Following the unfortunate fire at Azura last month, we wanted to update you on the timetable for re-opening.
Azura are pleased to announce that all of the buildings that were affected by the fire are structurally sound and work has already begun on refitting them. Azura's contractor has indicated repairs will take a maximum of 5-6 months to complete. The Government has given Azura special import clearance and pledged their full commitment and assistance in helping them get back up and running as quickly as possible.
Azura anticipate that the lodge will be up and running again at the end of July 2009.
Please call us here at Expert Africa for further details.
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Azura Mozambique, or 'Azura Lodge' as it's often simply referred to, lies on the western coast of Benguerra Island; it is the newest beach lodge to be built on the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Azura's owners include nationals of Mozambique, and also Chris and Stella Bettany – who were previously closely involved with the Banyan Tree, in the Seychelles; between they have an excellent background in both local logistics – and setting up luxurious island resorts. During our recent stay, Chris was often to be seen working with staff and his determination to have very high standards here was very clear.
Transferring from the airstrip by 4WD, you arrive at the main lodge and on entering will be struck by the beautiful interior design, the wonderful views over the white-sand beach and (if the tide is in!) turquoise sea beyond.
As well as being a very stylish boutique hotel, the owners have gone all out to make this beach escape as eco- and community-friendly as possible. During building, rather than bring in outside contractors, the owners employed almost exclusively local islanders, teaching them new skills to enable them to go on to find employment after completion of the lodge. In addition, about 90% of the staff now employed at Azura Mozambique are from the islands or from nearby towns on the mainland, and the lodge is committed to teaching all its employees English and the skills required to operate in the tourism industry. Many lodges claim such eco-credentials; we've seen those at Azura, and are impressed.
Guests are asked for their understanding and to recognise that English is not most employees' first or even second language, and that many staff had had little more than rudimentary education when Azura lodge opened. Having said that we found the standard of English very good and the service attentive on our visit in April 2008.
Azura Mozambique has 14 villas and there are also plans to build a 'presidential villa' in the next year or so. These villas are charmingly designed with traditional Mozambiquan shaggy-thatched roofs, and chic interiors, and are positioned along the edge of a fine sandy beach. There are two different types of villa here – Infinity Beach Villas and Luxury Beach Villas; the differences between the different types are very small. (Read more about the villas here... )
If you tire of dozing on the beach there are plenty of activities on offer around Azura beach lodge. Water activities centre around scuba diving, snorkelling trips, big game and salt water fly fishing (catch and release policy), island hopping and relaxed sunset dhow cruises. The reefs are pristine and abundant with a great variety of fish and corals, and dolphins are often spotted whilst en route to and from dive and snorkelling sites – we spotted dolphins on one of our two boat trips in the area!
Dry land activities might include island drives and picnics on Bazaruto Island, visits to the dunes and to the fresh-water inland lakes (where crocodile sightings are possible), and also a massage or treatment in Azura's spa.
To conclude - We found Azura Mozambique to be the most elegant beach lodge on these islands; the food is excellent and we enjoyed the activities. But what really impressed us was that the staff consistently go the extra mile – their many thoughtful touches and attention to detail reflecting the lodge's generally caring ethos.
We loved it, and this is all the more impressive considering how new Azura is!
Ideal length of stay: At least four nights - with five to seven nights being ideal
Central facilities: Azura has a stylish bar area and lounge, and outdoor decks with tables and sun-umbrellas which overlook the beach. There is a chill-out room which has internet room, a large flat-screen TV and also a library. By the reception you will find a small curio shop with a selection of African artifacts, designer clothes and basic necessities.
There is also a dive centre (including a dive pool for learners) and gym, and a fishing centre at Azura lodge. The spa is currently being finished off (April 2008) and should be open shortly – by around August 2008.
Directions: The flight with Pelican Air from Johannesburg to Vilanculos takes about 2 hours. It is then a 15 minute hop on a small plane (or, optionally, a helicopter – at extra cost) to Benguerra airstrip. Azura Mozambique will pick you up in its 4WD for the 10 minute road transfer to the lodge.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: The food that we had at Azura Mozambique was of excellent quality. Meals are generally based on delicious fresh seafood and you will often see one of the fishermen bringing your dinner up from the sea in the afternoon! (If you don't like fish you will need to let us know in advance so that the lodge can make special arrangements.)
For breakfast you will be offered tea and coffee and smoothie of the day. There is a selection of cereal and yoghurts available, as well as a full cooked breakfast if you like.
At lunch there is usually a light starter such as soup (we had a delicious sweetcorn curry soup one day), fresh bread and then a choice of two mains. Azure usually offers a fish option such as calamari or catch of the day, and a non-fish option. A pudding is also served!
At dinner you will be treated to another 3 course meal: there is a choice of starters and again a choice of two main courses. One night at Azura we enjoyed a tasty lobster terrine to start, then curried prawns with coconut rice for main and tiramisu for pudding.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Each room at Azura lodge is allocated its own butler. Being honest … before we arrived, we were dubious about having a 'butler', with all the word's colonial overtones. However, the reality was José – who was great! We got to know him, and he looked after us really well - bringing us drinks, organizing our activities, and generally making sure that we had what we wanted. José was in his early 20s, spoke good English, and was pleased to be here after previously working at a lodge on the mainland.
There is a phone in the rooms to the main lodge if you need anything, and it's possible to arrange meals in your room (at an extra charge).
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Soft drinks, local spirits and beers, house wine and bottled water are included at Azura. Any other wines, premium brand drinks or specially imported items will be charged for. The tap water here is drinkable but bottled water is provided in the rooms.
Special interests
Honeymoons: Azura Mozambique is a wonderfully romantic lodge, perfect for a relaxing honeymoon. The rooms are private and have bath-tubs big enough for two and outside showers. Thoughtful touches like candle-lit dinners and activities like day trips to deserted beaches make this a great destination for honeymooners.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Mozambique
Beach holidays: The beaches on Benguerra Island are beautiful: fine sand with thousands of shells everywhere. The waters on the island's western side, around Azura Mozambique, are generally calm, whilst the ocean on the eastern side can be rougher. Tidal variations are great - at low tide it may be a couple of kilometres to the sea!
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Mozambique
Diving & snorkelling: Azura has a PADI Dive Centre with new, top-of-the-range 'Scubapro' equipment. The reefs are rich in a variety of fish and coral species, and offer a range of depths and reef topography to suit beginner and experienced divers, and snorkellers too.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for diving & snorkelling in Mozambique
Wellbeing: The spa at Azura lodgeis due to be completed shortly, and we expect the treatments here to be very high quality. The lodge employs a very professional therapist who will come to your room to carry out treatments. Already on offer are body rubs, body wraps, a variety of massage treatments and aromatherapy baths.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for wellbeing in Mozambique
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are welcome.
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions, but please note that Azura is in a malarial area.
Activities: Child-minders are available for a nominal fee but may not be English-speaking.
Equipment: Cots and spare beds can be set up in the rooms for parents with young children.
Generally recommended for children: Azura Mozambique is designed primarily as a honeymoon lodge, and for couples, but children are welcome.
Central communications
Communications: The island usually has mobile reception. Telephone calls can be made from the Azura lodge's telephone for an additional charge. Free internet is also available and there is a WiFi area in the television lounge.
TV & radio: There is a television room and satellite channels are available. There are no televisions in the rooms.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The managers and diving instructor are first-aid trained and medical supplies are kept on site. Medivac can be called out in an emergency.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Azura has guards on site 24 hours a day.
Fire safety: There are extinguishers on the balconies of all rooms and in the common areas. A fire evacuation procedure is in place.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Included
Money: There are electronic safes in the rooms.
Accepted payment: Credit cards (3.5% commission is charged) and major currencies are accepted.
Azura Mozambique review
Azura lived up to expectations. It was the icing on the cake!
The villas are spacious, airy and private with lovely views of the sea. Each has a lovely garden full of birds. The furnishings are sty...
We want you to understand more about Azura Mozambique. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Homepage for the lodge This fairly stylish website isn't strong on lots of hard information - but it's pretty good, and we'd expect it to improve as the lodge establishes itself.
