Mozambique’s seemingly endless stretches of beach and its island resorts make it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Kim Emmanuel looks at different offerings available for couples.

1.Picnic on Inhaca Island

Guests at Machangulo Beach Lodge can picnic on Inhaca Island, a two-minute boat ride from the lodge, with the lodge providing a picnic lunch that consists of a light meal. “The picnic experience often takes five to six hours because you’re both eating and relaxing on the beach,” says Christiaan Nolte from Machangulo Beach Lodge.

Guests can also snorkel in the marine reserve before or after their picnic. “There are two different coral reefs of a kilometre each and people don’t expect to find such amazing coral reefs so close to the shore,” says Nolte.

He says there are also activities such as stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking at Inhaca Island and also suggests romantic morning walks along the beach. “It sounds so clichéd but the most romantic thing to do at Machangulo Lodge is to walk along the beach. It’s a beautiful beach with nobody on it.”

This activity can be enjoyed as part of the six-day package offered by Polana Serena Hotel and Machangulo Beach Lodge. Other add-ons that can be included in the package are a seafood platter for two, dinner for two at Varanda restaurant and a romantic dhow cruise to Santa Maria.

2.Romantic dinners on secluded beaches

Nkwichi Lodge, on the Mozambique side of Lake Malawi, offers romantic dinners on secluded beaches.

Guests are able to choose their own location for the dinner – either the beach adjacent to the lake in the rocky cove next to the platform, or in the complete isolation of their chalet veranda or private beach. The culinary experience includes fish served fresh from the lake and a variety of vegetables, salads and fruit from the Nkwichi organic farm.

The private dinner is, where possible, followed by marshmallow toasting round an open fire.

The lodge has eight secluded beaches on  the Rift Valley coastline.

3.Southern Sun dinner under the fig tree

Southern Sun Maputo offers a private romantic three-course dinner under a fig tree. However, if more couples have requested the dinner on the same evening, other couples may also be present.

The dinner can be enjoyed as part of a package (valid till December 16) which also includes a sea-facing suite, welcome bottle of wine, romantic turndown, and champagne breakfast at the Evolve Restaurant.

4.Dhow cruise to Santa Maria

A dhow cruise to Santa Maria offered by Machangulo Beach Lodge, allows couples the chance to explore the cultural village. Beforehand, guests discuss snacks and drinks to take on board.

Nolte suggests the dhow cruise as an add-on to the picnic on Inhaca Island. “What often happens is you’ll have lunch on the beach, and then finish off the trip to the lodge with a 30-minute dhow cruise of the scenic bay.”

The cruise forms part of a five-night honeymoon package that also includes a honeymoon basket with Moet & Chandon Champagne, couples gift and snacks, and a dinner on their room’s patio or on the beach (weather permitting).

A sundowner cruise is also available.

5.Night under the stars

Nkwichi Lodge offers a night at the Lake of Stars bed, which is set up either on a deserted beach, private rock island, or high viewpoint.

Couples are left alone to enjoy each other’s company and nature, and awaken to panoramic views of the lake. Guests then canoe themselves back to Nkwichi for breakfast.

6.Picnic under a 2000-year-old baobab

Nkwichi Lodge also offers a picnic table set for lunch under a baobab tree. Set up with cushions and a white tablecloth, a pre-arranged lunch of mainly organic produce (mostly from the Nkwichi community farm) is served.

Couples can enjoy their meal with the sound of the Lake Malawi waves and the call of the Fish Eagle from a nearby forest.

“Spend the afternoon relaxing under the tree, or twitching in the nearby forest, where all the birds tend to meet in the lazy afternoons,” says Kim Rossi from Nkwichi Lodge.

7.Star bath by candlelight with a bottle of bubbly

At Nkwichi Lodge, couples can enjoy an outdoor bath lit by candles and paraffin lanterns.

The bath is moulded into primordial rocks. Guests are provided with champagne glasses accompanied by a chilled bottle of champagne to be enjoyed while stargazing.