Luxury beach lodge. 6 Chalets (2 Beds ensuite), 2 Villas (3 bedrooms ensuite) with pools and lounge. Main area with pool and bar. Situated on the pristine Govuro river estuary mouth in the northern Bazaruto archipelago. Amazing honeymoon, corporate and family beach experience, birding, kayaking, awesome fishing, snorkeling; real value for money. All meals and wonderful staff, beautiful natural wood finish and decor.
My family and I are very fortunate to have travelled a fair bit- a few places in Africa and across Europe. Within 24 hours of arriving at Rio Azul, we had reached a consensus that Rio Azul is THE most beautiful place we have ever been to.
The lodge is situated in the Inhassoro district, a 1.5 hour drive from Vilankulos. It is nestled in the dunes between the Guvoru lagoon and the ocean. What this means is that the lodge has magnificent views of turquoise waters but is well protected from winds.
The area surrounding the lodge can only be described as paradise. It is one of the few places on earth that is not littered or over developed/ commercialised. It is serene and the natural environment has been preserved.
The lodge itself is the perfect combination of luxurious yet unpretentious. The wood and thatch structure of the lodge blends into its surrounds, while the decor and white furniture give a luxurious finish. Photos, regardless of how beautiful cannot do the lodge justice!
The lodge is exceptionally well run. Mark, the manager, is incredibly accommodating and goes above and beyond to provide you with a truly exceptional experience. He organised numerous personalised excursions that will forever remain some of our favourite memories!
Mark’s team are completely wonderful and very easy to build rapport with. From the cleaning ladies to the chefs, to the bartender, waiter, maintenance team and skipper- the service was impeccable! No request is too big and it feels as if the staff are genuinely happy to deliver on every request.
The food was exceptional. We found ourselves frequently saying ‘this is the best xxxx we have EVER had’. James and George catered for fussy eaters and food allergies, ensuring that all guests’ needs were met. A head’s up- Shadreck makes an exceptional Mojito with a Mozambican twist!
We loved every single second at this wonderful spot. We are so grateful to have discovered it and to have had such a special time here. The greatest testament to our experience is that before our 7 days were up, we had already booked a 10 day return trip for 2022. We cannot wait to be back!
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had an incredible experience! I could not recommend it more highly. We were fortunate enough to have booked over New Year, which coincided with the owners, John and Jane, who were incredibly warm and welcoming.
Location: Amazing. Completely secluded from other lodges, beach and estuary to yourselves - would give the location a 6/5 - truly special.
Food: James (Head Chef) knows what he is doing. The food is simple yet wholesome and delicious. You will also never go hungry as they cater for absolutely everyone.
Rooms: We stayed in a chalet (number 4), which was heaven. Arguably the best chalet - although 3 would be a good debate too. Perfect balance between rustic luxury with all the comforts you could want.
Activities: One of the most active holidays I have had. Of course, you could chill in your private chalet/villa and read or lounge by the pool for hours, but there was so much beauty to explore for us. The tinnies (estuary boats) are a great addition, making getting around very easy. Mark (lodge manager) was exceptional and had a great understanding of what we would be keen for. We did BD island, Paradise Island, to name a few, and I would recommend them. Mark really goes out of his way to ensure your stay is a happy one.
Shadrack (Head barman), Gildo (Headwaiter) and all staff are excellent and attentive.
We honestly can't wait to be back!
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Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â If you have 3+ get a villa - if you are a couple ask for room 3/4.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Rio Azul adventure began straight off the plane. Bruno, our transfer driver, kept us entertained all the way to lodge, doing the ‘jigga jigga’ around the famous Mozambican potholes and made sure we had a custom coolbox with drinks and snacks for the drive. As we stepped foot into the lodge we just knew we could leave crazy day to day life behind. We were personally greeted by each staff member to meet the team, with a delicious coconut welcome drink and beautiful presented snack to warm the appetite. A small glimpse of what was in store for us for the rest of our stay. The lodge is tasteful designed with comfy, crisp white furniture inside and out. The Deck area is the place to be to stare endlessly out at the magnificent blue water under the shade of the trees that nestle the deck like a luxurious tree house. Or drink the Mozambique local, 2M beers on a pool lounger around the pool. The lodge has a very peaceful atmosphere, making sure you always have a very homely feel, and you can truly just kick back and relax. Private rooms where you can literally sleep with the door open to enjoy the cool evening breeze tucked under the Mozzie net. A trip to BD island is a must for anyone staying at Rio Azul. An island that only exists at low tide is something quite special to see. The team ensures that all the comforts of the lodge are brought with to the island to enjoy a lunch on what felt like our own private beach. The seafood was out of this world! Freshly caught Crayfish, Prawns, Crab, Calamari, Fish and even Sushi! I don’t think I could ever order seafood from a restaurant again after this indulgence. The Team pulled it out of the bag with the most spectacular beach braai for New Years, where the evening could be enjoyed watching the sunset with our feet in the sand, sipping cocktails, chilling around a giant fire pit listening chilled beats and of course smashing as much seafood as our bellies would allow. We were truly looked after from start to finish, anything the team could do to make the stay perfect was done. Rio Azul is something quite special. We will definitely be back!
John and Louise
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What an incredible place in an amazing location. The furnishings and decor are beautiful, bed, linen and pillows so comfortable, everything is spotless and each sunset exceeded the last. Mark and his team have perfected the art of hospitality. Somehow, they make you feel like you are doing them a favour by asking them to do something for you and the attention to detail is beyond impressive.
Each day held a new experience, from snorkelling at Paradise Island, lunch and shell collecting on BD island, crayfish dinner on the beach, drifting through the mangroves and swimming in that beautiful water.
I celebrated my birthday in the week we were there and I have not experienced a more special birthday from start to finish.
And don't get me started on the food :-)
I could not have imagined a better holiday if I had dreamed it up myself.
Thank you to Mark, Manekas, Carlos, the marvellous chef, and each other member of the team.
The last week has been the stuff memories are made of.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Take something warm at this time of the year. The mornings and evening can be a little chilly.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I found Rio Azul an absolutely wonderful place. It just completely exceeded my expectations! Trip started with the manager telling us not to worry about valuables! What a different start to a holiday when compared to anywhere else around the world. The lodge is remote and we rarely saw anyone else, really peaceful.
It turned out to be a bonus that the lodge actually faces the estuary that leads to the sea, as the sea breeze/wind did not affect our time in the pool or on the deck in front of the accommodation. The beach was a very short walk over the dune behind the lodge.
The staff worked as a team and they really gave me the feeling that they are a well oiled machine. Everyone had their roles and they enjoyed executing them. The staff were really friendly and took pride in delivering their service to us. Nothing was too much trouble.
We went out on a number of excursions that were facilitated by Mark the manager, he really works hard and his attention to detail is amazing. They took umbrellas, chairs, tables, huge number of cooler boxes and food for a lunch on a remote island the one day. It was one of my best experiences ever.
The fishing rods were always close at hand, Mark even set up rods in the water for us to use.
Well done team and we have already booked our return trip! Until we meet again!!!!
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent a truly memorable week at Rio Azul. It was a fishing holiday with a group of old friends. The food was exceptionally - lobster, prawns and crab as well as fresh fish and sashimi.
The location is superb as there is often a wind blowing in from the sea and the lodge is protected from this wind by a large dune.
The staff are beyond helpful and the fishing facilities were world class.
I cannot recommend Rio Azul highly enough.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have just returned from another memorable trip to the amazing Rio Azul. Arriving at the resort was like coming 'home' to where you know you are in a safe, magnificent and pampered environment. Once more team Rio Azul delivered the goods in every which way. The resort itself is beautiful and we loved the upgrades done, the staff as always are superb, the food was delicious and fresh. What more can one want and all this delivered with flair and the biggest smiles. Thank you again for an amazing break during these 'strange times'. We will be back again!
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Date of stay: August 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Always book a villa! Your own pool, a lounge and outdoor dining area with a sand deck just above...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We went there for honeymoon and could not have asked for better. Each night we were treated to freshly cooked seafood on the deck overlooking the estuary. The staff are very friendly and do what they can to help. There is so much to see and do. Wish we had a few more days there!!
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What an incredible holiday we had as a family at Rio Azul. Mark and his team ensured that we had the very best experience of everything - the food was absolutely delicious, rooms super comfortable and luxurious, the main living area beautifully decorated. Mark was an exceptional host and fishing guide and went out of his way to make our trip extra special. The staff are all wonderful - such an incredible team! Thank you from the Saunders family
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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When we decided to spend my birthday at Rio Azul Lodge, we didn't expect it to be so charming and unforgettable. We began to feel enchanted upon our arrival, at Vilanculos airport, with such a warm welcome from the transfer Bruno, the lodge's driver, friendly, conversational and with very controlled driving. This wonderful company made our 2h:30 journey along the potholed roads from villages to Inhassoro much easier. I can't help but mention the warm and delicious crab sausages and the cold drinks that I brought to liven up our journey. Upon arriving at the lodge we were greeted very kindly and warmly by Mark and his incredible team. We spent 3 incredible nights staying at this lodge where every day we were surprised by the good disposition, smiles and constant concern of the staff to make us feel calm and comfortable. Mário, the Bar Man, prepared us delicious cocktails and was always ready to serve us. Mark was impeccable in the way he accompanied our stay during this season, he provided us with some beautiful walks and on my birthday, from breakfast, the picnic on the beach to dinner by the sea, everything was organized with care and to the minimum. detail. From the sushi to the giant grilled lobster, everything was delicious. At the end I still had the birthday cake which was the surprise to end the day with a flourish. The warm and clean waters of Inhassoro invite me to think about a next trip to this destination. Here's my thanks to Mark and his entire team for the days we spent there and a very special day for the fun-filled birthday he gave me. I recommend this paradisiacal place to anyone who desires peace, tranquility, lightness and nature.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Viatura 4X4 para chegar ao Lodge. Peça sempre mais detalhes ao lodge sobre como lá chegar caso vá...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Inhassoro area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 12,243 - RÂ 13,623 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
MozambiqueInhambane ProvinceInhassoro
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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