AZURA OF GABRIEL'S - BENGUERRA ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE

Azura is an exciting new luxury eco-boutique retreat on Benguerra Island, Mozambique. The island forms part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, some 800 km north of Maputo, near the town of Vilanculos.

The 14 private Beach Villas and Presidential Villa combine modern chic with traditional Mozambican design. The spa at Azura offers signature treatments based on local ingredients and traditions. The food at Azura is created by a top international chef combining fresh local produce with style and flair. Azura brings a new level of luxury to Mozambique and is the perfect island escape.

Location

‘Azura’ means beautiful blue and the name could not be more apt for this location, on the north west of Benguerra Island, surrounded by miles of pure white sand and tranquil turquoise seas.

Beach Villas

Each air-conditioned villa has its own infinity plunge pool and beachside sala, and has all the creature comforts and designer touches expected from a luxury boutique resort, set off by beautifully carved beams and traditional artwork beneath a local thatch roof.

Each villa is a stones throw from the beach, yet designed with privacy and seclusion in mind. Nestled amidst the indigenous trees and bush, the villas have been painstakingly built to create your own private sanctuary.

All villas have their own pool, beach frontage, outdoor sala, sundeck, daybeds, double outdoor shower and beach shower. Interiors feature extra length king size beds (twins available), full bathroom, dressing room, hairdryers, mini bar, international plug points, air conditioning and private butler service. At least 110 m2 under roof and 645 m2 total private area.

In addition to these facilities, the Presidential Villa has a second en suite bedroom, sitting/dining area, larger pool and extended decking with Jacuzzi. 260 m2 under roof and 1075 m2 total private area.

Facilities

The main area offers formal dining, lounge, feature Star Bar, library with TV and internet access. The water sports centre and Gecko Deck features a fishing and diving centre, museum and attached beach bar and grill. A 40 foot traditionally carved dhow is moored offshore and available for guests use at all times.

Wining & Dining

Food is a key focus at Azura. The resort’s top international chef’s signature dishes will not disappoint, and nor will the extensive wine cellar, which includes fine wines flown direct from the owner’s chateau in France’s Loire Valley.

Fresh local Mozambican produce, much of it home caught and home grown, is put together with contemporary style and flair.

Where to eat is as much of a decision as what to eat. The fine dining restaurant has magnificent uninterrupted views; the Gheko Deck offers informal dining with your feet in the sand, and the Star Bar offers fresh sushi.

Activities

The majority of activities at Azura are based in and around the sea. Guests can snorkel, dive, fly fish or big game fish, swim with dolphins, track down humpback whales on their migration, or go out with the Dugong Protection Team and search for the shy endangered mammal.

For those who want to stay on land, they can tour the island, climb the sand dunes or visit the island’s lakes. Alternatively they can take a dhow and picnic to a deserted beach.

Spa

The spa at Azura offers signature treatments based on local ingredients and traditions. Guests can be rubbed down with ground coconut shells and natural spices, covered head to toe with tamarind and aloe, and gently massaged with warm marula oil.

Access

TTA Pelican Air, Swazi Express and LAM (the Mozambique Airline) fly regularly from OR Tambo (Johannesburg), or Lanseria Airport into Vilanculos, and air transfers are arranged from here to the island.

Weather

The island is warm and sunny year round with temperatures averaging 25^o C in the winter months (May – August) and over 30o C in the summer months (December to March). The sea temperature varies with the seasons and currents and ranges between 24^o C and 32^o C.

Rates start from US$ 285.00 pp per night sharing including all meals, a butler service, a half hour back & neck massage at the spa on arrival, a bottle of French Azura Cremant chilled in room, a Land Rover island drive, and various special treats for honeymooners. Contact us for details.

Conservation & Community

The community at Azura are major contributors and stakeholders within the project. The Azura Rainbow Fund supports a variety of social and environmental projects, from building a new school, helping the area after the recent Cyclone Favio, to forming the Dugong Protection Foundation, which protects Africa’s last viable population of this endangered mammal.

Azura’s Ocean Seas museum will showcase and educate guests on the fragile nature of this pristine environment.

~ Azura… beautiful blue ~