Mozambique has positioned itself as an attractive destination for tropical beach holidays. Tourism Update spoke to Mozambique specialists for their advice on the best beach properties

1. Azura Benguerra Island

For US-based tour operator African Travel Inc, Azura Benguerra Island is a firm favourite. Azura Benguerra is a luxury eco-boutique retreat on an unspoilt island within a Marine National Park. Built entirely by hand in partnership with the local community, it has just 18 villas, each with its own private pool. 

“Not only is it a fantastic luxurious villa product but the eco-friendly philosophy and partnership with the local community is something we love to support,” says Spokesperson for African Travel Inc, Arnelle Kendall.

According to Kendall, the intimate nature of the property allows the tour operator to plan romantic surprises and personalised special touches for its clients.  “It is not just a beach experience (although it can be) you can visit the school, experience the local culture, climb dunes, search for ancient pottery remnants, picnic on a sandbar and much more.  They can arrange horseback riding, have a spa at the property, accept children of all ages and of course offer both snorkelling and scuba.”

Gary Lotter, MD Go2Africa, agrees that Azura Benguerra is really spectacular. He says: “The service is of a very high standard, the diving is outstanding and guests have maximum privacy and flexibility – your holiday is around your pace and geared to your whims. In addition to private swimming pools outside your suite, you can have in-room massages and order a romantic picnic basket for a secluded part of the island.”

1. Anantara Bazaruto Lodge

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa, offers a boutique collection of 44 beach, sea view and pool villas, which have all been designed in natural harmony with the island surrounds.

Dana Tours’ Stephanie Von Allmen says for her Anantara Bazaruto Lodge is the perfect beach getaway in Mozambique, adding that the resort has the most beautiful surrounds with a wide selection of activities and great service.

Michele Abraham, spokesperson for Anantara Hotels and Resorts, says Anantara Bazaruto is truly unique thanks to its “amazing and beautiful setting”. “On the one side of the island you have freshwater lakes with crocodiles, massive dunes with the Indian Ocean as their backdrop and on the other, palm trees with white sandy beaches that are private and stretch for miles.”

The resort offers a variety of dining options and activities from horse riding, diving, island picnics and BBQs to private dinners with your feet in the sand, a spa and Spice Spoons cooking classes.

1. Nuarro Lodge

“I think Nuarro at the moment is a hot place to go to,” says Martijn Mellaart, Director Uitkyk Holidays and Mozambique Voyages. He says the new management at Nuarro Lodge has completely changed the lodge around. “They have the most amazing diving spots as well as great food. Nuarro is a real gem in Mozambique.”

Located on the northern coastline in a bay teeming with marine life, Nuarro Lodge features 12 luxury chalets on the beach that can accommodate between 24 and 40 guests. The chalets were built on the dunes from local natural materials by local people. All furniture has also been made on site using local materials creating a relaxing environment. 

Kim Rossi, spokesperson for Nuarro Lodge, says: “What makes Nuarro special compared to anywhere else, is that it is located on the edge of the continental shelf, which makes the diving conditions superb! We are the only lodge in northern Mozambique that offers Nitrox diving, and one of the only places that you can do a shore entry diving in the north.”

1. Azura Quilalea

“We get rave reviews from Azura Quilalea,” says Marcia Gordon, Extraordinary Journeys. She says Azura Quilalea is located on a private island in the Quirimbas Archipelago. “It is a great barefoot luxury property, great for honeymooners and serious divers/snorkellers alike,” she says.

According to Gordon, the activities at Quilalea set the property apart. She says travellers can snorkel right off the beach in front of their room. The scuba diving and kayaking trips are also a great success.

Azura Quilalea features just nine seafront villas on a private island, accommodating a maximum of 18 people in absolute privacy. The villas are built from local materials, with natural coral stone walls, makuti thatch roofs, carved beams and reed shuttered windows.

1. Pestana Bazaruto Lodge

Pestana Bazaruto Lodge was renovated in July 2007 and is located on the pristine Bazaruto Island. The lodge features an outdoor pool, games room and a business centre, equipped with computers, laptop connections and Internet access.

For the more adventurous, the lodge also provides scuba diving and snorkelling in one of the largest coral reef locations in the world. Fishing is also a popular sport at the lodge and guests can try their hand at flyfishing, big game, marlin and shore fishing.

Pestana Bazaruto Lodge has 40 bungalows with A-shaped thatched roofs, which are all located among tropical gardens, offering fantastic views of the beach and the gardens.

1. Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort & Spa

For Craig Drysdale,GM: Global Sales for Thompsons Africa, Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort and Spa is one of the best beach resorts. Located in the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique, Medjumbe features 12 thatched beach pool villas with en-suite bathrooms fitted with indoor shower and separate bath, as well as a private outdoor shower and plunge pool.

Von Allmen agrees Anantara Medjumbe is a real gem in Mozambique. She says it’s currently a honeymoon hotspot on one of the most romantic private islands.

1. Coral Lodge 15.41

One of Mozambique’s best-kept secrets, according to Lotter is Ilha de Mozambique, where guests can stay at the Coral Lodge 15.41. He says Ilha de Mozambique offers a ‘step-back-in-time’ experience that combines beaches with the history of the slave and spice trades, as well as Indian, Portuguese and African culture. “Photographers will enjoy shooting the evocative ruins, dhows and old churches in a tropical setting while shoppers should be sure to check out the traditional silver jewellery on offer.”

Coral Lodge 15.41 is situated on a beautiful peninsula in northern Mozambique near the World Heritage Site of Ilha de Mozambique. The lodge has 10 luxurious air-conditioned villas offering total privacy and ample space in which to relax and enjoy Mozambique's beach life. Each villa comes complete with a private butler and has a spacious living area, a light and airy bedroom with en-suite bathroom featuring separate bath and shower and an open-air terrace.