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Azura Boutique Retreats

Benguerra ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE

Paradise found

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Azura Boutique Retreats Overview
Azura Marlin Beach
Azura Benguerra Island
Azura Boutique Retreats Overview
Azura Marlin Beach
Azura Benguerra Island
Overview
Availability
Your impact
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Where pristine sands, warm seas, and remarkable marine landscapes frame two thoughtfully designed island retreats.

Located on Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Azura’s boutique retreats offer villa-style beachfront living, warm Mozambican hospitality, and effortless access from Vilanculos.

Set within the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park, Azura Boutique Retreats gives guests direct access to coral-rich waters, calm lagoons, and wide stretches of soft, white-sand beach. Days unfold at an easy island pace – from dhow excursions and snorkelling to diving, beach walks, island drives, and time spent at the Peri Peri Beach Club.

The retreats offer villa accommodation with private pools, generous indoor–outdoor living spaces, and personalised host service, creating a relaxed and comfortable island experience. Whether travelling as a couple, with family, or with friends, guests have the freedom to explore Benguerra Island’s natural setting or simply enjoy the tranquillity of its coastal surroundings.

Fast Facts
Location:

Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park, Mozambique


RATES:

Azura Marlin Beach: from US$ 775 per person per night

Azura Benguerra Island: from US$ 955 per person per night


Access:

Closest airport: Vilanculos Airport (VNX)
10-minute scenic helicopter transfer to Benguerra Island


SIZE:

Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park – 143 000 hectares


CHILDREN:

All ages welcome


highlights:

Boutique beachfront retreats defined by privacy, personal service and immersive island living, with days shaped by the ocean, sunshine and unhurried moments.

VISIT THE AZURA RETREATS WEBSITE

What we love
Chic Mozambique

From stylish villas suited to couples and families, to Peri Peri Beach Bar and dinners under the stars, this is a fun and restorative island escape.

Safari & Beach

Perfect combination with a safari in Southern Africa with direct flights from Kruger and Johannesburg followed by helicopter access to the island.

Island Hopping

Explore the islands and reefs on a marine safari with snorkeling, scuba diving, dune climbing, and island picnics.

African Hospitality

An incredible local team, including your own private villa host look after your every need and make your experience come alive.

Availability

Bookings can be made by contacting the Azura reservations team.

Email: reservations@azura-retreats.com

Tel: +27 76 705 0599

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 12pm | Based in Johannesburg.

The impact of your stay
IMPACT: MEDIUM

Azura Benguerra is one of the few resorts where the community are major stakeholders and contribute to every aspect of the project. The resort’s dedication to conservation and the community lies at the heart of everything they do. Their primary focus is on the community and the preservation of the pristine environment in which they operate.

Every stay contributes through:
  • Paying US$ 20 per villa per night (optional and above the room rates) contribution to The Rainbow Fund.
  • The Rainbow Fund supports local and environmental projects including the island clinic and school.
  • The Fund also supports over 20 scholarships for island children to have further education on the mainland.
  • By staying at Azura Retreats you are supporting their carbon-neutral pledge as they offset by planting trees for every guest.
  • Enjoying the fresh produce which is purchased for the hotel guests from local fisherman who sustainably harvest fish, lobster and crab.
  • Paying the US$ 15 per person per stay Bazaruto National Park fee, a marine reserve managed by African Parks.

Furthermore, Azura Retreats is now 100% solar powered and no fossil fuels are used in powering the resort.

Overview
Accommodation
Availability
Map & access
Amenities & Activities
Gallery
Document downloads
Rediscover the beauty of the Bazaruto Archipelago – a true paradise reimagined.

At Azura Marlin Beach, guests are welcomed with warm Mozambican hospitality and invited to enjoy island life through dhow cruises, snorkelling, diving, fishing, island drives, and time at the Peri Peri Beach Club – supported by a dedicated Mozambican host.

Once a beloved destination, Marlin Lodge closed in 2012 after a fire but is now reborn as Azura Marlin Beach, part of the esteemed Azura Boutique Retreats collection. Nestled on a one-kilometer stretch of untouched beachfront, the property features just 10 stylish villas, blending modern luxury with traditional African and Portuguese influences. Each villa is thoughtfully designed to offer privacy and spectacular ocean views, ensuring a tranquil haven just steps from the beach.

Azura Marlin Beach is a barefoot boutique retreat located on the idyllic Benguerra Island within the pristine Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park. Known for its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, this island escape offers a combination of natural beauty and indulgent comfort.

On the same island is sister property – Azura Benguerra Island – and Azura’s award winning Peri Peri Beach Club.

Fast Facts
Rates:

Beach Villas:
From US$ 775 per person per night

Beach Villa Grandes:
From US$ 995 per person per night

Villa Vista:
From US$ 3 600 per villa per night for 4 guests


ACCESS:

Daily flights between Johannesburg and Vilanculos. A few weekly flights between Nelspruit and Vilanculos.

10-min scenic helicopter flight between Vilanculos and Benguerra Island


Children:

All ages welcome

visit the azura retreats website

from US$ 775
per person per night
Beach Villas
6 villas

Azura Marlin Beach’s 6 Beach Villas are positioned directly on the shoreline, offering uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and an effortless connection to the beach. Designed for couples or small families, each villa features a light-filled bedroom, an indoor–outdoor bathroom, and a private deck set just above the sand. With soft coastal finishes and open, airy interiors, the Beach Villas are ideal for relaxed, barefoot living, where the rhythm of the ocean defines the experience.

SEASONALITY:
Open all year
CHILDREN:
All ages
CLASSIFICATION:
Classic
from US$ 995
per person per night
Beach Villa Grande
3 villas

The 3 Beach Villa Grandes present a more spacious and indulgent beachfront retreat, offering extended interiors and generous living areas designed for comfort and privacy. Each villa features a large deck that flows seamlessly onto the sand, complemented by a private plunge pool overlooking the ocean. With enhanced lounging spaces and uninterrupted sea views, the Beach Villa Grandes combine refined coastal design with an unhurried island lifestyle on Benguerra Island.

SEASONALITY:
Open all year
CHILDREN:
All ages
CLASSIFICATION:
Classic
from US$ 3 600
per villa per night (4 Guests)
Villa Vista
Exclusive Use 2 bedrooms

Villa Vista is the premier family unit at Azura Marlin Beach, providing an exclusive retreat for families or couples traveling together. The villa features two connected Beach Villas, linked by a central lounge and dining area. Its expansive outdoor deck boasts a private pool and direct beach access, perfect for relaxation and making memories.

Situated in an elevated position, Villa Vista offers stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. A dedicated Mozambican butler-host ensures your stay is elevated to extraordinary heights with personalised service and tailored experiences.

SEASONALITY:
Open all year
CHILDREN:
All ages
CLASSIFICATION:
Classic
Availability

Bookings can be made by contacting the Azura reservations team.

Email: reservations@azura-retreats.com

Tel: +27 76 705 0599

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 12pm | Based in Johannesburg.

Getting There
FLY:

Daily flights operated by AIRLINK between Johannesburg (JNB – OR Tambo) and Vilanculos (VLX).

4x weekly AIRLINK flights connect Kruger Nelspruit Airport (MQP) to Vilanculos (VLX).

From VLX it is a 10 min scenic helicopter flight between Vilanculos and the island.

Amenities & Activities

Amenities

  • Contemporary beachfront retreat set along a one-kilometre stretch of white sand on Benguerra Island.
  • Ten ocean-facing villas, designed with modern African and Portuguese influences.
  • En-suite bedrooms with indoor bathrooms; selected villas with outdoor showers.
  • Private decks with uninterrupted sea views.
  • Main lodge area with lounge, dining space and beachfront setting.
  • Peri-Peri Beach Club for relaxed dining and drinks.
  • Swimming pool and shaded relaxation areas.
  • WiFi available in main guest areas (signal dependent).
  • Laundry service included.
  • All stays include meals and selected beverages.

Activities (Included)

  • Dhow cruises along the coastline.
  • Snorkelling in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
  • Island drives to explore beaches and viewpoints.
  • Guided walks and beach time at leisure.
  • Swimming, relaxation and ocean-focused experiences.

Additional Activities (Extra Cost)

  • Scuba diving and specialist snorkelling excursions.
  • Fishing (including deep-sea and specialist trips).
  • Private dhow experiences and bespoke island picnics.
  • Spa and wellness treatments.
Document Downloads
Rates:

2026 Rates

FACTS:

Fact Sheet

IMAGE LIBRARY:

Visit our Image Library where you can download images in any size

OTHER KEY DOCUMENTS:

Activity Sheet

Children Activities

 

Overview
Accommodation
Availability
Map & access
Amenities & Activities
Gallery
Document downloads
A genuinely intimate island escape with 20 beachfront villas set along one of Benguerra Island’s most tranquil stretches of coastline.

Here you are warmly welcomed by Mozambican hospitality and discover island life through dhow cruises, snorkelling, diving, fishing, island drives, Peri Peri Beach Club, and a dedicated Mozambican host.

Azura Benguerra Island is an eco-friendly award winning boutique hotel in the uniquely beautiful country of Mozambique.

Mozambique is still rather undiscovered and renowned for its relaxed, tropical atmosphere and exceptionally friendly people. Its biggest draw cards are without a doubt, its expansive beaches, secluded islands and spectacular marine life. The setting for this experience is hard to beat.

With just 20 luxury beachfront villas hand-built by the local community and no shops on the island, a stay at Azura Benguerra Island allows you to truly escape. Each villa offers  all the creature comforts you could wish for: private pools, Mozambican butler-hosts to look after your every need, fresh seafood straight from the ocean and a relaxing African spa. Azura Retreats’ vision was to provide the ultimate in private luxury hideaways, in stunning undiscovered destinations, which they have achieved with Azura Benguerra Island.

Founded by Christopher and Stella Bettany in 2007, Azura Retreats is the product of a love affair with the country of Mozambique and its people, combined with the desire to create a destination that would appeal to honeymooners and families alike.  Azura Benguerra Island was born out of the island’s authentic natural beauty, and the connection to the local people and cultures.

Fast Facts
Rates:

Beach Villas:
From US$ 955 – US$ 1 950 per person per night

Private Villas:
From US$ 5 715 – US$ 8 995  per villa per night for 4/6 guests


ACCESS:

Daily flights between Johannesburg and Vilanculos. A few weekly flights between Nelspruit and Vilanculos.

10-min scenic helicopter flight between Vilanculos and Benguerra Island


Children:

All ages welcome

visit the Azura retreats website

from US$ 905
per person per night
Beach Villas
18 Villas

Set directly along the beach and offering every creature comfort, the resort features 18 villas, each with a beachfront position, en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, beachside sala, and a private plunge pool. Every villa is attended by a dedicated Mozambican butler-host, ensuring a relaxed and personalised stay.

The three Beach Villas are the most accessible option and offer a wonderful sense of privacy. The three Luxury Beach Villas, larger in size while offering the same amenities, are well suited to honeymoon couples. The ten Infinity Beach Villas are particularly popular with couples who enjoy lingering in their own private space, embracing an easy, romantic beach lifestyle.

The Royal Beach Villas are the largest and most spacious option, ideal for families. Each features a full lounge, a 10-metre rim-flow infinity pool, jacuzzi, poolside sitting pavilion, daybed, and beachside sala. Two bathrooms ensure privacy, with children accommodated on convertible lounge sofas without sharing a bathroom with their parents.

SEASONALITY:
Open all year
CHILDREN:
All ages
CLASSIFICATION
Premier
from US$ 5 715
per villa per night
Villa Amizade
Exclusive Use 2 bedrooms

Villa Amizade means friendship in the native Portuguese. This 2 bedroom en-suite villa is located at the western end of Azura Benguerra Island, 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, Sound Dock and selection of games, opening onto an extensive deck for dining and relaxing, including a ‘wine bar’.

You can opt for a private chef service, available at a supplement. All the Azura design touches and finishes complete this private villa. Maximum occupancy 5 people including children.

SEASONALITY:
Open all year.
CHILDREN:
All ages (Exclusive Use villa rate based on 4 guests, 1 extra child under 16 years stays for free)
CLASSIFICATION:
Premier
from US$ 7 995
per villa per night
Presidential Villa
Exclusive Use 3 Bedrooms

The Presidential Villa at Azura has been described as one of the best villas in the Indian Ocean.

It has a secluded and completely private location, some 150m down the beach from main Azura, and comes with its own butler-host and private chef. It is 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 a huge infinity pool spanning the front of the villa.

It is located just footsteps from the beach with a fantastic treehouse to catch the afternoon breezes and panoramic views to Bazaruto Island and the Indian Ocean beyond.

Perfect for families or an extended group of friends who value their privacy.

SEASONALITY:
Open all year.
CHILDREN:
All ages (Exclusive Use villa rate based on 6 adults, 2 extra kids under 16 years stay for free).
CLASSIFICATION:
Premier
Availability

Bookings can be made by contacting the Azura reservations team.

Email: reservations@azura-retreats.com

Tel: +27 76 705 0599

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 12pm | Based in Johannesburg.

Getting There
FLY:

Daily flights operated by AIRLINK between Johannesburg (JNB – OR Tambo) and Vilanculos (VLX).

4x weekly AIRLINK flights connect Kruger Nelspruit Airport (MQP) to Vilanculos (VLX).

From VLX it is a 10 min scenic helicopter flight between Vilanculos and the island.

Amenities & Activities

Amenities

  • Intimate luxury island resort set along one of Benguerra Island’s most tranquil beaches.
  • Twenty handcrafted beachfront villas, blending contemporary design with African and Portuguese influences.
  • En-suite bedrooms with indoor bathrooms; most villas feature outdoor showers.
  • Private decks and shaded outdoor living spaces.
  • Main lodge with lounge, dining areas and beachfront setting.
  • Peri-Peri Beach Club for relaxed seaside dining.
  • Spa and wellness facilities.
  • WiFi available in main guest areas (signal dependent).
  • Laundry service included.
  • All stays include meals and selected beverages.

Activities (Included)

  • Dhow cruises through the Bazaruto Archipelago.
  • Snorkelling on nearby reefs and sandbanks.
  • Island drives and guided island exploration.
  • Beach walks, swimming and time at leisure.
  • Seasonal marine life viewing from shore and by boat.

Additional Activities (Extra Cost)

  • Scuba diving and specialist marine excursions.
  • Fishing (including deep-sea and sport fishing).
  • Horse riding along the beach.
  • Spa and wellness treatments.
  • Private dhow charters, island picnics and romantic experiences.
Document Downloads
Rates:

2026 Rates

FACTS:

Fact Sheet

IMAGE LIBRARY:

Visit our Image Library where you can download images in any size

OTHER KEY DOCUMENTS:

Activities and Experiences

Children Activities

Villa Types