Resting on the South-Eastern border of Africa, Mozambique is a perfect accompaniment when experiencing a safari in South Africa or visiting the Cape. Of Portuguese influence, it is easily accessible and offers a nation rich in culture, fantastic weather, diverse food, and some of the most amazing wildlife in the world.
The sand dune-fringed coastline offers clear turquoise waters with plenty of dive sites and opportunities to snorkel. Dolphins, humpback whales, whale sharks, manta rays, and giant turtles are just some of the exotic wildlife that can be found in the beautiful Indian Ocean. If you are looking for something more upbeat, Mozambique’s cities offer vibrant nightlife, stunning colonial-style architecture, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in Portuguese-influenced local cuisine.
Below, we outline the top 10 best luxury hotels in Mozambique:
1. Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel, Vilankulo
Located northeast in the district of Vilanculos, mainland Mozambique, Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel oozes luxury and is a wonderful retreat. A million miles away from the hustle-bustle of daily life, yet only 10 miles from Vilankulo Airport, The Bahia Mar Club Boutique Hotel features a spell-binding beachfront location with stunning tropical gardens overlooking the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
From the moment of arrival (by complimentary airport shuttle), you cannot help but relax and feel the tensions of modern life melt away. It is immediately apparent that the hotel management and staff are attentive, friendly, and helpful and are here to make your stay a truly unique experience. Relaxing in the tranquil garden under the shade of a swaying palm tree, cocktail in hand, is a moment to be treasured. Or dining in the wonderful Bahia Mar restaurant with the backdrop of the most beautiful ocean view beyond – savoring the most scrumptious seafood platter I have ever tasted.
As well as completely chilling out, there is a lot you can do at the Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel if you so wish. Facilities include an infinity outdoor pool, fitness center, and tranquil spa – the hotel offers the most amazing hot stone massage! If heading to the water, there are plenty of experiences to be had, from kite surfing to paddle boarding and deep-sea fishing. There is even the opportunity to visit the local islands in a traditional Dhow!
All 12 contemporary bedrooms at Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel are air-conditioned and elegantly designed, ranging from the stylish Beach and Garden Suites to Sea View Bedrooms – elevated and providing absolutely stunning views of the Bazaruto Archipelago beyond. As this is a beachfront hotel, no rooms will disappoint however, the standard bedrooms on the higher levels have larger balconies with a beautiful view over the top of the vegetation and out to sea. Nothing beats welcoming the sun as it rises in the morning and gazing across the lush gardens from the balcony as it slowly dips away in the evening. Just perfect.
2. White Pearl Resort
White Pearl Resort can be found on the southern coast of Mozambique on the pristine beach, Ponta Mamoli, voted one of the top 10 beaches in Africa. A 30-minute helicopter transfer from Maputo airport flies you over the breathtaking coastline to this beautifully secluded re-sort that awaits you.
Set amidst the beauty of the Indian Ocean and the lush bush, all 21 air-conditioned suites are stylishly designed. Particularly wonderful is that each suite is raised on wooden stilts with a sliding door revealing your very own covered decking area, private plunge pool, and outdoor shower. A perfect way to cool down on a warm, sun-filled day.
3. Azura Quilalea Island
Azura Quilalea is literally paradise in the middle of nowhere. The second luxury Indian Ocean Retreat from the Azura Retreats group is extremely welcoming and consists of 9 Seafront Villas located on this uninhabited island – approximately 86 acres in size. Because of the limited accommodation, optimum privacy is guaranteed, and you could never get the feeling of being crowded.
With four untouched beaches to choose from, you can easily access and explore the island’s crystal clear waters teaming full of colorful fish and well-preserved corals. At the end of the day, nothing beats dining in one of the most beautiful natural settings imaginable, beneath the stars, either under a giant baobab or on the beach.
4. Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort
Set on its own private island in the Indian Ocean, Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort is a Fully Inclusive resort. Accessed by a short flight or a 45-minute helicopter transfer from the nearest town, Pemba, this small and secluded island is only 1km long and 300m wide at the widest point.
Some of the best scuba diving in the world can be experienced here, and the resort also presents excellent opportunities to see dolphins and humpback whales in the aquamarine waters surrounding it. The 12 perfectly positioned oceanfront villas line the golden shoreline, offering modern comfort and privacy.
5. Machangulo Beach Lodge
Surrounded by 5 marine and nature reserves, Machangulo Beach Lodge is an African paradise. Perched high on top of a dune at the tip of the Machangulo Peninsula, this boutique lodge is close to Mozambique’s capital city Maputo, and very close to Kruger Park. This makes it a great choice if combining the bush and beach.
With just 9 luxurious thatched-roof bungalows built on platforms from exotic hardwoods, this beach hideaway is beautifully secluded and boasts plenty of activities for families. There are two family villas comprising two en-suite rooms with a private plunge pool, cots, and extra beds that are provided free of charge, and children are even given their own special menu at the restaurant and a small present upon arrival. Such a thoughtful touch. When looking for a family-friendly hotel in Mozambique, then look no further than the Machangulo Beach Lodge.
6. Azura Benguerra
With just 20 luxury thatched villas on the sunny shores of Benguerra Island, the Azura Benguerra welcomes you. It is a remote retreat cleverly laid out with different zones ranging from the Star Bar and Library to the ever-so-comfortable lounge area. Evening meals are a highlight, and there is always an element of surprise; you may be dining on the beach one evening or in the lantern-lit garden the next. Either way, the food is exceptional.
Each villa comes with everything you could wish for, including its own sea-facing infinity pool, a day-bed, sun loungers, and deck chairs. You are simply spoilt for choice! Or if you fancy venturing further afield, why not experience a crocodile lakes drive or island hopping by speedboat? Failing that, treat yourself down at the beach to traditional treatment in the African Spa – pure relaxation.
7. Sentidos Beach Retreat
Surrounded by mangroves and the Indian Ocean, the laid-back luxury resort of Sentidos Beach Retreat exudes elegance. Located in Inhambane, Sentidos Beach Retreat (a member of Design Hotels) offers 12 beachfront private villa suites. The rooms are tastefully decorated and luxurious, boasting spectacular ocean views. Nothing beats the serenity of listening to the calm ocean whilst watching the beautiful sunset in the evening from our decking.
During the day, activities are plentiful, with options including cycling, diving, and surfing – one of the most famous surf beaches, Tofo is not far away and worth a visit. There is also a small gym and very good spa facilities – the massage is highly recommended!
8. Hotel Avenida
If you are looking for a city location, the Hotel Avenida ticks the boxes. Located in the Polana and Sommerschield district of the bustling city center of Maputo in Mozambique, it is one of the most renowned hotels in the heart of the capital.
Hotel Avenida features 159 hotel rooms, each carefully designed and recently refurbished. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, and new leisure areas, and this, coupled with its perfect location, makes it an ideal hotel for business travelers or those visiting the beautiful, cosmopolitan city that is Maputo.
9. Diamonds Mequfi Beach Resort
Diamonds Mequfi Beach Resort is a stylish resort which can be found in Mozambique’s southern peninsula on Mecufi Bay and is particularly well located for visitors to Gorongosa National Park and the coastal reefs and forests of the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Consisting of 50 rooms and suites set out in stylishly whitewashed bungalows, Diamonds Mequfi Beach Resort is a totally laid back and well-spaced out resort offering luxury in an un-spoilt ‘off the beaten track’ Mozambique. There are quite a lot of activities during the day, and in the evening, there are three different restaurants to dine in, all serving excellent food.
10. Afrin Prestige Hotel
Located downtown in the historical part of Maputo, the Afrin Prestige Hotel offers spacious, well-equipped rooms within walking distance of the business center and The Tunduru Botanical Gardens.
Conveniently reached within 15 minutes from the airport, this hotel is ideally positioned for restaurants and shopping, with a mall located close by. Facilities are plentiful, including an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, and restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
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