Nestled on the South-Eastern border of Africa, Mozambique is a brilliant add on destination following a safari in South Africa or visiting the Cape. With Portuguese influence, it 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 is a hidden gem and 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 looking for something more upbeat, Mozambique’s cities offer vibrant nightlife, stunning colonial-style architecture, and Portuguese-influenced cuisine.
Below, we outline the top 10 best boutique hotels in Mozambique:
1. Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel, Vilankulo
Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel is located on the palm-fringed beaches and azure waters of the Indian Ocean in Vilankulo on mainland Mozambique. This is the perfect destination for guests wanting to experience the colorful local culture as well as the fabulous beauty of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Located northeast in the district of Vilanculos, mainland Mozambique, Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel oozes luxury. A million miles away from the hustle-bustle of daily life, yet only 10 miles from Vilankulo Airport, The Bahia Mar 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.
Bahia Mar enjoys superb food, and cocktails, a well-appointed gym, and a pool with endless vistas. The infinity pool and bar are the perfect venues to try a refreshing fresh fruit smoothie or relax with a delicious cocktail. Whilst at the resort you can experience kite surfing, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, whale watching, island visits on a traditional Dhow and so much more. Guests can also retreat into the state-of-the-art spa and feel the stress of the outside world slip away with the excellent range of retreats, packages, and treatments on offer.
In addition to all of this, the resort offers beautiful modern accommodation with sea view rooms overlooking the sparkling Indian Ocean, stylish beach suites, brand new garden suites surrounded by tropical nature, the stunning Presidential Suite or Bahia Mar Beach House set right on the beach with private pool, sun-downer deck and a private staff to cater to your every whim!
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 which are elevated and provide 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.
2. White Pearl Resort
White Pearl Resort on the southern coast of Mozambique can be found on the pristine beach, Ponta Mamoli. This beach was voted one of the top 10 beaches in Africa. The hotel is best reached by a 30-minute helicopter transfer from Maputo airport, which flies you over the breathtaking coastline to this beautifully secluded resort.
Nestled in a sheltered bay on Mozambique’s Lagoon Coast, poised amongst the dunes on timber stilts, 22 luxurious suites have been sensitively designed to take advantage of their beautiful natural setting, while protecting the fragile eco-systems beneath them. Cool, clean lines, contemporary furniture, and a palette inspired by the surrounding coastal landscape.
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 Marlin Beach
Azura Marlin Beach is the latest addition to Azura’s portfolio of luxury retreats in Mozambique, located on the Southwest shore of Benguerra Island within the unspoiled Bazaruto Archipelago, where miles of magnificent-white sand and warm, turquoise waters await.
Azura Marlin Beach is on a one-kilometer-long stretch of white-sand beach in the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park, an area that recently came under conservation management by African Parks. It has an elevated position on the dunes with fabulous sunset views across the ocean. Its island location means it’s close to the reefs and picnic spots to be found just off Benguerra Island for those who can leave the comfort of their daybed to enjoy the vast array of experiences on offer.
Just 10 villas are nestled along one of the last undiscovered stretches of beach in the world, with all the creature comforts you could wish for, including Mozambican butler-hosts to look after your every need.
Azura Marlin Beach offers guests a whole range of activities and experiences within a short, easy boat ride from the hotel, including snorkeling and diving on magnificent Two-Mile Reef, sailing in traditional Dhows, picnics on remote sandbars, and of course deep-sea fishing (tag and release). The name Marlin Beach comes from the original hotel built on this site by one of Mozambique’s top marlin fishermen.
4. Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort
Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort is located on Medjumbe, is a small private island that is part of the protected Quirimbas Archipelago that stretches along Mozambique’s northern coastline. Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort is a fully inclusive resort. Accessed by a short flight or a 45-minute helicopter transfer from the near-est 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 offers blissful barefoot luxury. 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 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 Island
Azura Benguerra Island is made up from just 20 villas are nestled along one of the last undiscovered stretches of beach in the world, with sparkling private pools.
Imagine an unspoiled island within a Marine National Park, deserted beaches of pure white sand that extend for miles, sparkling turquoise seas crisscrossed by local dhows plying their trade, sunny days, and star-studded nights. This is the enchanting island escape you always imagined. Azura Benguerra, the first eco-friendly resort in Mozambique, was hand-built by the local community and is operated in partnership with it.
There are just 20 luxury thatched villas on the sunny seashore, each including its own sea-facing infinity pool, a daybed, sun loungers, and deck chairs. 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.
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. Polana Serena Hotel
With its beautiful, palm-fringed Indian Ocean coastline, vibrant mix of cultures, and grand colonial architecture, Mozambique offers abundant opportunities for adventure, experience, and discovery. In the heart of all this splendor, the historic Polana Serena Hotel in Maputo has upheld a rich tradition of hospitality since 1922.
Polana Serena Hotel is renowned for creating one-of-a-kind dining experiences in truly captivating settings. Each of their restaurants promises a discriminating sense of elegance and sophistication. Whether you seek an innovative exploration of French cuisine infused with local ingredients, an enticing international buffet, or succulent sushi and light delicacies paired with sweeping ocean views, an unforgettable culinary journey awaits.
Polana Serena Hotel HAS the essence of classic Colonial elegance and charm and is the largest hotel featured in this listing. Each of the 87 rooms in the main building and the 66 Polana Mar guestrooms is tastefully appointed with furnishings and artwork that faithfully reflect the hotel’s 1922 origins.
Rooms in the historic colonial building reflect the city’s Indo-Portuguese legacy with ornate, hand-carved wood furnishings and plush fabrics in subtle creams and ivories. Rooms in the hotel’s newly refreshed Polana Mar Wing are arranged over three floors encompassing Prime, Executive, and Family Rooms. Many of the rooms offer wonderful views of the Bay of Maputo, and all feature vibrant décor and furnishings inspired by Maputo’s culture, art, and natural beauty.
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 three different restaurants to dine in, all serving excellent food.
10. Santorini Mozambique
Nestled above the red cliffs of Kingfisher Bay in Vilanculos, Santorinis’ unfurling view of the archipelago islands and curling mainland in the distance is unsurpassable. Santorini Mozambique is like a small Greek village in the heart of a raw African landscape.
Here luxury goes hand in hand with genuine humility and modesty that produce true richness and sophistication adding a welcoming warmth to its ambiance. From the captivating decor and intriguing design within the villas to the lush landscaped gardens and outstanding food, there is nothing that has been missed.
Originally created as a boutique villa, the passion and aspiration exploded beyond this, to create mystical pieces of heaven that fell into place against this dramatic backdrop. The entire estate exudes unpretentious charm.
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