Azura Marlin Beach is the more relaxed, beach-house sister of Azura Benguerra Island, set on a spectacular sweep of white sand at Marlin Beach on southern Benguerra Island, inside the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park. Ten whitewashed, thatched villas open straight onto the beach: six Beach Villas, three Beach Villa Grandes with private plunge pools, and Villa Vista, a two-villa hilltop retreat with its own pool sleeping four.

Stays are fully inclusive of all meals, local beers and spirits, house wines and soft drinks, a daily sunset cocktail, Mozambican host service and use of the Peri Peri Beach Club. A first sunset dhow cruise is complimentary and kayaks and paddleboards are free to take out. WiFi reaches the villas and public areas (signal dependent) and EVAC medical insurance is included. In-room spa treatments can be arranged, and the pool, beach bar and ocean-facing restaurant anchor easy, sociable days.

The lodge runs a seahorse conservation programme in the seagrass beds of the archipelago, and guided boat excursions (at a charge) cover island hopping, reef snorkelling and diving, deep sea fishing, dugong spotting, seahorse safaris and seasonal whale watching, with sundowner picnics on sandbars as the tide turns. Villas can be set up as twins on request and children of all ages are welcome. A minimum stay of 3 nights is recommended; festive season bookings (22 December onward) require a 5-night minimum.