About Anantara Bazaruto
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort and Spa, was previously known as Indigo Bay Island Resort and part of the ...
... Rani chain of resorts and hotels. (Prior to that it was simply called Indigo Bay, and before that Sabal Lodge stood here!) It re-opened on this idyllic beach in 2011, having been taken over by the Anantara chain. It's a substantial place – indicated by the fact that golf carts are used to move guests and luggage between the rooms, and it has plenty of facilities for the more active of sun-worshippers, and is also a good choice for families.
Anantara Island Resort is a very friendly place, with bags of facilities, good food and a very laid back atmosphere. For active people and families this is a very good option.
Our view
Anantara Island Resort is a very friendly place, with bags of facilities, good food and a very laid back atmosphere. For active people and families this is a very good option.
Country manager: Mozambique
Accommodation
43 rooms
Children
Open
All year
Activities
Boat trip
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Horse-riding
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Traveller reviews of Anantara Bazaruto
8 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Anantara Beach Holiday
6 days • 1 location • 1 country
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT
Enjoy a range of land and water-based activities from Anantara Bazaruto Beach Resort and Spa. A great destination for families, it offers something to keep all ages entertained as well as ample opportunity for utter relaxation.
Visiting Bazaruto Archipelago
US$2,940 - US$6,000 per person
Anantara Bazaruto: Our full report
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort and Spa, was previously known as Indigo Bay Island Resort and part of the ...
... Rani chain of resorts and hotels. (Prior to that it was simply called Indigo Bay, and before that Sabal Lodge stood here!) It re-opened on this idyllic beach in 2011, having been taken over by the Anantara chain. It's a substantial place – indicated by the fact that golf carts are used to move guests and luggage between the rooms, and it has plenty of facilities for the more active of sun-worshippers, and is also a good choice for families.
There are a number of different bars and restaurants at Anantara Bazaruto – so guests have a real variety of options for eating and drinking. The first is just as you pass through reception and looks almost English in style, with polished wooden floors, wooden chairs, Persian rugs on the floor and white-washed walls. This bar and restaurant serves drinks and light snacks throughout most of the day and you can order lunch here if you want.
Head further on down the stairs, towards the beach and first swimming pool, and you find another bar. This specialises in cocktails and is where guests tend to gather before dinner which is served in the open-air buffet restaurant just nearby. This restaurant is on a stone terrace that has an uninterrupted view across the beach and sea. Depending on the height of the tide sometimes the team here will set a few tables on the sand as well.
A short walk north, up the beach and you will find a second swimming pool, which has been designed to look like natural spring water cascading out of a cliff. By this pool is another bar and restaurant that serves drinks and snacks throughout the day. Lunch is normally served here.
Anantara Bazaruto has many facilities for the more active guest. There is a well-equipped gym which has running machines, a cross trainer, bicycle and weight machines. There is also a fantastic water-sports centre where you can arrange activities such as snorkelling, diving, waterskiing, wake-boarding, kayaking, deep-sea or fly-fishing and stand-up paddle boarding.
Land based activities include island drives, tennis and even a 'qolf course' - this is a mix between croquet and golf. A more relaxing option is to head to the extensive spa, located high on a hill above the resort. There are a number of treatment rooms, jacuzzi and steam rooms and a wide variety of massages, waxes, manicures and pedicures are available.
Non-motorised watersports are included, as are all the land-based activities apart from the island-drive and spa treatments which are an additional cost.
Anantara Bazaruto also has a well-equipped kids club, with toys, a TV and a Playstation. This makes it the most family friendly place in the Bazaruto which can make it quite hectic around the pool area during school holidays!
There is also the stunning beach of course. However it is important to note that immediately in front of the lodge is a band of rock in the sand that is about three metres wide. At high tide it is possible to swim right over this, however when the tide is lower you will need reef shoes to walk over it and reach the sea.
There are a number of different room types at Anantara Bazaruto. All are similar in design and style, though they vary in size.
The simplest rooms are the 30 Beach Villas - you enter these rooms through the back where there is a small vestibule for hanging your clothes. There is also a tea and coffee making station here, as well as a digital safe. Of these the 8 upgraded Beach Pool villas also have the addition of a private plunge pool.
To one side is the large modern bathroom with cream tiled floors, a sink set into a black and grey marble surface, a large bath by a big window looking out towards the sea, and an indoor and outdoor shower. Toiletries are provided for you, as are luxurious bathrobes and slippers.
The bedroom and lounge is a large open plan area. The large kingsized bed (or twin beds) sits beneath mosquito netting and looks across to the lounge where there is a comfortable cream sofa and coffee table. There is also a TV and a writing desk and every room has air-conditioning. The rooms are decorated in cool creams and blues – with pale wood furniture. The result is modern and good quality, bright and spacious. For those who are looking for a resort-style hotel room it would be perfect.
The 12 Deluxe Seaview Pool Villas are designed to be much more private and are much larger. Each has two en-suite bedrooms, an indoor and outdoor dining area, a private sala and splash-pool, lounge and kitchen. Guests can eat here and may never need to use the communal areas if they don't want to. All are extremely modern and spacious and are set slightly higher up the hill so have great views.
For those really wanting to splash out there is also the Executive Suite with king-size bedroom, en-suite bathroom, vast lounge, private veranda and private plunge pool. Then the Presidential Villa which is vast and includes a swimming pool. It two rooms, one with a king-size bed and the other is a twin room, each is ensuite.
Geographics
- Location
- Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
- Ideal length of stay
- There are a lot of activities on offer at Anantara Bazaruto and so it would be easy to spend at least five nights here.
- Directions
- It is a two hour flight from Johannesburg to the town of Vilanculos on Mozambique's mainland, with Airlink. On arrival you will be met and transferred to a helicopter which will take you over to Bazaruto Island and Anantara Bazaruto. After landing it is a short road transfer of only a few minutes to the lodge. There is also the option to go by road and boat, which is complimentary.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- When we stayed at what was then Indigo Bay, we were impressed with the food. When it is busy each meal is served as a buffet, as it was when we where there but it was all very fresh and tasty. When the resort is quieter they offer an á la carte menu.
For breakfast there was a vast spread of pastries, fresh bread, fruit and cooked breakfast items. There was also a cooking station where you could order freshly cooked eggs made to your liking. Juice, tea and coffee were also on offer.
We didn't have lunch when we stayed here, but were told that the buffet is much like the one served at dinner - and this we did get to try. Starters on offer included feta cheese salad, salmon tartar, orange and calamari salad, sardines wrapped in bacon and spring rolls. Main courses included tuna, calamari or steak with roasted vegetables, baked potatoes and pasta, chicken curry and rice. We then had a delicious fruit pavlova for desert followed by freshly made coffee. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included, but smoothies, cocktails, premium branded spirits and cellar wines are an additional cost.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Set on an idyllic beach, Anantara Bazaruto is well suited to Mozambique family holidays, offering a laid-back atmosphere and great food. It caters for children of all ages with cots, play equipment, a kids’ playroom with toys, a TV and a Playstation.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Mozambique
- Diving & snorkelling
- The reefs around Bazaruto Island are in excellent condition, making Anantara Bazaruto a great choice for keen divers and snorkellers. With its own dive centre on site, it’s easy to explore the vibrant marine life from this laid-back island retreat.
- See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Mozambique
- Luxury
- The villas at Anantara Bazaruto are bright, spacious and stylish – some even have their own private splash-pool. With a pampering spa, two lovely swimming pools and plenty of activities, it’s perfect for a varied relaxing luxury beach escape!
- See ideas for Luxury in Mozambique
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The lodge will gladly welcome children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- Anantara Bazaruto cannot offer child-minding but they do have a kids play area with numerous toys, TV and a Sony Playstation. Parents can leave their children to play here when it is open during the day.
- Equipment
- Anantara Bazaruto has cots and high chairs.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes, it is good for children. Though parents should note that Mozambique is a malarial area.
Communications
- Communications
- There is a business centre with a computer that is connected to the internet. The bar area also has free WiFi. There is no cell phone reception here.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV in all of the rooms.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Anantara Bazaruto has a nurse on site which is available 24 hours a day, and there is also a dispensary located here. For more serious cases they have links to medevac.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are 24 security guards on duty at any one time.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers by every room – these are serviced regularly and staff are trained how to use them.
Activities
Boat trip
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Horse-riding
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included, and is machine-washed and line dried.
- Money
- Anantara Bazaruto can exchange euros, US dollars, South African rand and Metical. They cannot exchange British pounds.
- Accepted payment on location
- Bills can be settled in cash using Euros, US dollars, South African rand and Metical but not British pounds. MasterCard and Visa are also accepted and there is no surcharge. Amex and traveller's cheques are not accepted at Anantara Bazaruto.
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Anantara Bazaruto's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Anantara Bazaruto.
Other lodges in Bazaruto Archipelago
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Azura Benguerra
Azura Benguerra is very chic and romantic, with particularly good service and food. The choice of activities is wide, and its spa is top-notch!
Bazaruto Lodge
Bazaruto Lodge is a friendly and efficiently run resort which is great value, with a laid-back, Mediterranean charm that would suit couples and families.
Benguerra Lodge
The oldest lodge in the archipelago, Benguerra has a North African feel amidst tropical gardens. It's a peaceful destination for couples, and children's chalets make it good-value for families.
Azura Marlin Beach
Set on a stunning beach, Azura Marlin Beach is due to open in mid 2020. We are anticipating a luxurious lodge with high standards for food and service.
Dugong Lodge
Dugong Beach Lodge is a stylish property on a remote stretch of beach just south of Vilanculos. For the level of luxury you get here, this is a very good value lodge albeit not actually on the Bazaruto Islands.
When to go to Bazaruto Archipelago
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Anantara Bazaruto in Bazaruto Archipelago
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mozambique in January
January is one of the wettest, hottest and most humid months in Mozambique, with average daytime temperatures reaching the low 30s °C, dropping only to around 24°C at night. Although the rain falls mostly as tropical downpours in late afternoon/evening, with the rest of the time sunny, there are definitely better times to visit.
Diving is generally good, but visibility can be limited. Dolphins are abundant, but humpback whales have moved out and this is the last month with a reasonable chance of spotting whale sharks and manta rays. On beaches, turtles lay their eggs and by the end of the month some are beginning to hatch.
After the busy Christmas/New Year period lodges are almost empty, so it’s a good time to avoid the “crowds”.
- One of the wettest & hottest months, with high humidity
- Diving is fair but visibility can be poor
- Great for dolphin viewing
- Turtles laying eggs, which begin to hatch by end of month
- The low season so lodges much quieter, but for a reason
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in January
Mozambique in February
The hot, wet weather continues, with rainfall at its peak in February in the south, and temperatures as high as those experienced in January; this is also the start of the cyclone season. Such storms are relatively rare but when they do occur they bring widespread devastation and disruption. Although the sea is wonderfully warm, beaches can be pretty windy and diving at this time of the year can be more challenging, with choppier waters and sometimes pretty poor visibility.
As such, lodges tend to have good availability. The chances of seeing manta rays and whale sharks are minimal now, but turtles are still laying eggs followed by hatchlings making a dash for the ocean.
- Rain & hot weather peaks, as does the humidity
- Start of the cyclone season
- Diving conditions can be more challenging
- Great month for turtle watching
- Warm seas
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in February
Mozambique in March
Rainfall is still high, peaking in the north – where it continues for longer than in the south – and the threat of tropical cyclones remains (2019 saw Idai wreak havoc). Temperatures fall ever so slightly but it’s still hot, with daily temperatures averaging 30°C and nights around 23°C. It’s still pretty humid but this begins to drop away towards the end of the month when the weather generally starts to improve.
Diving, as in previous months, can be OK with warm seas, but conditions are unpredictable, and visibility is still only fair. Of the key marine species, only dolphins are now regularly seen and the last of the turtle hatchlings make for the sea. Availability is usually good, but when Easter falls in March, lodges can get booked up early.
- Rainfall eases but still a chance of significant downpours
- Cyclones remain a threat
- Diving is reasonable, but visibility can be hit and miss
- Turtle spotting excellent
- Although low season, Easter can get booked up quickly
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Mozambique in April
Although rain still lingers in the north, the rainy season in the south draws to an end. Temperatures are still high but as the rain peters out, humidity drops considerably and so it feels much more comfortable. There is still a small risk of tropical cyclones (as in 2019, when cyclone Kenneth hit), but these are usually extremely rare.
Diving conditions improve with increased visibility and the sea is still warm, so April can be a lovely month for diving or a beach holiday. It is also excellent for fishing, with most of the game fish species being present. Lodges begin to see more visitors and can get especially busy over Easter.
- Rainy season comes to an end in the south
- Good weather for a beach holiday sets in
- Diving, improves with increased visibility & warm seas
- Excellent fishing conditions
- Visitor numbers begin to increase, especially around Easter
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Mozambique in May
As the rains cease in the north, May marks the start of the dry season across Mozambique (although the odd freak cyclone has been known to make landfall, this is exceptional). The days are warm and sunny, with low humidity and temperatures around 27°C, while evenings start to cool to around 16°C. It’s a really good month to visit coastal areas and as such the lodges get a bit busier and prices start to rise.
Diving continues to improve with good visibility and calm waters, and the excellent game fishing conditions continue. Lastly, Mozambique’s biggest international music festival, Azgo, takes place in Maputo during May.
- Start of the dry season: virtually no rainfall & humidity drops
- Diving continues to improve with good visibility & calm seas
- Excellent fishing conditions continue
- Azgo international music festival in Maputo
- Lodges get busier & prices increase
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Mozambique in June
Good weather continues with pleasantly warm days, clear skies and a bit of a breeze – ideal for a relaxing beach holiday. Diving conditions are near perfect with good visibility, though note that sea temperatures are dropping by a couple of degrees. Southern right whales start appearing along the coastline. The excellent deep-sea fishing continues. On Ibo Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, 24 June sees the Feast of St John the Baptist – celebrated as Kueto Siriwala (“to not forget your roots”) day. Expect dhow races as well as traditional music and dance.
Lodges are getting busier and with Mozambique’s month-long summer holiday beginning in late June, it’s advisable to book well in advance. This is one of the best months and prices increase, reflecting the move into this peak season.
- Weather now very good
- Southern right whales start appearing along the coast
- Diving conditions are superb
- Kueto Siriwala festival on Ibo
- Lodges getting busier & therefore prices higher
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Mozambique in July
The dry season is now in full swing so clear blue skies abound. Warm, sunny days and cool evenings continue, with average temperatures between 25°C during the day and 16°C at night. July is definitely one of the best months to visit the Mozambique coast, though beaches can be a little windy. Humpback whales begin making their long annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters off East Africa to calve; if you’re lucky you may get to see them, especially at the end of the month.
Diving and snorkelling conditions are reaching optimum levels with generally excellent visibility, though the water is now chilly by Mozambique standards. Fishing is still very good for most game species. Lodges are filling up due to northern hemisphere school holidays.
- Warm sunny days & cool evenings
- Diving conditions now almost perfect
- Humpback whales begin arriving
- Fishing still very good
- School holiday time, so lodges are filling up
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Mozambique in August
As in July, the days are lovely and warm – great for lying on a beach, though there’s a slight chill to the evenings and the sea is at its coolest at around 16°C. This is one of the best times to visit Mozambique, and is a great month for diving as visibility now reaches its peak, but it can be a bit windy. Humpback whale numbers are increasing, and manta rays and whale sharks start to appear, though are not a common sighting.
Fishing drops off a bit but some species such as sailfish and queen mackerel are still taking bait. August is very popular – probably the busiest month – so lodges can be quite full and family-friendly resorts will have more children around.
- Days still nice & warm with cooler, but pleasant evenings
- Optimal diving conditions.
- Whales numbers increase; the odd manta ray & whale shark may be seen
- Fishing starts to tail off a little
- Lodges at high occupancy levels, so can be busy
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Mozambique in September
In September, temperatures begin to climb and warm, sunny days continue, although evenings are still cooler (averaging around 28°C in the day and 19°C at night); this is historically the driest month in Mozambique. Whale watching is getting even better as numbers increase and, as in August, diving and snorkelling conditions are excellent with great visibility.
Sightings of whale sharks and manta rays begin to increase, and while dolphins are seen throughout the year, September is the start of the best dolphin-viewing period. The fishing is good with marlin, sailfish and kingfish all possibilities. Although the school holidays have ended it is still high season and still a popular month – it’s our favourite month here.
- Arguably our favourite month
- Temperatures start rising – the weather is beautiful
- Superb diving & snorkelling conditions continue
- Sightings of whale sharks & mantas rays pick up
- Great for dolphin viewing & whales still present in good numbers
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Mozambique in October
October is the hottest of the dry months with daytime temperatures peaking at around 30°C and evenings feeling balmy at around 20°C. With the heat building, the rains can begin right at the end of the month. The fishing is very good, especially for the bigger game fish like marlin.
October is also considered the best month for whale watching, and one of the best for dolphins, which are present in good numbers. The chances of seeing whale sharks and manta rays also increase as the seas warm up; this, and the next two months, are best for sightings. Like August and September, October is also excellent for diving and snorkelling, with superb visibility, thus it’s another popular month, and carries peak season prices.
- Hottest of the dry months
- Excellent whale & dolphin watching
- Chances of seeing whale sharks & mantas increase
- Diving conditions remain excellent
- Fishing for certain game fish species is very good
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Mozambique in November
As the dry season ends and the wet season starts, the weather becomes a lot more unpredictable. Days are very hot with humidity increasing, though rainfall is still fairly low. November heralds the return of turtles coming ashore to nest and lay their eggs. With visibility still pretty clear, diving and snorkelling conditions remain good. There is still a decent chance of seeing humpback whales before they begin heading off towards the end of the month, whilst sightings of whale sharks and manta rays remain good, and dolphin sightings excellent.
Fishing for certain species, especially kingfish and marlin, remains excellent. It’s no longer high season so prices of some lodges come down.
- Days hot but weather becomes a somewhat unpredictable
- Diving still good
- Start of the turtle-nesting season; humpback whales begin to leave
- Good month for dolphins, whale sharks & mantas
- Lodge prices starting to come down
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Mozambique in December
Days are still hot, with rising humidity making it feel a lot stickier. Average daytime temperatures hit 31°C+, with evenings around 23°C. December is one of the rainiest months, but expect short sharp thunderstorms as opposed to lengthy rainfall. The turtle-nesting season is now in full swing, so seeing females laying their eggs becomes a possibility. As humpback whales head back south, sightings become scarce, but dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays are still present in good numbers.
Fishing for marlin, bonito and kingfish is still excellent. Sea visibility is generally good, but it can become a little hit and miss as the sun and warm seas encourage plankton blooms. Christmas and New Year are very popular periods despite invariably carrying price supplements.
- Days are hot & a lot more humid
- Turtles laying their eggs on beaches
- Whale season is now largely over
- Dolphins, whale sharks & mantas are still present
- Christmas & New Year get booked up early, & cost more
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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