Marie Claire's beauty team splashes down in the Indian Ocean
Marie Claire's beauty team splashes down in the Indian Ocean
We stayed at...
Azura (azura-retreats.com), a super-exclusive beach retreat on Benguerra Island, in the Bazaruto archipelago, that you can only reach on a stunning ten-minute helicopter flight (£249 return) from Vilanculos. Set beside blissful white sand beaches, its 16 thatch-roofed villas come with a butler, day-bed and private pool. In April a night costs £343 per person including meals, drinks and some excursions, or book a package at turquoiseholidays.co.uk.
Desert island dream: one of the three luxury beach villas at Azura Benguerra
Set inside a marine park, Benguerra is a dream spot to snorkel, dive and go sailing in a dhow.
Head to the Azura Spa for exotic treatments using African butters and oils.
Take a drive in a Landrover to see flamingos, crocodiles and turtles – and at night there's amazing stargazing...
Go horseriding along the beach and on inland trails (mozambiquehorsesafari.com).
For another luxury castaway experience, visit Azura's sister resort, Quilalea, in the northern Quirimbas archipelago.
Hit the deck: the beach at Azura Benguerra
South African Airways (flysaa.com) flies from London Heathrow to Vilanculos via Johannesburg, from £1,197 return. April to October is the dry season, visas are required (mozambiquehighcommission.org.uk). Zambia, Mozambique & Malawi (£17.99; Lonely Planet) is an up-to-date guide to the country, for more information see visitmozambique.net.