Barefoot Benguerra dreams
Azura Marlin Beach is a boutique beach villa resort on Benguerra Island, where the signature scenes of Mozambique; blue water, vanilla sands and swaying palms encapsulate the soul of the island.
Sometimes we want to escape it all! Be as far away from the monotony of routine, ensconced in the zeniths of tropical island bliss. And sometimes we want a bit of that isolation, yet experience all of those sublime moments that occur on a beach holiday, surrounded by a team of extraordinary people. The paragons that know all about keeping it culturally authentic, whilst layered in luxury! Azura Marlin Beach does just that.
It’s a village of calm, on the pristine shores of Benguerra Island. Ten independent villas, all built in that authentic Mozambique fashion. With the stilts and the outdoor superfluity. Secluded enough to have your own conversations beneath the stars, claiming ownership of the space between. Yet near enough to the action, the entertainment and the impeccable service that’s orchestrated from your own private butler.
A sprawling open-plan reception space merges into the living, dining, entertaining and lounging areas. A central bar with oversized loungers, and a deck that cascades towards the swimming pool. A grand dining pavilion, a dreamy, semi-outdoor stretch-tent setup for long lunches and starlit dinners. Then there’s the rooftop terrace for sundowners and late night stories with your new friends. The ones that also love the little hours of peaceful isolation, then meeting up with each other to share the day’s unique experiences.
Each villa offers front-row seats to the sea. A few skipping steps between you and a twilight swim, an early morning walk, and hours of uninterrupted views. Elevated ever so slightly, you get a sweeping connection with the ocean. The space is your own slice of salty decadence to rest, reconnect, lounge and laze about. The beds are heavenly, the style is simple and pacifying, and the ambience is everything you want from that feeling of remoteness.
Saltwater, starry skies and stillness
Every evening, your private butler pops by the dinner table for a little natter about the day. Learning about all of the special things you did and saw, and helps to tailor the following plans. Initiating the next day’s adventures. Snorkelling, paddle boarding, swimming, boating, fishing, or just sweet, glorious nothing. Spa treatments in your villa or under the sky.
You can also chat to the dive master and fishing master at the dive centre, discussing all of the options. The days of the week are themed by the styles, the seasons and the sunshine. Mozambican Mondays, and of course the Peri Peri Beach Club on Wednesdays and Saturdays. A wonderful way to experience the cuisine, the culture and the staggering beauty that surrounds the island.
Private picnics on the northern tip where the bean bags, the bubbles, and the delicious dishes are spread out for you to enjoy. With tide sneaking back in, adding to the romance. When night falls, one of the best things you can do, is stay up and watch the stars. They don’t just twinkle and glisten in the expansive canvas of darkness – especially given the apparent absence of light pollution, they perform. Shooting and flickering in sync with your conversations.
There are weekly stargazing talks with the resort’s marine biologist. A truly unique and insightful experience. Everything is beautifully stitched together to ensure your time spent on the island is filled to the brim with joy, new adventures, awe-inspiring sights, and enough moments of tranquility and rest. So that you have that pleasure of escapism in the palm of your hands.
What we love!
- Azura Marlin Beach is great for couples, groups of friends, families, or even just yourself. You can be out on the water all day long, with a plethora of activities around the clock, or you can simply sit still. Savouring the tranquility of Benguerra Island.
- Going for an evening swim, bobbing about in the moonlight.
- The day picnics on the northern part of the island that are set up to ensure your experience is something you will remember for the rest of your lives.
- Enjoying a massage in the privacy of your own villa, or on the roof terrace, or even on the beach. Listening to the waves gently roll over the sand as the therapist tends to your relaxation.
- The views are so captivating, they can be enjoyed from every entertainment, dining, reclining and living space of the resort.
- Gathering around the laidback entertaining spaces of the resort, spending time together as a travelling team. Swimming, sunbathing on daybeds or snoozing on the large sofas on the deck. Listening to the chitter chatter in the background.
What you need to know…
- The property is located on Benguerra Island in the beautiful Bazaruto Archipelago, where you can island hop to all of the lovely islands including Santa Carolina (Paradise Island). Day fishing, snorkelling and whale watching trips can also be arranged – your butler will advise further on all of the activities available.
- The island is accessible by helicopter. Operated by the resort’s wildlife helicopter charters. There’s a hanger on the island where the helicopter rests when not in use, always ready for your next trip. And the wonderful thing is you are met upon arrival on the mainland at Vilankulo airport, and then transferred by the team. Little peace of mind around the journey.
- Azura Marlin Beach has a team of incredible staff that see to all of your amazing meals, housekeeping, itinerary planning, and the endless activities available to you. Ensuring your holiday needs are taken care of. The pièce de résistance is having your own private butler who becomes a very special part of the whole experience.
- If Azura Marlin Beach is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Mozambique.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie