Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Imagine staying in some of the world’s most undiscovered, pristine environments. Completely private and removed from the rest of the world. Where authenticity of the experience, without compromising on standards, is the key. Where there is a philanthropic goal of both protecting the environment and giving back to the local community. Azura offers some of Africa’s ultimate private luxury hideaways for just a discerning few to discover. Privately owned and managed, our hotels are small and personalised, with award-winning 'eco-chic' villas, delicious local cuisine, and a whole range of unique experiences to enjoy. The Azura team is ready to welcome you, as they love to go out of their way to make every visitor's stay special. Our core philosophy is that each day should be different, and that we ‘wow’ you in some way during your stay with us. We are very proud of our guestbook, which is full of comments from happy guests, many of whom return to stay with us time and again.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
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Nestled on a serene beachfront, Azura Benguerra Island hotel is celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and luxurious amenities, with many guests finding their stays to be distinctive and memorable. The cleanliness and attention to detail throughout the hotel receive high marks, as does the warm and meticulous service provided by the staff.
While some travelers question the value for the price paid, the hotel's lavish rooms—with private pools and premium toiletries—and its prime location close to a plethora of activities are consistently lauded.
Location
Beachfront
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Impeccable
Amenities
Outstanding
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Revisiting Azura Benguerra was very special - this time we spent our time there with our children. We were very spoilt with white sandy beaches, good weather and great service. The addition of the Peri Peri Club since our last visit was an added treat. The elevated decks were the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and a great book. Azura staff were well prepared with Covid-19 disinfecting protocols.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Response from Azura Retreats, Marketing at Azura Benguerra Island
Responded 11 Aug 2020
Dear Natalie1718, We were so happy to welcome you back to Azura Benguerra Island and meet your children. We are thrilled you enjoyed our newest addition, Peri Peri Beach Club, and completely agree that the treehouse salas are a perfect reading spot. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. We will pass your kind words onto the team, and we hope to see you and your family back again soon!
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A 10 minute helicopter, or, 40 minute boat transfer takes you to this wonderful resort. Truly, our seven days could not have been better. Covid had next to nobody staying here, that suited us, it might not you if you need a vibe. The room we had, a double upgrade (thank you, very much!) had it’s own plunge pool and private dining area, all mod cons, and was very comfortable. For an all inclusive hotel the food was far better than we’ve experienced elsewhere, the sea food was magnificent and this chef knocked out perfect poached eggs every morning, without fail. Dining on the beach, everyday, was a treat which cannot be afforded if the hotel is full. There’s a private dining room, too and the wine list, mainly South African is well chosen and very reasonably priced, should you wish for premium wines. The cocktails were alcohol forward and a welcome sight meandering down the beach towards us every late afternoon. The barman said his Espresso Martinis were his best cocktail, however, they are not on the list but, do try (you’re welcome!) Activities were more than enough, we thoroughly enjoyed the perfect private picnic on North Shore beach, I got back in to scuba diving, in the company of three dive masters, while the inclusive island jeep trip and dhow sunset cruise were delightful. Every member of staff was on point in every way, you wanted, nor needed, nothing. The weather was a very consistent 23C every day, not too hot, only the breeze varied. The hotel also has a beach club, open on Wednesday and Saturday, it’s fantastic but, be warned, you may see people, as it’s open to the public! We were very sad to leave, are very nostalgic following other guests pleasures on Instagram and would love to be transported there, at any moment, it’s sublime!
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Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Location
Room Tip: The beach villa with it’s own plunge pool is the way to go...
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.
Response from Chelsie Kirman, Guest Services / Front Office at Azura Benguerra Island
Responded 14 Feb 2022
We are all so glad you were able to enjoy our little slice of Paradise here at Azura Benguerra Island, and thank you for taking the time to write such great feedback. Our chefs pride themselves on creating simple and delicious menus focusing on local ingredients, and I will pass you kind words onto them and the entire island team. We hope to welcome you back to our island soon for another exceptional holiday.
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Azura Benguerra is truly a beautiful hotel. Each villa is beach facing and their location is such that they are very private and quiet. They are surrounded by island vegetation, and you meander all a series of shell pathways to the restaurant and reception. Whilst the location feels like a magical desert island it is the staff that makes your experience really memorable one. It starts when you gently touch down by helicopter and are greeted with a warm, jovial and smiling group of staff including Olivia, Agostinho (my Mozambiquan host) and Amos (the hotels GM). What an exceptional team this is! They greet you by name from day one and make you feel as if you have come to stay at your best friend’s house for week.
It’s the individual touches that set this hotel apart from all the other hotels that I have visited over the years. It’s the handwritten letter in your room, the fully stocked homemade cookie jar and the fresh fluffy pillows on the bed. The rooms are cool, gentle and spacious with luxurious bathroom soaps and shampoos from Rain.
The food in the week that I was there was varied, fresh, local and beautiful prepared and presented. I kept ordering their Mozambiquan prawns which were some of the bests I have ever tasted. Agostinho was always on hand and was usually one step ahead of me. If Robinson Crusoe is still looking for his man Friday Agostinho, is it! Try the Peri Peri Beach Club lunch if you can it’s an experience you think about long after you left.
I tried the scuba diving, snorkelling, Doha cruise and Island drive all expertly delivered by Pablo. Then after dinner one night Dawson having a fascinating star gazing evening pointing out stars and distant planets through a high-resolution telescope.
This is the sorted of hotel you really don’t want to talk about simply because you want to keep all for yourself.
To the management team and all the staff congratulations on creating a unique ten-star experience!!!!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
In the middle of lockdown due to Covid, it was a pleasure to spend a totally relaxing week with not a care in the world at this small hotel. The fact that the island is Covid-free allowed the guests to be mask-free for their time in the hotel (All the staff had to wear masks). Lovely bedroom and private relaxing areas right on the beach, encouraged me to do nothing! This was interrupted (!) with great meals, morning noon and night, All the staff were super friendly and helpful. Bear in mind that this is a small island with a population of around 2000, so one has to expect one or two glitches with things like no hot water coming out of the tap. But these hiccups are all sorted quickly with a smile.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â It depends on what one wants - far or near from the main area, the size of room and plunge pool etc.
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.
Response from Chelsie Kirman, Guest Services / Front Office at Azura Benguerra Island
Responded 07 Jun 2021
Dear MG1944, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such positive feedback. We are especially pleased that you felt safe and comfortable at Azura Benguerra Island and were able to enjoy a relaxing holiday. Thank you for your patience and understanding with small glitches, we always do our very best to ensure any issues are solved as quickly and efficiently as possible. I will pass your kind words onto the entire team, and we hop e to see you again soon!
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Azura's setting is just perfect! The sunsets are breathtaking, the ocean lapping at your feet lying on your day bed, cocktails at sunset, beach dinners, beach breakfast, excellent snorkeling! The food is delicious, healthy and caters to everyone's taste. Our hosts during our stay, Picardo and Musa, treated us like royalty and made sure the smallest need was taken care of. The rooms were cleaned twice daily, the spa was magnificent and the lodge offers so many activities which are all superb - island hopping, snorkeling, diving, dhow rides, horse riding, the Chili Beach Club (!!!), endless beaches for long walks, and your own private pool. Bliss Bliss Bliss Bliss
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Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â All the rooms are perfectly situated.
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.
Response from Chelsie Kirman, Guest Services / Front Office at Azura Benguerra Island
Responded 14 Feb 2022
. We are glad you experienced our daily different dining surprises and our personalized service. The team on the island work hard to ensure all our guests have the best stay at Azura and do their best to cater to your every need. Thank you very much for taking the time to write such a great review. Peri Peri beach club is very "cool" glad you enjoyed it! We hope to see you soon !
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I think that some many other reviewers have summed up the beauty, peace, tranquility, and lovely amenities and service. I won't repeat those. Maybe it'll be more useful to give readers an understanding of what to expect when compared to other East African island resorts like those found in Mauritius, maybe at a Lux resort. First, the vibe is very different: Benguerra is laid back, rustic and has a sense of authenticity. Mauritius is busier, more high tempo and far more touristy. Depends what you want. I find Benguerra more relaxing. A better place to unwind if you're stressed and need to recharge your batteries. Secondly, the amenities are very different: Mauritius has the big pool, the catamarans on hire, and constant entertainment. Benguerra relies more on the natural environment like snorkeling, climbing sand dunes, sailing in a dhow. More chilled, less flashy but possibly more charming. Thirdly, both have good service (generally) but Benguerra is more attentive and more personal. In relation to food, the menu is small and set as opposed to the large buffet of choice that big Mauritian resorts have. But I think thats a positive. It feels more like it was prepared for you. Also tables are moved around to exotic places, its romantic to dine alone on the beach under candle light. So, I have tried not to be biased. If I had young kids who were active and wanted to do stuff, I'd probably opt for Mauritius. But if its a honeymoon or romantic breakaway, I'd go to Benguerra.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Cleanliness
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.
Response from Chelsie Kirman, Guest Services / Front Office at Azura Benguerra Island
Responded 05 Jul 2021
Dear Kevin H, Thank you for your honest and helpful review. We are thrilled you enjoyed your stay with us and appreciated the pristine environment and high quality service our hard-working team provide. We believe that each of our guests deserve a holiday catered to their exact needs and are able to personalize almost everything to ensure that everyone can experience their dream holiday at Azura Benguerra Island. Thank you again, and we hope to see you soon!
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visited Azura Benguerra with some close friends in the first week of January and can’t recommend it more highly. For those looking to do something a little special, to push the boat out at bit, Azura Benguerra will deliver on all those expectations, from the moment you step off the plane in Vilanculos to the time you board the departure boat. Adriaan, Kaylee, Chelsie and team gave us a holiday we’ll never forget: the food was outstanding (especially the desert) and well portioned, the accommodations discrete and super luxurious, our butlers Ronaldo and Julio hosted with world class precision (even our teenage kids were impressed), and the excursions offered were beautiful, exclusive and well guided. If it seems a little expensive, it’s only because the end to end experience that is delivered - from snorkeling to deep sea fishing to private island tours - is comparable with or better than you’ll find in similar resorts in Kenya, Thailand, the Caribbean and the Seychelles. Well done team Azura Benguerra! Thanks for giving us an unexpectedly gorgeous break!
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip 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.
Response from Chelsie Kirman, Guest Services / Front Office at Azura Benguerra Island
Responded 14 Jan 2021
Dear Campbell_Parry, It was an absolute pleasure hosting you and the rest of your group at Azura Benguerra Island. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such positive feedback. I will pass on your kind words to the entire team. As you experienced, our staff go above and beyond to create unforgettable holidays at Azura Benguerra Island and we are all so glad you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to welcoming youall back in the not so distant future!
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My husband and I were lucky enough to recently visit the stunning location of Peri Peri Beach Club, Azura Benguerra Island. We cannot fault our experience .... great food, wonderful selection of wine and a dreamy spa experience, we felt pampered and supported . Their amazing team managed to combine a relaxed sense of divine yet sophisticated simplicity , with truly excellent service and quality. Social distancing was effortless as they ensured that our well-being was paramount. The absolute highlight was an afternoon of whale watching, .... this was without a doubt a bucket list experience, we feel absolutely blessed, it was incredible. Back soon, for sure.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip 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.
Response from Chelsie Kirman, Marketing at Azura Benguerra Island
Responded 12 Aug 2020
Dear Kate, Thank you so much for your kind words. The team on the island work so hard to give our guests the best experiences and I will pass on your great feedback. Our guests' safety is our number one priority, even more so during these times, and all of our properties have enough space to ensure social distancing. We are so lucky that we have the magnificent humpback whale migration on our doorstep and we're glad you enjoyed your whale watching experience. It truly is a one-of-a-kind activity. We hope to see you again soon!
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.We have again spent 7 magical nights at Azura Benguerra and again loved every minute.... We were unsure of travelling during the Covid crisis, but due to the setup of this hotel, the social distancing measures with daily Whatsapp communication and safety protocols was well organized. Eugene was fantastic and very helpful during the booking process. The chalets are far apart with direct access to the beach, spacious bedroom/ bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers and your own individual plunge pool. The remote location and setting are simply spectacular, the sunsets were magical, the service is fantastic and the food is excellent!!! We are very fortunate to have travelled most parts of the world and have visited several of the best island resorts, incl. Seychelles, Mauritius, Fuji, Bahamas, Caribbean, and many more, but Azura Benguerra is by far the best resort we have been!!! All the management staff and the entire team are exceptional. Our host, Anderson was amazing with his fantastic service and his personal to touch. Thank you to all the staff and a special gratitude to Eugene, Chelsie, Kaylee, Anderson, Simoes and Chef Jorge.
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Date of stay: March 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â All rooms are GREAT!!!
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.
Response from Chelsie Kirman, Guest Services / Front Office at Azura Benguerra Island
Responded 18 Apr 2021
Dear Peter, It was an absolute pleasure to welcome you back to Azura Benguerra Island, and we are grateful that you felt you could travel and stay with us amidst the Covid crisis. We worked hard on our new protocols to ensure that all our guests are safe and do not lose the magic of a stay at Azura, and we are glad you were able to experience this. Thank you for taking the time to write such kind words - I will pass them onto the team both on the island and in our head office. Thank you again, and we hope to see you again soon!
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We spent 5 magical nights at Azura and loved every minute. The location is superb, the sunsets were magical, suites beautifully located and appointed and we dined on delicious fish and seafood. Out host, Hassani was amazing and his service was impeccable.
The island is remote and still wild, very uncommercialized which we loved. Its gloriously romantic and just very special. One always needs to bear in mind that its Africa and manage your expectations accordingly. We loved the simplicity of the meals, particularly the glorious fresh fish and seafood.
All suits are the same distance from the beach, some do have better views than others depending on the foliage in front of them.
The snorkeling was amazing with prolific fish life and magnificent corals.
We can not wait to go back! Its easy to get to from Johannesburg with seamless transfers to the resort and a very efficient COVID testing process for travel at this time.
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Date of stay: January 2021
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.
Response from Chelsie Kirman, Guest Services / Front Office at Azura Benguerra Island
Responded 21 Mar 2021
Dear lturner641 We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay at Azura Benguerra Island and thank you for writing such a positive review. We are lucky to be located in such a remote and pristine environment and, as you experienced, with such hard working and attentive staff. Our chefs love to work with the fresh local seafood available on our doorstep, and focus on simple and delicious Mozambican cuisine. And of course, 2 Mile Reef is fantastic! Thank you again, and we are looking forward to welcoming you back to Azura Benguerra Island soon!.
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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma80 contributions4 helpful votes
We were there in October and only went snorkeling. We did not see any whale sharks and I am not sure when they can be seen.The snorkeling was amazing. Very shallow and so much to see.
So sorry for the very late reply - Peter and Jeni are still at Azura Benguerra Island. Hopefully you will be back to visit them and our little piece of paradise.
At Azura Retreats we are happy to report that the storm had no impact at all on either of our properties.
The storm crossed the coast of Mozambique close to Beira in Sofala Province. At Azura Benguerra Island, which was the closer of our two properties to the weather system, all operations continued as normal, including Airlink’s aircraft to and from Vilanculos and our helicopter transfers for guests, who were not impacted at all. We merely picked up some wind and rain showers overnight from being located on the periphery of what was a very large weather system. Both hotels were well away from the storm’s main track at all times, and guests continued to enjoy our properties as usual.
We would like to reassure our trade partners and all guests travelling to our islands that they can expect to find everything is as usual at our two hotels and our teams will be ready and waiting with a warm Mozambican welcome.
Azura Management Team
There are more places to choose from in the Benguerra Island area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 36,495 - RÂ 60,988 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
azura benguerra island, azura hotel benguerra island
LOCATION
MozambiqueInhambane ProvinceBazaruto ArchipelagoBenguerra Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
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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