Setting the scene
A leisurely boat transfer or zippy helicopter flip from Vilanculos, Benguerra Island, is a lush base in the Bazaruto Archipelago, just off the Mozambican coast. Ten villas perch on the sand – one of which will be your little home at Azura Marlin Beach. Kick off your shoes immediately. Wiggle those toes into the white sand and feel the salty sea breeze on your skin, as your butler delivers the first of many zesty cocktails. Whether this is a standalone beach holiday or the cherry on top of an epic safari adventure, the warm Indian Ocean warrants more than a quick dip. So stay for a while and give yourself time to properly – say it with us – relaaax.
Nesting arrangements
With all ten beach-chic villas sitting right on the sand, there’s no need to clammer for ocean view rooms like seagulls over a dropped ice cream. There are some differences, though. The three Beach Villa Grandes – as the name suggests – are larger, with private pools (the resort has a shared pool, too), alfresco lounge areas and extra sleeping space for kids. The largest of them all (what is this, Goldilocks?), Villa Vista combines two en-suite villas – fab for families or couples travelling together.
But the six standard villas are far from basic. Sit out on your shaded deck, watching the gentle waves roll in. Snooze on your daybed. Take an outdoor shower – just because you can.
Food philosophy
Dining at Azura is everything you want it to be – feet in the powdery sand while you’re served fresh seafood that tastes a hundred times better by the ocean. Think lobster, crab, calamari, prawns and all kinds of fish types, hauled in by local fishers. Add Mozambican flavours for dishes like spicy prawns and fish curries. You bet peri peri chicken is on the menu, too.
Azura has a dedicated butler for each villa, and they’ll organise your dining experiences – from lunch on the beach to private dining on your deck or a romantic dinner in the wine cellar. The rooftop terrace is perfect for sundowners. And Jelly Fish Restaurant and Peri Peri Beach Club are always options for when you want to keep it casual.
Secret sauce
Everyone relaxes differently – so we love that Azura has a bunch of activities for those who can’t spend all day on the beach (and plenty of beach for those who can). From island-hopping day trips to fishing charters, you can easily spend a whole holiday exploring the archipelago. Should you need to upskill, there’s a PADI dive centre on site. Snorkelling with seahorses? Diving with dugongs? Where are our fins?
There’s lots for the landlubbers amongst us, too. A jeep tour around Benguerra Island or horse riding along the beach for that wild child, hair-in-the-wind look. There are stargazing sessions, too – peer through a telescope set up on the beach and listen to your star guide tell unearthly astro tales. Throw in a G&T and – forget space – we’re in heaven.
One more thing
If you’re keen to venture beyond the many in-resort dining options, you can request a private picnic on the sandy shores of Paradise Island, the smallest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Tuck into a generous spread of delicious dishes, explore the ruins of 1950s icon Hotel Santa Carolina, and take a dip from the beach – you might even spot a turtle or two.
