Azura Benguerra, an island escape in Mozambique

Amazing Azura

In saving the best for last, mythology suggests the Mozambican coast was carved out after all the other coasts in the world had been created. It is said the beaches were gifts from the Gods for the Mozambican people.

And, yes, I can personally attest those beaches were that beautiful.

Helicoptering onto Azura Benguerra Island from Vilanculos, men in native wooden dhows crossed the turquoise and cobalt transparent waters plying their trade while dolphins chased their wakes.

Mozambique is bathed year around in the most crystalline and warm waters that the Indian Ocean offers. I couldn’t wait to dive in.

Virtuoso property Azura Benguerra is the Bazaruto Archipelago’s first eco-boutique retreat.

Only 16 villas, all designed with traditional Mozambican shaggy-thatched roofs and chic interiors, front a fine sandy white beach lined with palm trees swaying over the ebb and flow of high and low tides.

Created from community spirit

Built in partnership with the local community, Azura owners Chris and Stella Bettany employed about 90% of the staff from the islands and started the Rainbow Fund which is responsible for funding the local school and the education of over 350 children each year ranging from grades 1-7.

One evening at sunset, I had the privilege of a special singing and dancing performance from some of the schoolchildren on the beach.

I cheered as their exuberance and light-hearted spirits shone through.

Luxury hotels and charity don’t always go hand in hand, but Azura has delivered a model that works. An automatic donation from each guest’s stay goes toward the Rainbow Fund, allowing its continuation and a future for these children.

Find out all about Executive Edge Travel’s ‘Edge Around The World’ Charity Foundation

Candlelit dinners on the beach

My rejuvenating week at Azura Benguerra Island was spent diving on Two Mile Reef with a kaleidoscope of magnificent reefs and myriad tropical fish, torch and candlelit dinners on the beach every night, a sunset traditional dhow cruise, spa treatments, swimming in the balmy Indian Ocean and long walks along the endless uninhabited coast (you can beach walk for hours in one direction).

Jonas was my trusted butler for the entire stay. He took care of our every need and served our meals – he even indulged us each day by bringing lunch to our villa’s infinity pool to maximize sun time.

Jonas, a local, is a gentle, kind and thoughtful soul. He anticipated our every whim carefully and considerately with dedication, attention to detail and a smile.

When he learned my mother had a bad knee, he would be waiting at every step to help her navigate safely. He’d draw us little notes in our butter dish every day relevant to the day’s activities. A little sailboat or fish. Every meal’s service was flawless whether we were eating outside our villa or on the beach near the main area. Jonas is a true gem representing the local people of the island in the finest light.

Touching the stars

And then there was the ever-charming Faizel, who was the acting General Manager during our stay; the other four managers were absent for various legitimate reasons. Exercising near superhuman powers, Faizel was essentially a one-man show assuming the roles and responsibilities of the entire management team.

One evening he joined us for dinner to share his passion about the Rainbow Fund and then gave us a truly impressive astronomy lesson complete with a laser dart that seemed to touch the constellations.

On our last morning, Faizel and Jonas arranged a surprise beach breakfast and happy birthday cake for mum with four of the staff singing and applauding in genuine celebration.

This article first appeared at Executive Edge Travel as part of Kimberly’s African adventure