A whole new world awaits, a local tells me as I set foot aboard a charter transporting me to Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, my home for the next four days.
And how right he was.
Bazaruto Archipelago, off the coast of Mozambique, is a sight to behold with the azure ocean linking the six surrounding islands. This luxury destination can only be accessed by boat, which is about a 50 minute ride. When we reached our destination, dancers in traditional attire break out in song as soon as our feet touches the inviting warm island waters. And there was watermelon cocktails to quench our thirst.
Make sure you try a dhow cruise.
The resort is quite reasonably priced, considering that guests are provided three meals a day, return boat transfers, select alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages and a host of non-motorised water sport activities, including kayaking,snorkelling to Neptune and the use of bicycles.
Rates start from R13 642 per night, for two people sharing.
The rooms are cosy.
It’s a perfect spot to let your hair down. After soaking up the picturesque views, I made my way to my beach villa. It had a rustic feel to it, but still maintained that luxury standard that the Anantara brand is known for.
Each villa is equipped with beach views, king or twin beds, living area, sunken bath with garden and sea view, outdoor shower, mini bar and flat screen TV with international channels.
I particularly enjoyed the hammock in the front garden where I sneaked to do a bit of reading, in between the day’s activities.
The hammock is a fun spot to catch up on reading.
There are other types of accommodation, including a seaview pool beach villa and deluxe seaview pool villa. While I did contemplate lounging around my villa the whole trip, the interesting activities around the island proved hard to resist.On day two, we decided to take a cultural tour of the village of Zenguelemo. To access the village, we had to drive through the Bazaruto National Park where we were regaled with terrifying stories of the crocodiles and how three people were killed at Mawbwe lake, one of the many lakes at the park. With a population of 3 700 people, locals are quite friendly.
The resort offers stunning views.
By evening, we try our hand at dune boarding. It is windy when we leave for the majestic dunes, but the experience itself is incredible. There is nothing more pleasurable than feeling the warm sand on your toes as you make your way up the dunes to sand board. A spa treatment is recommended.
Situated at the highest point of the resort, guests can enjoy views of the ocean and the locals fishing.
I enjoy two treatments.
The first was Anantara’s signature massage, a 60 minute treatment that focuses on the neck, back and head. The second treatment was a Razul, a traditional Arabian inspired cleansing treatment that combines the health enhancing properties of heat, steam and mud for a revitalising treatment.
On our third day at the resort, we ventured out to Paradise Island. Just 30 minutes away, the island was once home to the iconic Dona Ana Hotel. The resort was discovered in 1951, according to our guide, Juma Jose Zivane.
He says the hotel closed down after the hotel’s owner died. Guests at the island can enjoy snorkelling, swimming or play a game of beach volleyball. While you enjoy the views, a chef prepares a delicious barbeque, including fresh seafood.
Fresh seafood dishes are prepared daily and each night the hotel celebrates the cuisines of the world with a theme night. During our stay, we experienced Arabian, Asian and a Mozambican.
Some of the cuisines to try include Bazaruto Spiced Prawns, ‘which are fresh prawns on a sweet and spicy apricot curry sauce and Lobster Fettuccini, a pasta dish with pan fried cherry tomato, spicy chorizo sausage and local island rock lobster medallions.
How to Get There
Airlink - the Regional Feeder Airline, offers a wide network of regional and domestic flights within southern Africa and operates as a franchisee to SAA
Route Specific Information: Direct scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Vilanculos. As well as daily flights from Nelspruit to Vilanculos effective 7 August 2017.
Website: www.flyairlink.com
Flight Bookings: Online, booking agent or SAA Central Reservations on +27 11 978 1111.