Highlights
- Super-luxurious eco-resort
- 20 beachfront villas with butler service
- Exquisite marine and bird life
- Spa, private plunge pools, lots of activities
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Azura on Benguerra is an ultra-luxurious, award-winning eco-resort located on Benguerra, the second largest of the five main islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of southern Mozambique. This top-notch property operates very much in partnership with the local community who benefit from the resort’s operations just as much as those who stay here. There are 20 pristine beachfront villas (complete with butler service) dotted along this very pretty stretch of coast, all with direct access to the beach and the sparkling sea. The weather tends to be sunny and favourable year-round, and although the surrounding landscape can become quite arid, the bird and marine life is superb and there are a whole host of activities, water sports and excursions to enjoy in the area.
The 20 air-conditioned beachfront villas all come with a private infinity pool, a covered deck and plenty of conveniences such as a mini bar, double vanity units, tea and coffee making facilities, separate outdoor showers and sun loungers. They’re spaced well apart from one another to ensure plenty of peace and quiet and they’re beautifully presented in a chic, contemporary style, with touches of traditional Mozambican design. It’s also possible to make use of the delightful tree-top wellness spa which offers indulgent treatments along with healthy, light meals including fresh fish and seafood.
The cuisine is nothing short of excellent, and there’s an superb wine cellar to boot, with wines flown in from the Loire Valley in France. As well as in-villa dining, it’s also possible to dine right beside the sea or even out on a nearby sand island. Overall, the service at the hotel is highly bespoke and personal tastes and preferences will always be taken into account.
Some of the many activities on offer include island hopping throughout the archipelago, deep sea fishing, whale watching (seasonal) and scuba diving which reveals the exceptionally rich, colourful marine life. The intriguing Red Dune & Crocodile Lakes Drive is an adventurous island excursion that includes dune climbing, fruit tasting and village visits, and there might even be the chance to spot crocodiles and other native animals along the way.
While there is no designated ‘kids club’ as such, there are plenty of supervised activities to keep youngsters and teens busy, and for families to enjoy together. One such pastime is hunting for shells on an island that is revealed at low tide, others might be climbing sand dunes or playing football with the local team. Parents are advised to dine in-villa with their children and are reminded to ensure that their children remain under constant adult supervision due to the waterside nature of the property.
Nicola and I had a brilliant time - the weather made it pretty
challenging at times, but Mustafa and Mohammed looked after us
superbly. We loved the variety of scenery and places - as you mention,
the only downside is the rubbish in the villages, such a shame. The
meals that Mohammed drummed up on the hillside tracks were amazing - I
am glad we knew that our mule would eat the leftovers because there was
no way we could finish them! The standard of the breakfasts were far in
excess of the bread and jam you mentioned, even in the basic gite which
was freezing - we were warm once in bed, but the temperature in the
living room was a bit depressing after a very windy descent, sitting
wrapped in coats, hats and blankets while we waited for our dinner! The
sleeping bags provided were excellent and we were toasty with our fleece
liners and an extra blanket. We were very grateful that Mustafa's boss
upgraded us to the eco lodge the next night (don't know whether this was
because of the gale force winds on our descent the day before...) - it
was lovely.We were incredibly lucky with precipitation - although we were walking
in a few inches of snow on day one and it absolutely poured that night,
we experienced no rain during the day until we were lining up for our
farewell photo at our pickup point, when the heavens opened!Due to the weather, I think I'd describe the terrain slightly
differently - a few good paths, but often we were on very stony ground,
slippery wet mud (oh, that clay does stick to one's boots!), slidy thin
gravel or else just making our way down a hill after rain had washed the
original route away. Occasionally we walked short distances on roads,
which Mustafa was apologetic about, but it was hardly the M6! We took
our time and never felt unsafe, but people with dodgy knees or hips
might need to be careful. Mustafa looked after us very carefully in the
high wind gusts (as a sailor, I reckon at least Force 9 - over 50 mph on
a bare hillside), promising Nicola that he wouldn't let her mother blow
away!Although we needed to be back in Marrakech on the fourth night, I think
if I were going again, I would prefer to trek for four days and spend 3
in Marrakech, which I found a bit overwhelming, but this is just
personal taste!Our room in Daar Housnia was lovely, and we appreciated the heating -
the rest of the building is definitely built for summer! There seemed
to be some confusion over our arrival - the manager said we had
originally been booked into the downstairs suite with double bed and
bath in the middle of the room, but that he thought it was more suitable
"for two ladies, not a couple" to upgrade us to exactly the room you had
shown us photos of! The breakfasts were delicious. The wifi was fine
for Nicola's meetings.
Monica S
reviewing Morocco Trek & Marrakech Holiday
on 16 February 2026
We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!
The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.
I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.
The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.
All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).
From my seven-year-old son:
I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.
In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.
Henry O
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 June 2025
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024