Fodor's Expert Review Casa Rex Vilankulo

Just minutes from the busy little fishing town of Vilankulo, overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago and the islands of Benguerra, Bazaruto, and Magaruque, this attractive Mediterranean-style resort has unending views of the sand and sea. Rooms have wooden rafters, arched windows of golden bottle glass, billowing white filmy curtains, wooden shutters, tiled floors, and wrought-iron lamps, evoking a Portuguese or Spanish traditional interiors. Walk down to the beach (where the tide seems to go out for miles), dip in one of the two pools, relax on your sea-facing veranda or under shady indigenous trees, or try your hand at any number of activities from horse riding on the beach to canoeing or birdwatching among water lilies. You can do some craft shopping, take a sunset cruise, and go fishing or diving. It’s also fun to bargain in the local market or take a cultural tour of the little town.

A day dhow cruise to Magaruque Island on a traditional sailing boat where you’ll swim or snorkel along the reef, down a cold beer or chilled wine as you enjoy a local lunch before returning under full sail late afternoon, is a highlight.