Because I've always wanted to...
Greetings - here's to wishing you all the most wonderful of summers
wherever you may be or are going to! Below you will see a few
highlights of what has been my third trip to Mozambique in as many
years! This e-letter features the Bazaruto Archipelago, Maputo the
capital and the very south of the country, close and accessible
from Kwazulu Natal in South Africa. The header photograph was taken
from a helicopter and is close to one of the most stunning parts of
coastline I have ever seen.
Yours laterally,
Nick Mathews, LateralLife London, UK.
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa
This island resort and spa is just perfect for family holidays.
It has superb buffet table food, two pools - one for all and one
for adults, lovely appointed rooms right on the beach, wonderful
watersports that include diving, fishing, snorkelling and dhow
trips as well as excursions to nearby islands, such as Paradise
Island.
The famous Anantara Group has recently taken over the day to day
management of this hotel and the results are well impressive!
Azura Benguerra
Flying three hours from Johannesburg into Vilankulos, Mozambique
is simple. What awaits you is the Azura Chopper and a low level
flight you will never ever forget (header picture!). 10 minutes
later you land on Benguerra Island and within 2 minutes you are
shown to one of the 10 stunning villas running along the beach,
each with its own pool. There are 2 other villas with 2/3 bedrooms
and larger pools. If you love watersports, if you love sublime
luxury, if you love deserted island picnics on your own private
speed boat and dinners on the beach under the stars and moon then
Azura Benguerra is for you. Simply an amazing place!
Polana Serena Hotel
Maputo, the current capital was once upon a time Lourenço Marques.
It still has a few colonial vestiges of its Portuguese past but one
morning's tour will do the trick, the train station being the
highlight! However, the relatively recently refurbished Polana
Serena (Aga Khan fame) is truly an old world colonial belter of a
hotel and well worth the visit! Its architect (Sir Herbert Baker)
is the same gentleman who designed the Mount Nelson in Cape Town.
Highlights are the pool and the ocean view outdoor sushi
bar!
White Pearl, Ponta Mamoli
In the very south of Mozambique close to the South African
border, one can find this extreme beach property. It's accessed
through Maputo by charter plane or chopper unless you are
driving in from Kwazulu Natal. Yes its big time luxury - beautiful
villas with small plunge pools - Ibiza style beach bar and
restaurant overlooking miles of empty beach and crashing waves.
Activities here include diving, ocean safaris in search of pods of
dolphins and Humpback whales, horse-riding on the beach, turtle
walks, private picnics and stargazing. A different sort of beach
resort to the north of Mozambique, but truly
invigorating.