Dive into Azura
If you take a moment to wonder what paradise looks like, I’m willing to bet it looks like a Mozambican island. And there’s arguably no better than Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. You’ll first be introduced to the island from above, where you will have a pictureperfect vantage point of the startlingly blue waters below from the helicopter arranged especially for your transfer to Azura.
Touch down at Azura is followed by a warm welcome and the gift of a woven reed necklace from your personal host who is there to cater for your every need during your stay.
Your stay begins with a quick tour of the property to get your bearings, and know exactly where to head for your sundowner cocktail or next meal – all overlooking an idyllic stretch of beach, of course.
With that, it’s time to head to your villa. The villas are expansive, with outdoor showers, a luxurious large bed and a lounge that opens onto your wooden deck which leads to your personal plunge pool, mere metres from the beach. Each villa also has their own daybed positioned for perfect views of the ocean.
A trip to Azura Benguerra is one where you needn’t worry about a single thing. All-inclusive meals come in the form of fine dining candle lit dinners on the beach, seaside lunches and a la carte breakfasts. The menu changes daily, serving you new and exciting dishes that are made using only the freshest seasonal produce.
The hotel is designed to showcase the beauty of the island which is all around. In fact, it’s hard not to be swept up in the romance of it all, along with the feeling of truly having made it. It’s no wonder, then, that it’s a favourite spot for proposals and honeymoons.
Days at Azura Benguerra are filled with ultimate relaxation, and you could easily spend all day wandering between the pool, the beach and the many comforts of your villa. That said, there are also many optional activities to choose from, should you wish to get out and about.
The complimentary dhow boat trip is a tradition in East Africa, and will be your base for a sensational sunset as you watch the horizon change colours as the sun drops into the sea. There are paddle boards and kayaks for guests who wish to explore the calm waters on the hotel’s edge, as well as snorkelling, diving and horse riding for those who seek more adventurous pursuits.
No trip to Azura would be complete without a visit to the newly launched Peri Peri Beach Club. Walk barefoot through the sand to the bar in the centre, and order a refreshing cocktail while you ponder where you’d like to sit. You are spoilt for choice with a host of comfy options to choose from, including bean bags, a hammock, couches, and raised private sections with daybeds. The space has a luxurious nautical feel, with splashes of green from the surrounding trees, and panoramic views of the beach.
Speaking of the beach, you’re simply a stroll away, through a beautifully scenic, naturally clad tunnel. From here, you can glide to the water’s edge for a cooling dip. The beach is so secluded that you’ll feel as though you have it all to yourself. When hunger strikes, there is a restaurant at the beach club serving daily specials, a favourite being pizza served straight from the traditional pizza oven.
Music adds a lively atmosphere to the beach club where, as well as dips in the sea, you can also hop in the pool for a swim or recline on one of the sun loungers placed in its shallow end. These are the perfect compromise for those who want to read a good book while still enjoying the cool of the water.
Your last night at Azura is always a special one. Your host will set up a table on the beach in front of your villa. Lit by flickering lamps and surrounded by palm tree leaves, it’s the perfect place to enjoy your final dinner on the island. The splendour and attention to detail of this special send-off really ends your visit to Azura Benguerra on a high note.
One needn’t look further for paradise, for what’s on offer at Azura Benguerra is simply that. It is an oasis that is as picturesque as could be, accompanied by the finest hospitality, to make your vacation so much more than a trip; it is a dreamland fantasy turned penultimate reality that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. The only question you’ll have to answer is simply: when can I come back?
Special rates are available for SA residents. For more information, visit www.azura-retreats.com.
Azura forms part of Tourism Corporation Africa's extensive portfolio. Tourism Corporation Africa operates and markets camps, lodges and island retreats across the African continent, in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. For more information, visit www.tourismcorp.co.za.
Azura Marlin Beach
Azura is set to introduce a new addition to its portfolio: Azura Marlin Beach. This luxury retreat is situated on the Southwest shore of Benguerra Island, with white sandy beaches meeting the turquoise Indian Ocean waters of the unspoilt Bazaruto Archipelago. Ten sea facing villas will offer a luxurious vacation in paradise. Guests will have hosts to cater to their needs and all the opportunity to engage in the activities that Azura is famed for. This is the perfect holiday destination for families, with a swimming pool for all to enjoy just metres from the beach. Half- and fullboard packages are available, with standard sundowners served and a weekly BBQ on the beach. Entertainment and relaxation areas are plentiful on the island, with a lounge bar and four poster day beds for your pleasure. Bookings are now open for July 2020.