Places to See and Stay: Azura - Bazaruto Archipelago

Azura means beautiful blue, a fitting name for this luxury eco-retreat located on the north west of Benguerra Island, surrounded by white sand beaches and turquoise seas. The lodge opened in late 2007 and has ten luxury beach villas, four infinity beach villas and one presidential villa all built in a style that combines traditional African with modern luxury and chic. Each spacious air conditioned villa has its own plunge pool and beachside sala and each is located amongst the palm trees just a stone's throw from the beach. Guests have wonderful privacy and seclusion. On arrival a bottle of French wine will be waiting for you in your room and during your stay a butler is available to look after your every need. While relaxation in luxurious surroundings is the highlight of Azura there are also a range of activities on offer mainly based in or around the sea. Guests can snorkel or dive the offshore coral reefs, view dolphins and humpback whales at certain times of year or go out with the Dugong Protection Team to search for these shy and endangered creatures. Back on dry land, guests can tour the island, climb the sand dunes and visit the freshwater pans. A dhow cruise and private picnic on a deserted beach is also a lovely way to spend the day. Spa treatments are available in the privacy of your villa and all arriving guests are also treated to a complimentary half hour back and neck massage.

While providing a luxurious escape for weary travellers the lodge also works to support the local community through the Azura Rainbow Fund which runs a variety of social and environmental projects including the building of a new school, support for the community after Cyclone Flavio and the formation of the Dugong Protection Foundation.

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