Azura Marlin Beach
The latest addition to Azura’s portfolio of luxury Mozambique retreats, Azura Marlin Beach is located on the Southwest shore of Benguerra Island where miles of magnificent white sand and warm, turquoise waters await. This gorgeous intimate resort is on a one-kilometer-long stretch of white-sand beach in the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park, an area which recently came under conservation management by African Parks. It has an elevated position on the dunes with fabulous sunset views across the ocean. Its island location means it’s close to the reefs and picnic spots to be found just off Benguerra Island for those who can leave the comfort of their daybed to enjoy the vast array of experiences on offer.
The vibe here is relaxed and informal. Azura Marlin Beach’s public areas face the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Several different zones were created for your enjoyment and relaxation, from the cool lounge bar to extensive outdoor areas with comfortable four poster daybeds. Guests can enjoy breakfasts and dinner at the main restaurant, with lunch usually served by the sparkling pool area to enjoy the sun-drenched days. Beach dinners with your feet in the sand and the weekly beach BBQ are a highlight. There is Wi-Fi internet access, a trading store for clothing and souvenirs, and a PADI 5 Star dive center with top of the range Scubapro equipment.
Just 10 villas are nestled along one of the last undiscovered stretches of beach in the world, with all the creature comforts you could wish for, including Mozambican butler-hosts to look after your every need, fish and seafood fresh from the ocean, a fantastic range of activities and experiences, an African Massage Pavilion for relaxation, all at a community based project where the local islanders benefit as much as you.
BEACH VILLAS
With gorgeous elevated views, Azura Marlin Beach offers 6 Beach Villas (100m2), each air-conditioned with a sea view and just steps away from the beach. Light, bright and airy they have a king-size or twin bed with romantic netting and a sitting area. The bathroom has an indoor and outdoor shower allowing you to clean off the beach sand before enjoying a Mozambican sunset on your deck.
BEACH VILLA GRANDE
Displaying refined luxury, the Beach Villas Grande have the same facilities as the Beach Villas but are larger at 132m2 with more relaxation space, a minibar, TV, and space for up to 2 children to share the sitting area. They are located closer to the main area of the hotel.
VILLA VISTA
Perfect for families, the Villa Vista (380m2) accommodates up to 4 guests in 2 en-suite bedrooms which have the same specification as our Beach Villas. There is also a large indoor entertainment area with bar, dining and lounge with TV, as well as extensive outdoor space with a private pool.
Azura Marlin Beach offers guests a whole range of activities and experiences within a short, easy boat ride from the hotel, including snorkeling and diving on magnificent Two-Mile Reef, sailing in traditional Dhows, picnics on remote sandbars and of course deep-sea fishing (tag and release). The name Marlin Beach comes from the original hotel built on this site by one of Mozambique’s top marlin fishermen.
Island Hopping by Speedboat
Welcome aboard Azura’s signature activity - a short hop to Bazaruto Island to hike up Bazaruto Dune for unsurpassed 360 degree panoramic views of the Archipelago. From here we often head to Two Mile Reef where there are hundreds of species of tropical fish, coral, rays, invertebrates, as well as the possibility of seeing various species of turtle, or humpback whales during their annual migration. Sightings of dolphin are common and if you are lucky, the highly endangered gentle giants, the dugong, may make an appearance too. After snorkeling, arrive at North Point for a tantalizing picnic, and swim in the cool clear waters
Paradise Island by Speedboat
Depart Azura by speedboat for the 1 hour trip to Paradise Island in the far north of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Look out for dolphins and dugongs on the way. This island is home to a ruined hotel from the days of Portuguese rule, and was named Paradise Island for its beautiful white beaches and fantastic snorkeling. The ruins of the old hotel and church are fascinating. Then settle down on deserted white beaches for a picnic lunch. Relax for a few hours here, the snorkelling is amazing, and very different to the reefs closer to Azura.
Deep Sea Fishing
The Bazaruto Archipelago has some of the best big game, reef and bill fishing in the Indian Ocean. Species include: Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna/Bonito, King/Queen Mackerel, Prodigal Son, Wahoo, Dorado, and Barracuda. Giant Trevally (GT’s) often top the scales above 25kg. Azura caters for beginner and experienced fishermen/woman alike, and operates a strict tag and release policy on protected species. You can choose to go trolling, popping or jigging with one of Azura’s guides, or with an independent guide who offers fly fishing, jigging and popping. Fishing is extremely popular and should be booked well in advance.
Scuba Diving
Our marine life and corals are often cited as the best off the East Coast of Africa. We have seasonal visits from whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales and their calves, and we regularly see loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, devil rays and moray eels as well as a variety of reef fish such as grouper, bat fish, surgeons, puffers, moorish idols, parrot fish, clown fish, trigger fish and chocolate dip fish. Hard and soft corals are in abundance, with Christmas tree anemones and nudibranchs for those who like to spot the smaller stuff!
PADI 5 Star Dive Centre
Azura has a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre with top of the range Scubapro equipment. Our training pool is perfect for refreshing your diving skills or even trying out snorkelling before you head off to the reefs. The Bazaruto Archipelago offers a range of depths and reef topography to suit beginner and experienced divers alike. For training we offer a full range of courses and have a PADI Instructor. We highly recommend that you complete the theory portion of your course at home, before your holiday. That way, you’re ready to start diving as soon as you arrive and will get to spend more time exploring the waters around the island. Azura is also a DAN (Diver’s Alert Network) Business Member which entitles all divers doing entry level courses to basic dive insurance coverage.
Every Day is Different Dining
At Azura, dining is all part of the experience, from breakfast at the Portuguese restaurant to lunch by the pool and dinner on a candle lit beach beneath a blanket of stars. We offer numerous experiences on the Island and beyond including spectacular picnics on deserted sandbars. For a more special occasion splurge on a private candle-lit beach dinner with a loved one.
Other Experiences
Experience a sunset dhow cruise, or have one of our guides lead you on a dune climb. Island hop and visit Pansy Island for lunch, or be dropped on the sandpit at Benguerra North point with a picnic lunch. Alternatively take to the water for a guided snorkeling safari, or go out whale watching in season. All activities are subject to weather and tidal conditions as well as boat, Land Rover and guide availability.
Children & Teens
Children and teens at Azura will be spoilt for choice when it comes to spending time here with us. We offer a host of activities for kiddies to participate in, supervised by Azura’s guides, hosts and activity coordinators. Children can enjoy seeing interesting marine life above and below the water, search for pansy shells on an island that appears at low tide, experience cultural encounters, climb dunes, look for crocodiles (from a safe distance), taste the island’s fruits and learn a new skill or two.
There are daily flights on Airlink and LAM from Johannesburg International airport (OR Tambo) to the newly modernized Vilanculos International Airport (VNX). The direct flying time from Johannesburg is approximately 1½ hours. These flights are designed to connect well with the major international flights to and from Europe. There are also regular flights from Maputo (MPM) on LAM and Mozambique Ethiopian Airlines.
Excellent Safari & Beach Combination
Azura Marlin Beach can be easily combined with a Kruger or Sabi Sands Safari since Airlink flies from Nelspruit (KMIA) airport to Vilanculos 5 times a week with a flight time of under an hour and for a seamless bush and beach combination. You will be able to enjoy a game drive in the morning and sip your cocktail on Marlin beach in the afternoon. Have a look at our Promotions to check out the offers for this excellent combination.
