ANANTARA BAZARUTO ISLAND RESORT – BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO

Bazaruto Island is the largest island in Mozambique’s protected Bazaruto Archipelago, a chain of islands renowned for wide sandy beaches, towering dunes and some of the richest marine life in the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by warm, clear waters and coral reefs, it offers a natural extension to an African safari, allowing guests to exchange game drives for a slower pace without sacrificing opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Occupying a long stretch of coastline on the western side of the island, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort makes the most of this spectacular setting. The beach stretches away in both directions, while inland the landscape rises into rolling dunes and indigenous vegetation that are characteristic of the island. Unlike many Indian Ocean destinations, Bazaruto still feels wonderfully undeveloped, with the surrounding national park protecting both the islands and the rich marine environment that surrounds them.

The resort is equally suited to couples looking for a peaceful beach escape and families wishing to combine relaxation with a wide variety of activities. Time can be spent exploring the archipelago by boat, snorkelling or diving amongst vibrant coral reefs, or simply enjoying the uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean from the comfort of your villa. The pace is entirely your own, whether you prefer an active holiday or days spent doing very little at all.

Originally developed as Indigo Bay, the resort has evolved under the Anantara brand while retaining the spacious layout that has long made it one of the best-known properties in the Bazaruto Archipelago. The emphasis remains firmly on the island itself, allowing guests to experience one of southern Africa’s finest coastal environments in relaxed and comfortable surroundings.

LOCATION

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is situated on Bazaruto Island, approximately 30 kilometres off the mainland coast of Mozambique within the protected Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. Guests usually arrive via Vilanculos International Airport before continuing with either a scenic fifteen-minute helicopter flight directly to the resort or a combined road and boat transfer, depending on individual preference and arrival times.

The resort combines particularly well with safari itineraries in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, providing a complete contrast to the bush while remaining within a relatively straightforward travelling distance. The warm tropical climate makes Bazaruto an attractive destination throughout the year, with seasonal highlights including humpback whale migrations between July and September and excellent year-round opportunities for snorkelling and diving.

LODGE

Designed to blend into its natural surroundings, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is spread across beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the beach and the Indian Ocean beyond. The accommodation is arranged to provide a sense of privacy and space, with pathways winding through tropical gardens to a collection of villas positioned close to the shoreline. Throughout the resort there is a relaxed atmosphere that encourages guests to enjoy the island at their own pace rather than follow a fixed routine.

Accommodation ranges from elegant Beach Villas to spacious family villas and private pool villas, all offering generous indoor and outdoor living areas. Natural colours, timber finishes and large windows complement the coastal setting, while private terraces provide an ideal place to enjoy the sea views or simply listen to the sound of the waves. Many villas also feature private plunge pools, outdoor showers and direct access to the beach, allowing guests to move effortlessly between the comfort of their accommodation and the island itself.

The resort offers a choice of dining experiences, from relaxed breakfasts overlooking the ocean to fresh seafood and Mozambican specialities served in a variety of settings throughout the day. Private dining can also be arranged for those celebrating a special occasion, while the resort’s cooking experiences provide an opportunity to discover some of the local flavours that characterise the region.

For guests looking to unwind completely, the award-winning Anantara Spa provides a peaceful retreat overlooking the island landscape. Together with two swimming pools, a fitness centre and numerous quiet corners around the resort, there is ample opportunity to relax between excursions. Whether returning from a morning exploring the reefs or spending the afternoon beside the pool with a good book, the emphasis is on enjoying everything that makes Bazaruto Island such a rewarding place to visit.

ACTIVITIES

Snorkelling and Diving – The clear waters surrounding Bazaruto Island are among the finest in the Indian Ocean, with colourful coral reefs supporting a rich variety of marine life. Guided snorkelling excursions provide easy access to many of the shallower reefs, while qualified divers can explore a number of renowned dive sites within the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park. Encounters with turtles, reef sharks, rays and large schools of tropical fish are common, while the rare dugong is occasionally seen in the surrounding waters.

Ocean Safaris – Boat excursions offer an opportunity to discover more of the archipelago, exploring secluded beaches, uninhabited islands and hidden sandbanks that appear and disappear with the tides. Dolphins are regularly encountered during these trips and, between July and September, migrating humpback whales are often seen as they pass through the archipelago.

Dhow Cruises – Traditional wooden dhows remain an important part of everyday life in Mozambique and provide one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the coastline. Late afternoon cruises allow guests to relax as the sun begins to set over the mainland, while learning about the maritime traditions that continue to shape island life.

Fishing – The waters around Bazaruto have long been recognised as one of Africa’s premier sport fishing destinations. Deep-sea fishing is available throughout much of the year, whilst seasonal catch-and-release fly fishing attracts anglers hoping to target species including giant trevally, kingfish and bonefish under the guidance of experienced local crews.

Island Discovery – Guided excursions introduce guests to the island beyond the resort, exploring towering sand dunes, freshwater lakes and areas of indigenous vegetation. These outings provide an insight into the geography and ecology of Bazaruto, together with opportunities to meet members of the local community and gain a better understanding of life on the island.

Horse Riding – Riding along the beach offers a different perspective of the island, whether enjoying a gentle walk along the shoreline or a longer ride through the island’s interior. Experienced riders may also have the opportunity to ride through the shallow waters along the coast when conditions permit.

Spa and Wellness – The Anantara Spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments inspired by both African and Asian traditions. Positioned within peaceful tropical surroundings, it provides an ideal place to relax after a morning exploring the archipelago or simply to enjoy some quiet time during your stay.

GIVING BACK

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is committed to protecting both the natural environment and the local community that makes the Bazaruto Archipelago such a special destination. Sustainability initiatives include reducing the use of single-use plastics, responsible management of marine resources and supporting conservation projects within the surrounding national park.

The resort also works closely with neighbouring communities through employment, training and local purchasing programmes, helping tourism deliver long-term benefits for the people who live on Bazaruto Island. Guests are encouraged to learn more about these initiatives during their stay and to appreciate the important relationship between conservation and sustainable tourism.

ANANTARA BAZARUTO ISLAND RESORT IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE RESORT WELCOMES FAMILIES OF ALL AGES. A RANGE OF ACCOMMODATION IS AVAILABLE TO SUIT COUPLES, FAMILIES AND SMALL GROUPS. PLEASE ASK US FOR THE LATEST CHILD POLICY WHEN PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY.