A remote beach with nary a footprint to be seen, palm trees swaying lazily in the tropical breeze as you sip your cocktail and relax gracefully in a hammock in your designer bikini…. my own personal dream (and considering I own neither a designer bikini, nor a bikini body, a rather improbable dream at that!). But, off I went to hunt up this fantasy on the remote Benguerra Island in Mozambique.
Arriving by helicopter at &Beyond Benguerra Lodge on Benguerra Island is an experience right out of the Tinder Swindler. You float over the gorgeous Bazaruto Archipelago with its ever-changing shades of blue, before descending right outside the entrance to the lodge. Staff welcome you with a lively song and a wet towel to wipe your brow after such an arduous entrance!
I was escorted to my beachside villa; air-conditioned and appointed with inside and outside showers, a soaking tub, and a desk for those pretending to work. For those not pretending to work, the view of the beach from the bed is magnificent.
The first thing I did was jump into my private plunge pool while my butler set up a gorgeous lunch on the veranda. A crisp glass of bubbly sent me searching for my private beachside daybed where a snort snooze was needed before embarking on the afternoon’s activities.
&Beyond Benguerra Lodge is famous for having endless activities to chose from. Whatever you feel like doing is arranged by your butler or the activities manager and all you need to do is arrive, appropriately clad.
An afternoon dhow cruise is a romantic and fun way to see the coastline, while enjoying a local beer. A dhow is a traditional sailing boat used by the local fishermen along the Indian Ocean coast, all the way from Mozambique to Kenya.
If you enjoy horse riding, then don’t miss a ride along the beach, suitable for all levels or rider. Or indulge in swim with the horses, where you ride bare backed into the surf and frolic in the waves.
I loved the morning snorkeling trip to Two-Mile Reef which started with a lovely sail on the catamaran, followed by a guided snorkelling trip through the reef. It was quite incredible how much more I saw, with my guide pointing things out. The array of colourful fish and urchins was mind-blowing. I didn’t see a dugong, so there is no other option… I must return!
After the snorkel trip, I was deposited on a private sandbank where a gorgeous picnic had been set up. All for me. As I lay there on the beach with my feet in the water, tucking into the delectable nosh, I spotted two dolphins playing in the waves. I would have taken a photo, but I was too lazy to walk to my bag and decided to just enjoy the moment.
After all the indulgence, my butler convinced me to do the island drive, to see the massive dunes on the tip of the island. This also takes you through the village so you can meet some local people and see how they live, in this remote part of the world. After a sandy hike to the top of the dune where I watched the sun set over the ocean, I felt that I had done my bit for fitness and decided to retire to my veranda.
Food at Benguerra Lodge is spectacular. Every bite was scrumptious and left me wanting more. Meals are served on the lawn, on the beach, on your private veranda or anywhere you like really. It is totally personalized, and your butler makes every effort to make sure you are having a superb time. One of my favourite meals was the beach dinner which started with drinks around the fireplace and ended with a seafood spread, while firepits and lanterns twinkled.
&Beyond Benguerra Lodge is a destination for honeymooners, families and groups of friends. There is so much space and privacy that you need never be irritated by another soul and you can just relax and indulge in this magnificent beach destination.
