
