Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is the most complete resort in the Bazaruto Archipelago and often the best value for couples who want comfort on a remote island. It sits on Bazaruto, the largest island in the national park, with beach villas spread along the sand, two pools, three restaurants, an Anantara Spa and a full program of water activities. Behind the resort rise dunes high enough to see the whole archipelago.
The resort has more facilities than the small lodges on Benguerra. You can dive in the morning, have lunch by the pool, sandboard down a dune at sunset and finish with dinner on the beach. Villas are about 58 square meters, many with plunge pools and step straight onto the sand.
It suits couples who want a beach honeymoon with variety, polished service and a broad choice of activities, at a lower price than the most exclusive lodges. It suits less well those who want a tiny, intimate lodge or total seclusion. It pairs well with a safari and five nights is a good length.
Highlights at a glance
- Beach villas on the archipelago's largest island
- Beach Pool Villas with plunge pools
- Sunset dune boarding
- Dhow cruises and Two Mile Reef snorkeling
- Anantara Spa
Why Couples Love Anantara Bazaruto
The island itself is the star. Bazaruto is the largest island in the archipelago, with towering dunes, freshwater lakes and long beaches facing both the mainland and the open ocean. The whole area has been a protected national park since 1971.
The resort gives you the comforts of an international brand in a place that still feels wild. You can choose between quiet days at your villa and busy days on the water. Staff organize everything, from scuba dives to private dinners.
Sunsets are a highlight. Climb the dunes for a view of the channels and sandbars as the light fades, or take a sunset dhow cruise with a drink in hand. From July to September, humpback whales pass offshore and you may see dolphins and turtles year round.
Villas to Book
The resort offers three main villa types.
- Beach Villas are about 58 square meters with direct beach access. Some come with a private plunge pool as an option.
- Beach Pool Villas are the same size with a plunge pool and direct access to the beach. For a honeymoon, these are the ones to book.
- Two-Bedroom Sea View Pool Villas are about 250 square meters and suit families or two couples traveling together.
Ask for a villa toward the quieter end of the beach and away from the main restaurant if you value peace. Mention your honeymoon when booking; Anantara often adds touches such as a private dinner or a decorated villa. Compare packages carefully, since the resort publishes room-only, half-board and all-inclusive offers that change what you pay for meals and drinks.
Food, Drink and the Spa
There are three main dining venues. Golfinho is the main restaurant, Tartaruga Restaurant and Grill serves grilled seafood and meats and Clube Naval combines a restaurant and bar by the water. Expect plenty of fresh fish, prawns and Mozambican flavors such as peri-peri.
The Spice Spoons cooking class introduces you to Mozambican dishes and it is a fun way to spend a slower afternoon together.
The Anantara Spa offers massages and treatments in a calm setting and couples treatments can be booked side by side. There is also a fitness center if one of you likes to keep up a routine. Private dinners on the beach can be arranged and are worth doing at least once.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
The activity list is long. Snorkel or dive at Two Mile Reef, one of the best sites in the archipelago. Sail at sunset on a traditional dhow, try deep-sea fishing or take a cruise to Pansy Island, known for its delicate shells.
Sunset dune boarding is a resort favorite. You ride down the high dunes behind the resort, then watch the sun set over the channels. Whale watching runs from July to September.
For quieter days, kayak in the shallows, walk the beach at low tide or relax by one of the two pools. One partner can head out fishing while the other has a spa morning. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest. Malaria is present in Mozambique, so talk to a travel health clinic before you go.
Getting There
Fly to Vilankulo (VNX), usually via Johannesburg. From Vilankulo, you can take a helicopter, about 15 minutes, which costs around $345 per person each way, or a boat transfer of about 60 to 70 minutes after a short road transfer, at about $45 per person each way. Boat departures are typically in the afternoon. Treat these prices as approximate.
There is no pier, so expect to wade a little when you step off the boat. Pack soft bags, with about 20 kilograms each.
The resort pairs easily with a safari in South Africa. Fly via Johannesburg and plan for a full travel day each way. If your international flight lands late, spend a night in Johannesburg before connecting.
Is It Worth It?
For many couples, yes. Anantara Bazaruto gives you a beautiful, protected island, comfortable villas and a wide range of activities at prices well below the most exclusive lodges nearby. It is a strong choice if you want variety and a full-service resort feel.
The trade-offs are scale and atmosphere. This is a bigger resort than the lodges on Benguerra, with more guests around the pool and restaurants. Couples who want a small, barefoot lodge with plunge pools in every room should look at &Beyond Benguerra Island. Those wanting a large private residence can consider Kisawa Sanctuary. If you want a beach honeymoon with dunes, reefs and a spa, Anantara is good value for the setting.
Insider tips
- Book a Beach Pool Villa for your own plunge pool.
- Compare room-only and all-inclusive offers before you book.
- Take the helicopter one way for an aerial view of the sandbars.
- Do sunset dune boarding early in your stay; you will want to do it again.
