Fodor's Expert Review Azura Benguerra Island

Azura is an ultra luxurious beach resort on Benguerra Island in the middle of Bazaruto National Marine Park that is absolutely gorgeous and can hold its own with other 5-star lodges anywhere in the world. Choose one of 17 villas built by the local community with indigenous materials, each with a fringed thatch roof that resemble a Mogul emperor’s hat. Each villa has Afro-contemporary interiors (authentic carvings, handmade furniture, beaded wall hangings, local fabrics), a personal plunge pool, massive viewing deck, outdoor showers, and glades of palm trees. An attentive but unobtrusive private butler attends to your every whim and need, reinforcing the superb friendly, efficient service of the rest of the staff. The food is Mozambican style; seafood reigns, although there are plenty of other freshly cooked goodies to tempt even the most jaded palate. Dining, in fact, is a daily surprise with your innovative butler setting up different venues from the edge of the beach, to a hidden leafy glen. All the quintessential tropical island activities from scuba diving and snorkeling, to a dhow trip, beach picnics and fly- or big-game fishing are literally on your doorstep. In season (May–October), watch the migrating humpback whales; spot dolphins all year round, and keep an eye open for turtles and the ever-elusive dugong.