andBeyond Benguerra Island

•  All rooms have private plunge pools
•  Outside dining gazebo for private starlit dinners
•  andBeyond Benguerra Island is shaded by indigenous forest, a haven for birds
•  Good snorkelling, diving and deep-sea fishing trips on offer
•  Deep channels give access to deep water for fishing

andBeyond Benguerra Island lies on the Bazaruto & Benguerra Islands archipelago of Mozambique, only an 8 minute flight from Vilanculos on mainland Mozambique. At this idyllic African island paradise you have a personalized experience, infused with the style, standards and service of a bygone safari era. This is a small intimate lodge with a rich North African/Arabic feel, in both the décor, and the colour scheme.

Location

andBeyond Benguerra Island lies on the western side of the island on its own palm-encircled bay, surrounded by silver beaches and the turquoise sea. The lodge merges into a natural milkwood forest and is surrounded by tropical greenery. There are no shops or tar roads on Benguerra island and very few vehicles so there’s a sense of tranquil seclusion.

Accommodation

The lodge offers a choice of two Cosy Cabanas or ten secluded & spacious Casinhas built on stilts which merge naturally with the indigenous forest. All have easy access to the gorgeous white half-moon beach of Benguerra Bay and magnificent views of the ocean.

The Cosy Cabanas have queen-sized beds with mosquito net, large bathroom with bath, shower and outdoor shower, ceiling fan, mini-bar and a private deck with jacuzzi/plunge pool and sun loungers.

The more luxurious Casinhas embrace Benguerra’s unique blend of safari chic and Arabic style. In keeping with island living, the ten open plan airy Casinhas have romantic furnishings – beautifully carved wooden furniture, mosquito net draped queen sized beds, lounge area and open bathrooms with free-standing copper bath, copper basins and enclosed loo. Shuttered folding windows & double doors open completely so that you can enjoy wonderful views from your bed to the beach and ocean beyond. Each Casinhas has a huge 100m² private deck with a plunge pool, sunbeds and shaded dining gazebo for starlit dinners. On the beach each Casinhas has its own shady sala with canvas sunbeds. All have minibars and tea & coffee facilities but this lodge suits the eco-conscious traveller as there is no air conditioning only fans.

The exclusive Casa Familia is set away from the rest of the lodge with three bedrooms, each with copper bath and outdoor shower, lounge/dining area and a large garden with a private swimming pool. It comes with its own personal chef to prepare all meals and thus is ideal for smaller families, though guests are welcome to dine at the lodge as well.

The main lodge has a large open-side lounge area, bar, small curio shop and an open sided dining room. There’s a small pool and in front of the pool, and a beach bar made from an old dhow sailing boat, perfect for sundowners. Your private plunge pool, and the main pool, comes in useful as there is a dramatic tidal range on the western side of Benguerra Island and at low tide, the sea can be a long walk from the lodge across kilometres of sand!

Activities

The lodge prides itself on its personal arrangement of guest’s activities. Benguerra Island is a paradise for snorkellers and scuba divers. It has its own Activity/Dive centre a short walk along the beach from the lodge. The lodge has access to some of the most pristine reefs in the world. You can also enjoy excellent saltwater fly and deep sea fishing, horseback safaris along the beach, guided island and village tours by landrover, catamaran cruises, island walks, castaway picnics (ideal for honeymoon couples), swimming with horses and sunset dhow cruises.

You can indulge in countless hours of relaxation under the coconut palms, delight in the birdlife (over 140 species), kayak around the island, sail in a traditional Dhow and search the seas for the legendary dugongs... You can choose to do as much, or as little, as you like here…

Dining

The delectable food, which comprises largely of freshly caught seafood, traditional Moçambiquan cuisine, Portuguese flavours and a variety of delicious dishes make up the daily menus. Breakfast and lunch are buffet affairs, while dinner is a set menu served either in the dining room, on the deck or even on the beach.

How to get to andBeyond Benguerra Island - Travel is easy with direct flights to Vilanculos on the Mozambique mainland from Johannesburg or KMIA near the Kruger (selected days). From there you fly by helicopter directly to Benguerra Island.