Azura

The hand built villas blend modern chic with all that is traditional in Mozambique. The creature comforts you would expect from a luxury boutique resort are there, set off by locally sourced wooden beams and traditional artwork beneath a thatched jekka roof.

Azura has just 14 villas, each with their own infinity pool and designed for both pampering and barefoot escapism.

Each is just footsteps from the beach, yet designed with seclusion in mind. Nestled amidst indigenous gardens, they have created your own sanctuary. A haven of rest and relaxation, where you can feel at one with the environment. A fusion of indoor and outdoor space where time becomes your own.

You’ll have a dedicated Mozambican host to look after you during your stay. They’ll take care of all your needs, including serving your meals, arranging activities and joining you on excursions. They are part of Azura’s commitment to the community and upliftment of the country’s people. Many of them have very little in the way of formal education, but they have a genuine warmth and friendliness, and will delight in looking after you.

Azura has truly idyllic grounds for you to wander around as you please. Its the perfect backdrop to find a quiet corner to read a book, or a place to share the stories of your day with others. Any stresses will slide away as you sip champagne on the beach with your feet in the sand, or snack on fresh sushi in the Star Bar, which showcases the magnificence of the skies above you.

Azura has a magnificent traditional Spa where nothing is hurried. All you have to do is relax, lie back and be pampered.

Dining is a simple understated affair. The chef combines local ingredients with contemporary style and flair and always offers a choice of dishes. Further more Azura will happily try to accommodate any personal requests that you may have.

A kaleidoscope of colour greets you above and below the ocean. Magnificent reefs for diving and snorkelling, home to the turtles that nest on the island’s outer shores. Migrating whales, dolphins, and the elusive and protected dugong ply these waters, along with marlin, sailfish and tuna to tempt the sportsfishermen.

On land, towering sand dunes give way to indigenous bush abundant with local flora and fauna, an interesting variety of birdlife, as well as the odd crocodile or two at the lakes.

The island’s local people make for fascinating cultural encounters, and the starry night sky is quite magnificent to behold. Guests staying more than 3 nights will receive a free Land Rover island drive, sunset dhow cruise, and 15 minute refresher massage on arrival.

The full list of activities on offer is extensive, please feel free to contact us with any questions or for more info.

Azura has an impressive attitude towards sustainable and ecological tourism. Although being a luxury resort with all mod cons they are not ‘eco’ in the traditional sense of the word, but have defined their own ‘eco’ in terms of their focus on the community and the preservation of the pristine environment. They are one of only a handful of resorts in Mozambique where the community are major contributors and stakeholders. Gabriel and his family, after whom the site is named, first established a tourism business here several years ago. They are major stakeholders in the resort, and continue to be involved on a daily basis.

When constructing the resort, rather than bring in outside contractors with no benefit to the local community, they trained the local islanders in vital building skills which will enable them to find new employment in the booming construction industry going forwards.

Further development has also been made through the resorts 'upliftment' program, which endeavors to provide education for the staff and their children, all of whom are from the local area which historically has been a heavily deprived area.

More recently, the resort has just been granted Carbon Neutral status - the first in Mozambique.

Azura has been seen by the Mozambican officials and guests alike as a model for ethical sustainable community based tourism.

We found Azura to be a refreshing blend, clearly being a luxury resort, whilst embracing local charm and its responsibility to the environment and the community it supports.

The rooms are all stunning and the attention to detail is high. All staff are polite and efficient with a 'can do' attitude.

You will no doubt be looking forward to your stay at Azura and it will not disappoint. We would recommend this hotel to anyone who likes good food, excellent service and breathtaking scenery.