Azura Benguerra: Information from the owner

Beach Villa

Azura has 3 Beach Villas, set in a fantastic location at the end of the property next to the Spa, it is wonderfully private and perfect for honeymooners. The Beach Villa is the smallest of our villas, but still offers all of the creature comforts. Amenities: Beachfront location and views Mozambican host service Private undercover deck Private plunge pool Private beachside sala Day bed and sun loungers King size bed with down duvet Air-conditioning and fans Mini bar Tea/coffee making facilities Bathroom with shower and double basin Separate toilet Outside his and hers showers

Infinity Beach Villa

Azura has 10 Infinity Beach Villas. They are furnished in afro-contemporary style and look out over a stunning infinity pool towards the beach and sea beyond. They have the best of our beachfront locations. Amenities: Beachfront location and views Private 5 meter swimming pool Mozambican host service Private undercover deck Beachside sala Day bed and sun loungers King size bed with down duvet Air-conditioning and fans Mini bar Tea/coffee making facilities Nespresso Machine Gym in a bag Bathroom with shower & bath Separate toilet Outside his and hers showers Double vanities and dressing area 110m2 under roof 650m2 private area

Luxury Beach Villa

Azura has 3 Luxury Beach Villas, furnished in contemporary style and just steps from the beach. Amenities: Beachfront location and views Mozambican host service Private undercover deck Private plunge pool Beachside sala Day bed and sun loungers King size bed with down duvet Air-conditioning and fans Mini bar Tea/coffee making facilities Bathroom with shower and double outdoor shower Separate toilet Outside his and hers showers Double vanities and dressing area 100m2 under roof 450m2 private area

Presidential Villa

The Presidential Villa at Azura Benguerra has been described as one of the best villas anywhere in the Indian Ocean. It has a very secluded private location, some 150m down the beach from main Azura, and comes with its own Butler-host and private chef. Its the beach house of your dreams. The epitome of style and luxury, with its own unique décor, there are 3 en-suite bedrooms, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, a media room, sitting/dining area with ‘wine bar’, and huge infinity pool spanning the front of the villa. It is located just footsteps from the beach at the end of our property to ensure maximum privacy, with a fantastic treehouse to catch the afternoon breezes and panoramic views to Bazaruto Island and the Indian Ocean beyond. Amenities: Beachfront location and views Air-conditioning and fans Master bedroom with sitting area Ensuite bathroom with freeform bath 2nd Bedroom Infinity Beach Villa 3rd Bedroom twin Complete privacy Two Beach Salas Treehouse with views Private Mozambican Host Private Chef 16 Meter swimming pool Helicopter landing area Guest toilet Gym in a bag Nespresso Machine Several relaxation areas Day beds and sun loungers Outside showers Wifi 425m2 under roof 1075m2 private area

Royal Beach Villa

Azura has 2 Royal Beach Villas, they feature infinity edge pools and magnificent sea views. They are 172 square metres, making them the largest and most lavish of all the villas, with 30 metres of picturesque beach frontage on a large beautifully landscaped plot. They are located at the northern end of the property, ensuring the utmost privacy and uninterrupted views. The 2 Royal Beach Villas are located at the northern end of our property next to the Presidential Villa, with large landscaped gardens for a sense of total privacy and exclusivity, and 30 metres of picturesque beach frontage with magnificent sea views. They offer the next level of comfort with even more outdoor space for the discerning Azura guest to enjoy. The main bedroom and bathroom area is similar to the existing Infinity Beach Villas and guests can now delight in the luxury of their own lounge area connected together via a walkway with glass sliding doors, and surrounded by our indigenous gardens. The lounge comprises of comfortable sofas around a flat screen television, and has its own bathroom, as well as a tea/coffee area with minibar and nespresso. The sofas can be converted to two beds for any children that may want to share. Outdoor areas are astounding, offering a 10m rim flow pool with a Jacuzzi on the one end, and a poolside sitting pavilion on the other, from which guests have access straight into the pool. The villa also has a double daybed under latte roof, as well as a single daybed on the deck, dining area, and beachside sala, all of which are perfect for relaxing and enjoying your own private space.

Villa Amizade

Villa Amizade means friendship villa in our native Portuguese. This 2 bedroom en-suite villa is located at the western end of the property, with fantastic views out to sea and towards the setting sun. It is perfect for families or couples requiring more space and facilities. It offers a sitting area with flat screen TV, DVD, Bose Sound Dock and selection of games, opening onto extensive decking, dining and relaxation areas, including a ‘wine bar’. You can opt for a private chef service, available at a supplement. All the normal Azura design touches and finishes. Maximum occupancy 5 people including children. Amenities: Beachfront location and views Mozambican Butler-host service Private undercover deck Beachside sala Day bed and sun loungers Air-conditioning and fans Tea/coffee making facilities Nespresso Machine Gym in a bag Master bedroom with kingsize bed Ensuite bathroom with freeform bath Second bedroom with lounge Bathroom with shower & bath Separate toilet 10 Meter fully tiled swimming pool Small kitchenette Large beachfront garden Outside showers

Dhow Cruise

a Sunset dhow cruise is a beautiful ending to a day on the water, with views over the archipelago and a chance to experience the local mode of water transport.

Diving

The reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago are abundant with a variety of fish and corals, and offer a range of depths and reef topography to suit beginner and experienced divers and snorkellers alike. Azura is positioned closest to the reefs and hence access is quick and easy. Our marine life and corals are often cited as the best off the East Coast of Africa. Azura has a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre with new top of the range Scubapro equipment. The training pool is perfect for refreshing your diving skills or even trying out snorkelling before you head off to the reefs, and for training they offer a full range of courses and have a PADI Instructor.

Fishing

The Bazaruto Archipelago has some of the best big game, reef and bill fishing in the Indian Ocean. Species include: Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna/Bonito, King/Queen Mackerel, Prodigal Son, Wahoo, Dorado, and Barracuda. Giant Trevally (GT’s), the local speciality, often top the scales above 25kg. Azura caters for beginner and experienced fishermen/women alike, and operates a strict tag and release policy on protected species. You can choose to go trawling with our local guides, or we can bring in the specialist fishing guides available in the area, who offer saltwater fly fishing, jigging for Giant Trevally, and other specialist techniques.

Guided Island Hopping

This is a fantastic day out and Azura’s signature activity! Snorkelling at Two Mile Reef, where there are hundreds of species of tropical fish, rays, invertebrates, the possibility of Sea Turtles, and Dolphins, humpback whales in season and possibly a dugong... After snorkelling, arrive at Pansy Island for a tantalising picnic lunch. This Pansy Island is an isolated sand-bar nestled between Bazaruto Island and the Mozambique Channel. Enjoy Pansy Island at your own leisure, bask in the sun, laze around on cushions and beanbags, and swim in the cool clear deep waters. From here it’s as short hop to Bazaruto Island, where we hike up Bazaruto Dune. An easy climb to the top offers unsurpassed 360 degree panoramic views of the Bazaruto Archipelago reef-system. For photography enthusiasts, this location is a must!

Horse riding

For those who like to ride, a trek along the water’s edge on the horses based on Benguerra Island and back along some of the island’s tracks and trails is an experience never to forget! Arranged through Mozambique Horse Safaris, there are 9 horses available to suit all levels, from complete beginner upwards.

Island Drive

We leave Azura on Game Drive vehicles toward Red Dune and Crocodile Lakes. En-route we will pass through the Island’s many villages where you have the chance to meet the local people of the local communities. The Island’s lifestyle, history and way of life will be explained to you. If you would like to we will visit Benguerra’s School (built by Azura’s Rainbow Fund charity, all donations are appreciated), and you may then have the unique opportunity to see the local children attend class, meet the teachers, and even the school’s Headmaster. If the drive is conducted on Sunday morning, the Guides may take you briefly to a village church service, which is attended by many of the local islanders.

Paddle Boards

Go on a self-guided adventure! Take a paddle board and explore the pristine waters off the Bazaruto Archipelago and ride along with the dhows. This is the best way to have fun while around the Island.