There are countless blissful elements to Mozambique that make it one of the most desired destinations in Africa, to spend outlandish, adventurous family holidays beside the sea. The warm, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and idyllic snorkelling, swimming, sailing and diving conditions. It’s a romantic, rugged pocket of paradise rooted in rich cultural diversity, with a history that makes it one of the most fascinating countries to explore. When the call comes for a seaside getaway, surrounded by coconut trees and paw-paw palms, with the whole clan, Vilanculos, ticks the barefoot, luxury checklist.
No more than a 10-minute drive from Vilanculos, overlooking the archipelago islands that scatter themselves around the eternal blanket of turquoise blue, Villa Coco settles on a beautiful stretch of beach and cushions itself into its tropical garden of lush green lawn, baobab, frangipani and cycad trees. Set on two levels, this fully exclusive villa, accommodates as many as ten of your most favourite people in its three gorgeous suites and an additional family bunk room. A lovely open plan living, dining and entertaining area sits at the helm of the hideaway, where large retractable doors slide away to allow the outside, in. Its spectacular view of the garden unravels all the way to the long, spacious deck, with its infinity swimming pool, almost spilling out onto the beach and into the ocean. A separate games room sits upstairs in the loft, for those moments of easy entertainment when the sun’s rays have gotten the better of your busy, bathing-suit bodies and windswept hair. A round of pool or darts, or perhaps a spot of bridge even, helps prepare the appetite for the delicious evening feasting that ensues.
The incredible, warm-hearted team of staff are there to ensure your vacation clock is ticking at the required pace, with a very little to-do list. When you’re not active on the beach with the kite-surfers, swimmers and snorkellers, you’ll likely be lazing by the pool playing backgammon, or simply hanging out on the verandah, flipping through the villa’s bird book and identifying the plethora of species that flock to the garden. Purple crested louries, black head bull birds, woodland and brown-hooded kingfishers, African hoopoes and grey-headed bushshrike. Birders will be in bird paradise. After that siesta and slow shower, scents of Chef Sergio’s menu will be occupying the open living spaces of the villa. As he cooks up a hearty traditional dinner for the family to enjoy on the patio, or on the swimming pool deck beside the beach. What’s not sourced from the vibrant and thriving vegetable gardens, will be sourced from local markets and fisheries, to suit every dietary requirement. Flame grilled wild Mozambican prawns and creamy crab linguini with dijon beef fillet and spatchcock chicken. Platters and platters of fruit, nuts and all things yummy. From that first morning brew at the swimming pool deck, watching the sunrise over the sea, to that lovely little picnic spot on the dunes as you salute the sun good night, Chef Sergio will cater to your every feasting need. Should you wish to be your own culinary kings and queens of your vacation, you can of course opt for this too. But you’re likely to be too busy out island hopping and boat cruising and surfing the endless tides. Or catching up on a juicy novel before exploring the town, perhaps. The activities are endless to keep you and your clan occupied.
A place like Villa Coco entices you to spend your time wisely, in the water, with your favourite people. Savouring those special moments of tropical seaside life, in the stillness and serenity of the beautiful Archipelago Islands.
What we love!
- Villa Coco is not entirely remote, yet it feels like you’re located on your own private beach, looking out over the ocean. The villa sits within the Avia private estate which is perfectly secure and only 5km north of the town. Fortunately, the roads are in good condition so a standard car is suitable.
- Even though there is plenty to do and explore in the area and out to sea, you don’t feel like you ever have to leave the villa as you have everything you need around you. It’s the perfect opportunity to really just shut off and adjust your clocks.
- The staff of Villa Coco are absolutely wonderful and will cater to your basic housekeeping and meals. Serving delightful, fresh local cuisine, sourced from the mainland’s market places and the ocean. The rest is self-service. If you would like to self-cater entirely, it will be best to stock up on everything prior to your arrival so that you do not need to travel back and forth to town, daily.
- Swimming with the ocean wildlife and exploring the coastline by boat, or just those glorious long walks along the beach.
- The sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking and the night skies with their endless displays of shooting stars add that extra dollop of romance to the whole experience. Chef Sergio can prepare a picnic basket of treats for your boat and sunset expeditions.
What you need to know…
- Vilanculos is the nearest town and has everything you that you will need. The airport is only a 20-minute drive away.
- There’s an abundance of water activities to keep you occupied for days on end, as well as sundowner, dhow cruises, beach horse riding and kite surfing lessons. The villa has a thorough information book with recommendations and details on all of the activities and healing spa treatments available in the area.
- The bird life at the villa is spectacular. There is a bird book that the property has provided, listing all of the different species that frequent the gardens.
- All airport transfers and other necessary transport can also be arranged prior to your arrival should you require assistance. Villa Coco certainly offers an extensive list of services for a lovely barefoot, fancy-free holiday with the family.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie