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Benguerra ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE
Paradise found
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.
Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park, Mozambique
Closest airport: Vilanculos Airport (VNX)
10-minute scenic helicopter transfer to Benguerra Island
Year-round island destination
Exceptional marine biodiversity
Ideal for couples & families
Low risk malaria area and child-friendly destination
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.
Perfect combination with a safari in Southern Africa with direct flights from Kruger and Johannesburg followed by helicopter access to the island.
Explore the islands and reefs on a marine safari with snorkeling, scuba diving, dune climbing, and island picnics.
An incredible local team, including your own private villa host look after your every need and make your experience come alive.
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.
Beach Villas:
US$ 955 – US$ 1 950
per person per night
Exclusive Use Villas:
US$ 5 715 – US$ 8 995
per villa per night
Daily flights between Johannesburg and Vilanculos. A few weekly flights between Nelspruit and Vilanculos.
10-min scenic helicopter flight between Vilanculos and Benguerra Island
All Villas:
All ages
A safe paradise for children. Highly recommended as there are numerous activities and experiences geared for guests of all ages.
Nestled along the beach offering all the creature comforts you could wish for, are 18 villas each with a beachfront location, en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, beachside sala and a private plunge pool. Each villa has a dedicated Mozambican butler-hosts to look after your every need.
The 3 Beach Villas are the most affordable option and are wonderfully private. Larger than the Beach Villas, but with the same amenities, the 3 Luxury Beach Villas are perfect for honeymoon couples. The 10 Infinity Beach Villas are extremely popular and suited to couples who want to linger in their own private space. The villas are romantic and give a real sense of relaxed beach life.
The newest and largest additions are the 2 Royal Beach Villas which come complete with a full lounge, a 10m rim flow infinity pool, jacuzzi, a poolside sitting pavilion, and a daybed, as well as a beachside sala. These are ideal for families and the sofas in the lounge area can be converted into two beds for children under 16 years. These villas also have 2 bathrooms. Children in the lounge do not share a bathroom with their parents.
Azura Retreats’ vision was to provide the ultimate in private luxury hideaways in stunning undiscovered destinations.
The interiors are light filled and inspired by a contemporary nautical theme, you can fall out of bed and directly into the lagoon for your morning swim (or kayak).
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.
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.
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.
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
- 18 beachfront villas and 2 exclusive use villas; Villa Amizade and Presidential Villa — all with ocean-front position, elevated decks and direct beach access.
- Each villa comes with a dedicated Mozambican butler-host to attend to meals, drinks, and guest needs throughout the stay.
- Private or semi-private outdoor-indoor bathrooms/showers.
- Shared main swimming pool plus villa-level private (or plunge) pools at villas.
- Lounge-bar, open-plan dining and social spaces, with relaxed beachfront and poolside ambiance.
- Boutique trading store on site (local crafts, clothing, souvenirs).
- WiFi available across the property.
- Dining: breakfasts, lunches and dinners – including beach-side, pool-side, and open-air beach-dinner options; weekly beach BBQs; flexible meal settings.
Activities (Included)
- Direct access to a pristine white-sand beach for swimming, walking, beach lounging and sunset views.
- Sunset sailing cruises on traditional dhows — a relaxed way to enjoy the ocean and coastal scenery.
- Optional kayak / paddle-board / small-boat or speedboat rides around the reefs or nearby islets.
Available (Extra Cost)
- Private picnics on sandbanks or remote beaches — including “Paradise Island” day trips with snorkelling & lunch.
- Access to a fully equipped 5-Star PADI dive centre for diving and snorkelling — including trips to the nearby famed reef (e.g. “Two-Mile Reef”).
- Guided snorkelling excursions, boat-based snorkelling, and reef exploration.
- Deep-sea and tag-and-release fishing expeditions, for game fish such as marlin, sailfish, giant trevally — ideal for anglers.
- Island-hop excursions: day trips to nearby islands or secluded sandbanks — for snorkelling, picnics, beach walks or exploring remote spots.
- Whale-watching (seasonal — during migration periods) and marine-wildlife viewing (dolphins, turtles, reef fish) for nature lovers.
- In-villa or beachfront spa/wellness treatments; massages and relaxation for couples or individuals.
- Use of the nearby Peri Peri Beach Club — pool, bar, dining, beach-club vibe and spa facilities (by boat transfer).
- Private transfers (helicopter / boat) from/via mainland airport to Benguerra Island — logistics support for arrival/departure.
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.
- 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.
High-resolution images available for download showing accommodation, surroundings, and activities.
Visit our Image Library where you can download images in any size
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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 well-known island destination, Marlin Lodge closed in 2012 after a fire and has now been reintroduced as Azura Marlin Beach. Set along a one-kilometre stretch of beach, the retreat offers 10 contemporary villas that combine modern design with African and Portuguese influences. Each villa is arranged to provide privacy and uninterrupted ocean views, creating a calm and comfortable beachfront stay.
Azura Marlin Beach is located on Benguerra Island within the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park. Its setting offers long beach walks, clear shallows, and easy access to ocean-based activities. The combination of spacious villas, relaxed indoor–outdoor living, and coastal surroundings makes this a welcoming island retreat.
Guests also have access to sister property Azura Benguerra Island and the Peri Peri Beach Club.
Beach Villas:
From US$ 775 – 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
All Villas:
All ages
A safe paradise for children. Highly recommended as there are numerous activities and experiences geared for guests of all ages.
The Beach Villas at Azura Marlin Beach offer a relaxed coastal stay with direct access onto the sand and wide views of the Indian Ocean. Each villa features a light-filled bedroom, indoor–outdoor bathroom, and a private deck positioned just above the shoreline. Natural textures and contemporary styling create an inviting space to unwind, whether enjoying the first light over the water or returning from a day of island excursions. Designed for couples or small families, these villas provide a simple, elegant base for beachfront living on Benguerra Island.
The Beach Villa Grandes offer a more spacious interpretation of island living, with extended interiors and private plunge pools overlooking the beach. Generous decks flow from the villa onto the sand, creating an effortless connection to the ocean. Inside, the villas include larger lounging areas and an indoor–outdoor bathroom that enhances the sense of space. Ideal for guests wanting additional comfort and privacy, the Beach Villa Grandes combine refined coastal design with exclusive, poolside relaxation.
Villa Vista is the signature family accommodation at Azura Marlin Beach, set in an elevated position with sweeping views across the ocean. The villa brings together two connected bedroom suites with a central lounge and dining area, offering ample room for families or two couples travelling together. A wide outdoor deck, complete with private pool and shaded seating, creates a natural gathering space for long, easy island days. With its generous layout, quiet setting, and direct beach access, Villa Vista provides a spacious and comfortable retreat for those seeking a premium beachfront stay.
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.
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
- Ten beachfront villas: Beach Villas, Beach Villa Grandes, and one spacious Villa Vista — all with ocean-front position, elevated decks and direct beach access.
- Each villa comes with a dedicated Mozambican butler-host to attend to meals, drinks, and guest needs throughout the stay.
- Private or semi-private outdoor-indoor bathrooms/showers; Beach Villa Grandes or Villa Vista offer extra space – ideal for couples, families or groups.
- Shared main swimming pool plus villa-level private (or plunge) pools at select villas.
- Lounge-bar, open-plan dining and social spaces, with relaxed beachfront and poolside ambiance.
- Boutique trading store on site (local crafts, clothing, souvenirs).
- WiFi available across the property.
- Dining: breakfasts, lunches and dinners – including beach-side, pool-side, and open-air beach-dinner options; weekly beach BBQs; flexible meal settings.
Activities (Included)
- Direct access to a pristine white-sand beach for swimming, walking, beach lounging and sunset views.
- Sunset sailing cruises on traditional dhows — a relaxed way to enjoy the ocean and coastal scenery.
- Optional kayak / paddle-board / small-boat or speedboat rides around the reefs or nearby islets.
Available (Extra Cost)
- Private picnics on sandbanks or remote beaches — including “Paradise Island” day trips with snorkelling & lunch.
- Access to a fully equipped 5-Star PADI dive centre for diving and snorkelling — including trips to the nearby famed reef (e.g. “Two-Mile Reef”).
- Guided snorkelling excursions, boat-based snorkelling, and reef exploration.
- Deep-sea and tag-and-release fishing expeditions, for game fish such as marlin, sailfish, giant trevally — ideal for anglers.
- Island-hop excursions: day trips to nearby islands or secluded sandbanks — for snorkelling, picnics, beach walks or exploring remote spots.
- Whale-watching (seasonal — during migration periods) and marine-wildlife viewing (dolphins, turtles, reef fish) for nature lovers.
- In-villa or beachfront spa/wellness treatments; massages and relaxation for couples or individuals.
- Use of the nearby Peri Peri Beach Club — pool, bar, dining, beach-club vibe and spa facilities (by boat transfer).
- Private transfers (helicopter / boat) from/via mainland airport to Benguerra Island — logistics support for arrival/departure.
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.
- 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.
High-resolution images available for download showing accommodation, surroundings, and activities.
Visit our Image Library where you can download images in any size
OTHER KEY DOCUMENTS: