Azura Benguerra Island in Mozambique was hand built by the local community blending designer modern chic with traditional Mozambique features including wooden beams and thatched jekka roofs. The island opened as a resort in 2007 as on of the first luxury Indian Ocean eco-island retreats, providing the ultimate private luxury holiday hideaways.

Benguerra Island is one of 5 islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Benguerra is the second largest island measuring approximately 11km x 5.5 km and is known for its unspoilt white sandy beaches, exciting dive sites and fabulous fishing. Located just north east of Vilanculos, the nearest town where you are met by a state of the art Eurocopter to whisk you away and on to Benguerra. The island has approx. 2000 inhabitants which includes over 350 children who attend a school built by Azura's Rainbow Fund Charity. There are no shops, other than small local trading posts, so please ensure you pack everything you may need, especially any medication you may require.

Benguerra Island – Climate – generally warm and sunny year round, but is exceptionally dry. Breezes are usually light and the sea temperature varies with the seasons and currents between 24 °c and 30 °c.

Accommodation available on Benguerra Island consists of : 20 stunning, beachfront villas including 3 Beach Villas, 3 Luxury Beach Villas, 10 Infinity Beach Villas, Villa Amizade ( 2 bedrooms and the Presidential Villa ( 3 bedrooms) and recently added 2 Royal Beach Villas. Each one is very spacious with subtle differences, for example, Infinity and Luxury Beach villas extend over a private area of 650m2, the Infinity Beach Villas benefit from a prime position, larger bathroom with freeform bath, and 5m infinity pool. The Luxury Beach Villas have 3.5m plunge pools.The Beach Villa is slightly smaller overall but is in a wonderful location.The villas are all nestled amidst the indigenous trees and vegetation creating guests with their own private sanctuary to be one with the environment. Royal Villas are the largest ( 172 sq meteres) and most luxurious offering infinity pools and magnificent sea views

Amenities in the villas include:King-size or twin beds with oversize mosquito net (note only 4 villas can be converted as twins and must be pre-booked)- Hairdryer -Mosquito repellant and bug spray -Multinational plug points -Telephone -Mini bar, stocked with complimentary soft drinks and beer - other drinks are served by the hosts, many of which are also complimentary.Quality bathroom products - Soaps, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, ear buds, cotton wool and nail files all of which are eco-friendly natural products -Coffee and tea making facilities ∙ Infinity Beach Villas also have Nespresso coffee machines -Beach bag -Laundry bag and laundry facilities (24 hour service but as laundry is air dried this is not always possible).Air conditioning and ceiling fan -Gym in a bag - PV, VA and IBV.

The communal areas around the island are all located right on the pristine beach, looking on to the sea offering different spots to relax, formally dine at the Jellyfish restaurant which also serves breakfast, enjoy a drink in the star bar, or catch up with the world outside in the media room with TV and internet. The internet network does not cover the villas, except the Presidential Villa. There is a PC in the library that has internet access, or guests bring a laptop or smartphone. There is also a boutique at reception.

Azura's African Spa- one treatment room or can be taken in the Villa at no additional charge.

Dining Options :Where to dine is up to the guests - informal 'feet in the sand' dining experiences, picnics in secluded spots, dine by candlelight on the beach under stars, relax in the comfort and privacy of your own villa, or sample a 7 course tasting dinner in the Jellyfish Restaurant.The island cuisine focus where possible, is on fresh local produce such as fish and seafood – offering irresistible signature dishes complemented with fine wines. If guests have any particular dietary requirements they should advise as far in advance as possible, as some specialist ingredients may take as long as 8 weeks to reach the island.

Choose from a range of activities, many are weather dependent so pre-booking is not required for

Scuba Diving - PADI 5 Star centre, with dedicated dive training - Guided snorkelling trips - Some of the best snorkelling along the east coast of Africa a short 20 min boat trip at the Aquarium, at Two Mile Reef -Island visits, including an Island Hop -Guided tours to explore the island’s natural beauty, visit the local community and school- Local soccer match- Visits to Vilanculos and its market- Deep sea fishing in a custom built boat – or shore based fishing - Spa treatments – select one of the signature treatments based on local ingredients and traditions - rub down with ground coconut shells, covered head to toe with tamarind and aloe, or gently massaged with warm marula oil.

Horse riding - Dhow sailing and sunset cruises - Guided marine shore walks -Star gazing events - Guided bird watching / walking trails- Beach walks with a picnic - Beach picnic and private dining - Dolphin sightings (year round) -Dugong sightings(the legendary mermaid)Whale sightings (in season, June-Oct)

Families
Villa Amizade and the Presidential Villa are ideal families, or the Infinity Beach Villas can accommodate an extra bed without compromising guest space. Children and teen activities at Azura Benguerra, explore the natural environment. Children can learn to dive at Azura from age 8, fishing is perfect for all ages.

2 bedroom – Villa Amizade - Master bedroom with king size bed, indoor/outdoor feel with doors opening up on 2 sides of the room to lounging decks, en-suite bathroom with free-form bath, indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning.Second en suite bedroom with twin beds, sitting area with sofa bed, feature indoor/outdoor bathroom, sea view, air-conditioning, sitting area with flat screen TV, DVD, Bose Sound Dock and selection of games. The accommodation opens out onto extensive decking, with both dining and relaxation areas, including a ‘wine bar’ and a 10 m fully tiled swimming pool. There are large beachfront gardens with daybeds and hammock, wonderful views of the sea and sunset. There is a kitchen, where a private chef can be requested at additional charge to come along and prepare some local dishes along with the Mozambican host service. All the standard Azura design, luxurious touches and finishes -Maximum occupancy 5 people including children

Azura 3 bedroom Presidential Villa - 425m2 under roof, 1075m2 private area - Complete privacy and your own beachfront location with amazing views towards Bazaruto Dune. Huge split level master suite with king size bed, oversize mosquito net, sitting area, massive bathroom with panoramic free form bath and shower, separate toilet, dressing area, his and hers indoor and outdoor showers, air conditioning and fans. Second beachfront bedroom with the same layout as the existing Infinity Beach Villas. Third small en-suite bedroom suitable for staff/nannies/guides or children. All linked by wooden walkways and screened by natural indigenous vegetation. Stylish separate sitting room with fireplace, flat screen TV, DVD and Bose Sound Dock,Dining area with feature star shaped roof and ‘wine bar’.Treehouse lounging area,16m infinity edged swimming pool spanning the front of the villa, kitchen and personal chef, Mozambican host service.Guest toilet, extensive sundecks, relaxation areas, daybeds and beach Salas- Maximum occupancy 6 (no extra children sharing rooms allowed)

Marine Life / Flora -Fauna - Benguerra is a sand island which has spectacular moving dunes and a diverse range of habitats for exotic and endemic wildlife.

On the lsland there are fresh water lakes; home to crocodiles, fish and migrant wading birds, the beautifulgreater Flamingo', remnant forests along the dunes, grasslands and swamps which house a variety of bird lifeand mammals.