High up on a sand dune where gentle sea breezes flow, are many rooms with views. Forever views, really. Down below, the sun rises over the Indian Ocean and dolphins, dugongs and seahorses live in the warm waters. Come afternoon, fishing dhows scurry out to catch their supper and there’s just no other sign of human presence anywhere else – but for your own. Maybe watch the sun go down from the relaxing bath house, cocktail in hand. Then as evening calls, slowly gather in the boma and wait for the stars to come out and welcome the night, while dinner is cooked fire-style. It could be cracking fresh seafood or another delectable Mozambican delicacy accompanied by fresh veg straight from the gardens.
This is simply daily life at Azulik, in Vilanculos Wildlife Sanctuary on the San Sebastian Peninsula. You’re far, far away from any crowds, yet cocooned in all the carefree luxury you could ever desire. Azulik has just four luxury en-suite tents set on a dune 70 metres above sea level – and there’s also a two-sleeper loft space for children. It’s ideal for a multi-generational family of 10, or a group of close friends simply wanting to celebrate life and be pampered while they do it.
Spend the day on the deck or in the magical infinity pool looking out to sea; do yoga on the purpose-built platform alongside, while being enchanted by warm Mozambican hospitality and superb service from the house staff. It’s like being part of an exclusive and private beach club, where every desire is catered to and every cocktail is divine. Maybe go deepsea fishing, paddle boarding in the channel below or swimming in the shallows. Or consider game viewing in the reserve to see a variety of antelope, and finish off with a bush braai.
Then, head back to Azulik and a sanctuary of crisp, textured white with just a splash of azure to reflect the ocean. The lodge is magnificently appointed, beautifully serene and decorated in a beachy boho style with an African twist. Furniture is locally made, staff are local too and as friendly as cool mojitos in mid summer. Actually it’s balmy here all year round, and mojitos are always close at hand to remind you how good it is to be in Africa.
Posted by Keri Harvey
What we love:
- the whale vertebra totem on the pool deck
- feeling like you are the only people on earth
- elevated ocean views over the Bazaruto Archipelago
- potted gardens in wooden dhows
- the décor tree with crystal droplets
- Land Rover Reef – a sunken Land Rover that’s being colonised by marine life
Need to know:
- it’s a malaria area, but is regularly sprayed and no malaria cases have yet been reported from the lodge
- the lodge is fully staffed
- suitable for children over 12 years old, because of the steep 70 metre drop off to the sea
- fishing is by boat and booked through Big Blue
- Getting there: fly to Vilanculos, then a 45-minute boat transfer and 20 minute game drive to Azulik. Or take a 10-minute helicopter flight from Vilanculos directly to the lodge.