Aruza Benguerra Island
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 17 villas, each with their own infinity pool and designed for both pampering and barefoot escapism.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.
Azura's hand built 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. 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.
Villa Amizade, which means friendship villa in native Portuguese, is a 2 bedroom en-suite villa is located at the western end of the property, and offers more than 185 m2 under roof. It is perfect for families or a couple requiring more of a private residence feel, and represents excellent value when occupied by 4 or 5 people.The epitomy of style and luxury, with its own unique décor, the Presidential Villa at Azura is one of the most luxurious private residences to be found anywhere in the Indian Ocean. It has two en suite bedrooms, a third staff/children';s bedroom, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, a sitting room with fireplace, dining area with ‘wine bar’, and huge infinity pool spanning the front of the villa. It is located just footsteps from the beach at the end of our property to ensure maximum privacy, and has uninterrupted panoramic views to Bazaruto Island and the Indian Ocean beyond.
Azura’s 10 Infinity Beach Villas furnished in contemporary style and look out over a stunning infinity pool towards the beach and sea beyond. They have the best of our beachfront locations.Azura has 3 Luxury Beach Villas and 2 Beach Villas, furnished in contemporary style and just steps from the beach.
Azura's public areas are open to the beach and sea with amazing vistas across calm blue waters to the Indian Ocean beyond. Furnished with cool contemporary cottons and the textures of Africa, they are open to the breezes, in harmony with nature. Comfortable, simple, spacious and chic.Wander in and out as you please. Find a quiet corner to read a book, or a place to share the stories of your day with others. Sip champagne on the beach with your feet in the sand, or snack on fresh sushi in the Star Bar, which showcases the magnificence of the skies above you.Learn more about the environment you are in, or browse our collection of handcrafted artifacts, designer clothing and jewellery (we have our own range by world famous designer David Shilling) at the Trading Store. The mod cons are there too if you need them, with TV and internet discreetly tucked away in library. Azura's staff is always on hand to look after your every need. Or simply wander off and discover more of what this beautiful island has to offer. It all right there, waiting for you.
Azura’s spa has a double treatment room open to the breezes so that you feel at one with nature. Our signature treatments are based on local ingredients and traditions, and offer a wonderfully relaxing and pampering experience. On arrival you will change into your gown and our therapists will explain your treatment while undertaking a traditional African foot washing ritual out on the deck of the treatment room. Afterwards you can shower off in the open air shower, before relaxing once again on the seaview deck with refreshments.
Dining at Azura is an important part of your experience with us. Azura's top chef combines local ingredients with contemporary style and flair, with an emphasis on fresh fish and seafood. Azura always offer a choice of dishes, and 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. 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 Azura's fishermen have been lucky in their catch. The 7 course tasting menu showcasing the chef’s favourite creations is a highlight of the week, along with ‘Fruits de Mer’ platter and Traditional Dhow Barbeque.
A wonderful selection of house wines, local beers and spirits is included in your stay at Azura, as well as a cocktail of the day which your butler/host will bring to your Sala as the sun goes down. We also have a range of premium wines, champagnes and spirits available on request.
A kaleidoscope of colour greets you above and below the ocean. Magnificent reefs for diving and snorkeling, 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.
Aruza Benguerra Island is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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