AZURA RETREAT

Azura Retreat rivals the very best luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean.  Situated on a deserted beach on the western edge of Benguerra Island, Azura has just 14 villas - which are a perfect blend of modern chic along with all that is traditional in Mozambique. The creature comforts you would expect from a luxury boutique resort are there, set off by beautifully carved beams and traditional artwork beneath a local thatched jekka roof. 

Each of Azura’s villas are just footsteps from the beach. Wander down to Azura’s pristine white beach and welcoming azure sea beyond. Or lounge around on plump cushions and have your Azura butler serve you tea. Tan in private beneath the swaying palms, and cool off in your sparkling Azura plunge pool. Dine on your deck, or sip an Azura cocktail in your beachside Sala as the sun goes down.

In addition to the 14 villas (all designed for 2 persons) there are also two larger private villas, Villa Amizade and the Presidential Villa.  Villa Amizade is ideal for 2 or 4 people, whilst the larger Presidential Villa offers unquestionably the finest accommodation in all of Mozambique (sleeps up to 6 persons).

The same standards seen in the rooms and general areas are evident in the cuisine and service.  Azura’s staff are always on hand to look after your every need and an exceptional fine dining experience is offered. Using fresh local Mozambican produce, much of it home caught or home grown, Azura’s top international chef’s signature dishes will not disappoint, and nor will Azura’s extensive wine cellar.  Remote five star service.

The activities are based around the sea. You can snorkel or dive, fly fish, enjoy some of the most exciting big game fishing in Africa, sail on a local dhow, walk the deserted beaches looking for pansy shells, swim with dolphins who are regular visitors to the Azura beach, and in the season – track down humpback whales as they migrate past the lodge.


USEFUL INFO
» Access to Azura from the mainland is by helicopter. By far the most exciting way to arrive onto the Islands!  
» The best people in the office to speak to about Azura Lodge are definitely Alistair and Ben, they've both stayed here recently and are big fans.

» BENS VIEW... "Very impressive! That was my over-riding feeling during and after my stay.  For starters I arrived in a helicopter which was stunning, then 2 minutes later I was in the reception area overlooking the beach and sea.  All most wonderful.  The feel of Azura is unquestionably 'contemporary' and I'd say that is the key difference between many of the other luxury lodges in Mozambique - which tend to be more 'barefoot luxury'... more rustic.  I stayed in the lowest room category (Luxury Beach Villa) and thought it was stunning, indoor & outdoor showers, all mod cons, a plunge pool that you could actually use - and wanted to use.  The room butler was awesome too... I went out swimming, got back to the room, had a shower and was just thinking about how pleasant a G&T would be, when lo and behold he turned up with a gin and tonic.  Silly example, but typical of the service.  The chef whilst I was there used to work at the Fat Duck and produced a very good standard of cuisine (especially considering how remote Azura is).  I don't know if he is still there, but it shows the importance they place on the gastrononic experience.  Activities wise, they offered pretty much the same things the other lodges do.. no more no less (so deep sea fishing, a kayak or two is available if you want to go for a quick paddle, guided island drives, diving). I caught a massive fish - see our staff profile pictures for proof. 

Who does Azura suit? - anyone who wants high standards, good service, and a certain bit of style. Couples and honeymooners will love it, but so will families (go for the 2 bedroom Villa Amizade which has its own pool).  As for the Presidential Villa - it is exactly that truly presidential !