Azura Benguerra Island is a luxury boutique retreat on the protected west coast of Benguerra Island, inside the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park, an area managed with African Parks. Twenty thatched villas sit on the beach among swaying palms, every one with its own private plunge pool, and the retreat is run hand in hand with the island community, from the Mozambican hosts who look after each villa to the conservation and school projects guests can visit.

Stays are fully inclusive: all meals, local beers and spirits, house wines and soft drinks, a daily sunset cocktail, dedicated Mozambican host service and use of the Peri Peri Beach Club. A first sunset dhow cruise is complimentary, kayaks and paddleboards are on hand, and at Benguerra a scenic island drive by Land Rover, snorkelling equipment and a Try Scuba session in the pool are included as well. WiFi reaches the villas and public areas (signal dependent) and EVAC medical insurance is part of the rate.

The archipelago holds some of the Indian Ocean's richest marine life. Guided boat excursions (at a charge) go island hopping, reef snorkelling and diving on Two Mile Reef, deep sea fishing, dugong spotting, seahorse safaris and seasonal whale watching, while back on land there is horse riding on the beach, dune drives to the Bazaruto dunes, a spa among the trees, star gazing and private beach picnics on the Wildside of the island. Villas can be configured with twin beds on request, children of all ages are welcome, and a two-bedroom Villa Amizade and three-bedroom Presidential Villa suit families. A minimum stay of 3 nights is recommended; festive season bookings (22 December to 5 January) require a 5-night minimum.