Year round sunshine on Benguerra
Located in the protected marine reserve of Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, just off the coast of Mozambique, andBeyond on Benguerra Island is the ultimate island holiday.
Year round sunshine, warm lapping ocean, diving dolphins, rare dugongs and turtles against the backdrop music of rustling palm trees. Staying at this luxury coastal escape is idyllic, and everyday life here is beautiful, calm and easy. It’s away from the world. What world, you may wonder. Because everything you need is right here.
A five-minute helicopter flip from Vilanculos and you are on Benguerra Island and relaxing at your luxury beach accommodation.
Wondering how you will spend your time at this beachfront accommodation? Days often start with coffee at the landmark dhow beach bar, and they mostly wind down here too as you watch the sun sink into the ocean. But what happens in between is also thoroughly enchanting.
Imagine stepping out of your cabana or casinha onto the beach and enjoying a swim in tepid, turquoise waters. Or you could go scuba diving or horse-riding on the beach and even take a swim with your horse. These island horses love the ocean because it’s part of their home environment. The snorkelling is excellent too, and all you need to do is walk into the ocean to do so.
Plus, there are excursions around the island where you can see daily life in action, or you may choose to escape everyone with a castaway picnic on a remote, white sandy beach. Of course, there’s always the option to nothing at all and kick back at your suite and lounge in and around your pool.
Water sports? Massage? You set the pace
What are the accommodation options at andBeyond Benguerra? Cabanas, a favourite of honeymooners and couples, are cosy, quaint and ideal for romantic getaways; casinhas have an added lounge area. Both have romantic baths in the open-plan bedroom, as well as private plunge pools, and are set in gardens with waving palm trees.
For a family holiday, the casa familia is ideal with three bedrooms and plenty of private space. But no matter where you choose to stay, you step out of your luxury accommodation and onto the beach directly.
With so many activities on offer, there’s something to suit every pace, whether water sports, an afternoon massage, or simply a quiet moment with a book in the shade. This is where slow travel and spontaneous discovery meet.
There’s a hint of Portuguese heritage in the décor, with splashes of blue and patterns reminiscent of the traditional tiles. But cuisine has a definite Portuguese twist and there is plenty of fresh seafood on the menu. If you prefer a hamburger or simply spaghetti bolognaise, that’s also there. Whatever you choose, the food is phenomenal and the staff will delight you. They’re local, happy and proud of this beautiful island they call home – and you can too for a while.
What we love!
- The ocean is delightfully warm, perfect for a refreshing swim or a lazy float under the sun.
- Long walks along the soft, endless beach are a daily ritual, peaceful, grounding, and often uninterrupted.
- It’s rare to find such a beautiful place without the crowds, this is true barefoot luxury.
- There’s no shortage of adventure, with everything from snorkeling and island-hopping to dhow cruises and paddleboarding.
- Sustainability is taken seriously here; no plastic is used, only glass, a small but powerful detail.
- Catching sight of flamingos on the inland lake is unexpectedly magical.
- Being able to step directly onto the beach from your suite makes every morning feel like a postcard moment.
- The dhow cruise is a highlight, slow, scenic, and utterly relaxing as the sun sets over the water.
What you need to know…
- Casa Familia welcomes children of all ages, with a fun kiddie’s club and dedicated carers for babies, ideal for families looking to unwind.
- Please note that the lodge is not wheelchair accessible.
- WiFi is available throughout the lodge and in each suite, so staying connected is easy if you need it.
- All suites are air-conditioned for comfort, even during warmer nights.
- There’s a serene massage sala on site offering a range of treatments, perfect after a day in the sun.
- Though the area is considered low risk, malaria precautions are recommended; please consult your doctor ahead of travel.
- All staff have been vaccinated, contributing to a safe and worry-free stay.
- Getting here is straightforward. Airlink and LAM operate direct flights from Johannesburg to Vilanculos, and LAM also offers connections from Maputo. From Vilanculos, a short helicopter transfer whisks you directly to the lodge.
- The owners, Fabio, who is Italian, and Suzanne, who is Dutch, speak Italian, English, German, and Dutch, making guests from all over feel right at home.
- Breakfast is included, and on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, guests can opt in for an informal ‘blind-tasting’ dinner. Using only locally grown ingredients, these communal meals are served at 8pm and often become a highlight of the stay.
- Fabio’s passion for Tuscan wines is evident in his cellar. If you’re heading out to explore local vineyards, ask for his recommendations, his insight might just lead you to a rare vintage.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey
Edited by Dawn Kennedy
In the press
- This house has been featured by The Times as the ultimate barefoot luxury escape at andBeyond Benguerra in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago.