Azura Benguerra epitomises ‘summertime and the living is easy’. And it’s this way throughout the year, doused in warm, tropical sunshine making it an ideal island holiday.
But Azura Retreat is unique holiday accommodation for other reasons besides the great weather, relaxed atmosphere and access to all your favourite water sports.
Azura Benguerra is off grid and 100% solar powered – the first Tesla-powered property in Mozambique, and the island lodge is also entirely community based. It was built by their hands and is now run in partnership with them. Just by visiting Azura Benguerra, guests are supporting the local community. Lodge staff are Mozambican, all fresh seafood is sourced from local fishermen and fresh produce is also locally supplied. It’s a beautiful story of authenticity, and with it a perfect hideaway to enjoy too.
The luxury beachside accommodation consists of 20 villas, all with pulled thatch roofs, located on the western side of Benguerra island, which is sheltered and calm.
There are six different villa sizes and levels of luxury, but all are seafront and you can step directly onto the white sand beach.
Each villa has its own private deck with an outdoor sofa and sun loungers alongside a private pool, and huge, round daybeds right on the beach. Perfect for either a couple’s getaway, or family holiday.
An island holiday providing impeccable service
Here, days are about relaxing, recharging and unwinding on your secluded romantic getaway. That’s taken to another level with the butler host service. Each villa has a Mozambican butler who will be your personal assistant to help with anything needed for the duration of your stay.
But the exceptional service goes even beyond that. A private What’s App group is created with every guest, and includes the general manager, butler host, and managers of various activities. This means you can contact any of them for any information or assistance at any time … from the comfort of your suite.
It’s tempting to never leave your suite, but it’s well worth it when you do. Cuisine is excellent, fresh and prepared with renowned Mozambican flair. It’s served in the quirky Jellyfish Restaurant with light fittings to match its name.
The Star Bar with little star lights is another favourite gathering place, for sundowners or midday coolers. All these public spaces are open to the beach and the warm turquoise ocean, where most of the action happens.
You can break a sweat fishing for sailfish, dorado or tuna, or chill out and island hop by speed boat. There’s a PADI centre to learn to scuba dive, or maybe go horse riding or dune climbing. Visit the crocodile lakes in the middle of the island, take a beach drive and enjoy a picnic, or go on a sunset cruise to close the day.
There’s as much or as little to do as you choose to. But chilling completely and thoroughly enjoying each day here is a given.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey
Edited by Dawn Kennedy