GETAWAYS: AZURA, MOZAMBIQUE

Azura, Benguerra Island, Mozambique +27 767 050599

LOCATION: Azura luxury eco resort is located on the remote island of Benguerra, off the coast of Mozambique. It lies within the Bazaruto Marine National Park. It is 10 minutes by air from Vilanculos.

ROOMS: 16 villas, each with a private pool

THE ROOM TO BOOK: Get a few friends together and stay in the Presidential Villa,  a three bedroom beachfront complex, including a split-level master suite, 16-metre pool, treehouse lounge area, and wine bar. If you can’t manage a group of 6, two-bedroom Villa Amizade (pictured) is the next best option.

HIGHLIGHT: For a deserted island, there is actually plenty to keep you occupied on Benguerra, so if lying on the beach or by the pool for more than a day bores you, check out Azura’s long activity list. Snorkeling, scuba diving, landrover cruises, dhow sailing, whale watching, and fishing are just the start of your options.

DINING: Jelly Fish, is the resort’s main restaurant, which serves up modern Portuguese food using Mozambican ingredients. Don’t miss the chef’s weekly seven-course tasting menu, or a romantic dinner in the abandoned wooden ‘dhow’ boat. Ask your butler about other dining options on the island.

SPA: Enjoy a traditional African foot washing ritual upon arrival at this beachfront spa. Feeling a little fancy? Try the ‘Diamonds are Forever’ scrub, in which you’ll be rubbed down with 5 carat genuine diamond dust.

RATES: Double rooms from USD 1,470. Rates include all meals, most drinks, butler service, a 15-minute massage upon arrival, a Landrover drive around the island, a dhow cruise at sunset, laundry, and medical insurance.