Just 20 miles east of mainland Mozambique on Africa’s east coast, the Bazaruto Archipelago of protected national park islands lie scattered across the turquoise Indian Ocean. On the largest of these tropical islands, covering 12,000 hectares, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa has just become the brand’s first property in Africa and Mozambique Anantara’s eighth country. The resort formerly operated as the award-winning Indigo Bay Resort & Spa, which Minor Hotel Group, Anantara’s owning company, took over management of earlier this year, with the intention to rebrand to Anantara.
“The addition of Anantara Bazaruto Island as our first Anantara in Africa is a significant milestone for the brand and one that we are very excited about. We are currently exploring other opportunities in Africa, both with our partners and independently, and for sure we are looking to further develop the Anantara brand on the continent,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group.
Anantara Bazaruto Island is located a 15 minute flight from Vilanculos Airport on the mainland, which connects to Johannesburg with a direct two hour flight. This short flight provides Anantara guests with their first glimpse of the breathtaking scenery that awaits.
Designed in natural harmony with surroundings of lush vegetation and translucent ocean, the resort offers a boutique collection of 44 villas, ranging in size from 90 to 330 sqm, with a choice of garden and shoreline panoramas. Made from indigenous reed, soft fringed thatch and wood, the rustic appeal is balanced by understated luxury and seamlessly integrated modern amenities.
Outside, some villas offer a living sala complete with hammock to relax in, along with a plunge pool and a veranda where guests can enjoy the sunshine or dine alfresco. The Anantara Pool Villa affords exclusive seclusion and is the perfect sanctuary for families and friends to share, thanks to a private driveway and entrance, two generously sized en-suite bedrooms, spacious lounge and dining areas both inside and out, as well as a pool and Jacuzzi.
Onsite are six restaurants and bars. Golfinho serves breakfast and dinner on the outdoor terrace with a pool and bay vista, or in the dining room which features original walls dating back to the early Portuguese traders. At Clube Naval light lunches lead into sundowner cocktails. The Beach Deck grills seafood plucked fresh from the ocean and offers the opportunity to dine beside or on the beach. In-villa dining delivers gourmet tastes, and Anantara’s signature Dining by Design promises the ultimate in tailor made romance, with a choice of dream settings and fine dining menus, as well as a private chef and butler ensuring a flawless occasion.
With a dedicated family pool, younger guests may splash about to their heart’s content, and couples seeking peace and tranquility can retreat to the adults-only pool. A children’s entertainment room, fitness centre, tennis, volleyball and golf course are also offered.
The Anantara Spa features five treatment rooms, relaxation areas and a health bar, as well as specialist hydro facilities including a wet room, hydrotherapy pool and rhassoul chamber.
Beyond the resort, guests can tour the island by 4×4 to discover other pristine bays, exotic flora and fauna, local life and a 19th century lighthouse. Soft powdery white sands can be cantered along on horseback and riders can even take their steed into the sea for a swim. Towering dunes offer boarding escapades, as well as a unique spot for sunset drinks. Ornithologists can go bird watching with knowledgeable local guides to find over 180 species.
The Bazaruto Archipelago boasts year round warm waters, soft coral ridges and thousands of tropical fish species. A playground for water sports enthusiasts, guests can enjoy windsurfing, water skiing, wake boarding and sailing, along with sunset cruises aboard a traditional dhow and cruises in search of dolphins, whales, turtles and the largest population of the rare dugong on the African east coast.
Naturally secluded and exclusive, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa creates inspired proposal, wedding, honeymoon and anniversary celebrations. Couples can tie the knot on top of a sand dune or a deserted sand bank out at sea, while cruising on a dhow in the Indian Ocean , on the deck of a gorgeous villa, and couples who opt for a beach wedding have the option to arrive at their ceremony on horseback.
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, www.anantara.com