andBeyond Benguerra Island

Benguerra Island sits in the Bazaruto Archipelago off the Inhambane coast of Mozambique, and the lodge occupies a strip of indigenous forest above a crescent of beach facing the Indian Ocean. Fifteen rooms divide into ten casinhas, two cabanas, and the Casa Familia — a three-bedroom house with a private pool on a sheltered veranda, set at the edge of the main lodge with direct views of the ocean.

Casinhas and cabanas are built under local thatch. Both have four-poster beds, private timber decks, and plunge pools; casinhas add a small sitting area beside the bedroom. Bathrooms have tubs and outdoor showers tiled by hand. The cabanas are slightly smaller and suit couples; the casinhas offer a little more space.

Dining moves between a shaded gazebo used for evening meals, a main dining room with a wide deck, and a dhow-inspired beach bar open through the day. A shared pool looks out over the water.

Activities include scheduled snorkelling over the coral reefs around the island, dhow cruises on a traditional wooden fishing vessel, guided and self-guided island drives that pass the lakes, dunes, village, school, and church, and a castaway picnic at the highest dune in the archipelago, where the view takes in three hundred and sixty degrees over South Point. Scuba diving requires a full PADI certification. Horse riding — including riding bareback into the sea — runs from the island with nine horses and a dedicated guide. Helicopter scenic flights operate at additional cost. The WILDchild programme runs activities for children. A spa offering Healing Earth treatments is on site.