Top 10 best luxury hotels & resorts in Mozambique

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels & resorts in Mozambique

Mozambique is an off-the-beaten-track and rather exclusive holiday destination for travelers who want to explore a still relatively unspoilt country. With 2,500 km (1,500 mi) of palm-fringed Indian Ocean beaches, beautiful nature reserves, exciting wildlife, a vibrant mix of cultures and grand colonial architecture, Mozambique offers abundant opportunities for adventure, experience and discovery. Accommodation-wise, the Southern African country offers a wide range of hotels, ranging from basic camps and budget hostels to ultra-luxe properties that rank among the world’s best resorts. Here’s my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels and resorts in Mozambique.

There is more information (with reviews & YouTube videos) below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel in Mozambique in the comments section!

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10. POLANA SERENA

Aptly described as the Grand Dame of Mozambique’s capital city Maputo, Polana Serena has long welcomed discerning travelers with a unique combination of colonial architecture, modern facilities, and personalized attention finely attuned to each guest. The iconic hotel was originally built in the “palace style” nearly one hundred years ago, attracting a guest list that included international diplomats, politicians and heads of state during World War II. Today, the legend lives on after a meticulous refurbishment that preserved the hotel’s original heritage whilst seamlessly introducing modern comforts and amenities.

Hotel website: Polana Serena

9. MEQUFI BEACH RESORT

Located on a dream beach in the Pemba area, one of the most untouched areas in the country, the new five-star Mequfi Beach Resort offers maximum privacy and relaxation, close to the Quirimbas National Park. The 48 rooms, 38 deluxe rooms and 10 suites are set out in beach bungalows and are spacious and bright, decorated in a contemporary style with local details and materials. Resort facilities include a saltwater swimming pool, three restaurants offering fine cuisine, a stylish wellness center, and a bar that remains open until late so that one can enjoy the magic of the African night.

Hotel website: Mequfi Beach Resort

8. MACHANGULO BEACH RESORT

Machangulo Beach Lodge in the south of Mozambique offers blissful barefoot luxury. Untouched African beaches, untamed nature and friendly local service come together in this family owned lodge, which is one hour by boat from the capital city Maputo. Situated in a truly unique location on a beautiful & secluded peninsula, the lodge features nine intimate ocean view chalets. Surrounded by five nature reserves, the property offers access to a plethora of excursions for the whole family and the fully equipped activities center, spa and dive center ensure unique experiences for everyone.

Hotel website: Machangulo Beach Lodge

7. SANTORINI MOZAMBIQUE

Perched amongst lush coastal vegetation, Santorini Mozambique commands majestic views of the warm azure waters of the Indian Ocean. The boutique hotel consists of the main, multi-level sprawling villa made up of five separate ensuite bedrooms, in addition to the “Chapel” – a private villa ideal for honeymooners. Each of the five main bedrooms is sea-facing, and features air-conditioning and private patio space. Villa de Prada is another private, 3-bedroom, villa perfect for small groups traveling together. From lazing at the pool to island hopping, snorkelling and exploring, Santorini Mozambique has all the ingredients of an idyllic seaside holiday.

Hotel website: Santorini Mozambique

6. WHITE PEARLS RESORT

This luxury Mozambique beach resort is nestled in a sheltered bay on Mozambique’s Lagoon Coast. Poised amongst the dunes on timber stilts, the hotel’s 22 luxurious suites have been sensitively designed to take advantage of their beautiful natural setting, while protecting the fragile eco-systems beneath them. In this striking setting, put your feet up as you sip your favourite summer cocktail at the Ibiza-styled glamorous beach bar, recline on the wide deck soaking up the sun or head down to the beach for some R&R as you listen to the sound of the waves breaking nearby.

Hotel website: White Pearls Resort

5. ANANTARA MEDJUMBE ISLAND RESORT

Among the finest Mozambique hotels, Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort is located on Medjumbe, a small private island which is part of the protected Quirimbas Archipelago that stretches along Mozambique’s northern coastline. Here, the horizon is an endless swirl of white sands, turquoise lagoon and Indian Ocean blue. And with only 12 beach villas dotting the island – all of them equipped with a private plunge pool – guests can cast away in luxury Robinson Crusoe style. Set sail in search of whales and dolphins. Dive in some of the world’s best reefs. Laze on deserted stretches of beach as sea turtles come to shore to lay their eggs.

Hotel website: Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort

4. AZURA BENGUERRA ISLAND

Located on the idyllic shoreline of Benguerra Island, the Azura lodge was hand-built by the local community as the first eco-friendly resort in Mozambique and is operated in partnership with it. Just 20 villas are nestled along one of the last undiscovered stretches of beach in the world, with all the creature comforts you could wish for: sparkling private pools, Mozambican butler-hosts to look after your every need, fish and seafood fresh from the ocean, a fantastic range of activities and experiences, and an African spa to relax in. The property is a community based project where the local islanders benefit as much as the guests.

Hotel website: Azura Benguerra Island
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one 50 minute massage per person per stay).

3. ANANTARA BAZARUTO ISLAND RESORT

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is an exclusive island retreat located on Ilha de Bazaruto, Island of the Mist, and set within a protected marine park some 40 km (24 mi) off Mozambique’s mainland. Guests can arrive via a complimentary 45-minute boat transfer, or opt for a charter flight (there’s even a private landing strip). Just 44 luxury villas dot these still untouched shores, where pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters await and where rolling sand dunes melt into azure waters favored by migrating humpback whales. Indulge in locally inspired spa treatments, dive along protected reefs, swim with dolphins, try dune-boarding, or take a sunset cruise.

Hotel website: Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, a private sunset Dhow cruise, $100 USD food & beverage credit, and one 50 minute massage per person per stay).

2. &BEYOND BENGUERRA ISLAND

Situated off the coast of Mozambique within the protected marine reserve of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, &Beyond Benguerra Island is a magnificent hideaway set on a protected lagoon. The beachfront lodge lies sheltered within the canopy of an indigenous forest and swaying palm trees. The property has a range of luxurious thatched accommodation. For families or small groups, the exclusive-use Casa Familia is an ideal option with three ensuite bedrooms, a large deck area and private pool overlooking the beach. Set amidst lush island forest, there are two cosy cabanas, ideal for couples or honeymooners, and the slightly larger 10 casinhas. Cabanas and casinhas all offer private timber decks, rim-flow pools, sun loungers and private salas with irresistible hanging daybeds.

Hotel website: &Beyond Benguerra Island
Other accolades: &Beyond Benguerra Island also features in my top 10 list of the best &Beyond lodges in the world.

1. KISAWA SANCTUARY

Located on Benguerra Island, Mozambique, all-inclusive Kisawa Sanctuary is simply put one of the world’s most fabulous beach resorts, blending wilderness, well-being and service. The ultra-luxury resort features 11 one-, two- and three-bedroom bungalows, plus the “Kisawa Residence”, which are all positioned within an enormous 750-acre stretch of forest, beach and sand dunes. Each bungalow comes with a private beach, infinity pool, and open-air deck, and is individually housed within its own one-acre plot, offering maximum privacy, minimum disturbance and optimum appreciation for the natural environment. Facilities include a spa specializing in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, a fully equipped gym and four restaurants serving mouth-watering dishes..

Hotel website: Kisawa Sanctuary
Other accolades: Kisawa Sanctuary also features in my top 10 list of the best ultra-luxe beach resorts in the world.
Review: read my review of Kisawa Sanctuary here.