andBeyond Benguerra Island 

Cast away to a romantic rustic-luxe haven in the protected Bazaruto Archipelago.

Featuring on Condé Nast Traveller’s 2016 Hot List, the Lodge at Benguerra Island has come a long way since its fishing camp days. Almost completely refurbished in 2013 by the luxurious andBeyond collection, the accommodation now matches the picture-perfect setting.

Arriving by helicopter showcases the Bazaruto Archipelago in all its glory. The dazzling waters here are an underwater paradise, with unspoilt coral reefs that teem with marine life including turtles, dolphins and the rare dugong, plus humpback whales (mid-June to mid-October) and whale sharks (December to March). Benguerra is the second largest island in this stunning archipelago, with an interior of soaring sand dunes, forests and wetlands fringed by golden beaches. The island is home to two boutique hotels and a subsistence farming community. andBeyond is closely involved with supporting its people and the local wildlife. The conservation of the endangered dugong is one of its key Ocean Without Borders initiatives.

Peeping out of the indigenous pine forest, the lodge is high-end but understated, with a luxury safari camp vibe. Huge thatched-roof casinhas and cabanas sit on the beachfront, secluded in high-walled gardens, with elegant four-poster beds complete with billowing drapes, bathrooms with large tubs and outdoor showers, beachside cabanas and private plunge pools. The décor is rustic African beach chic combined with Portuguese-influenced interiors of dark wood and splashes of blue. For drinks and dining, a traditional fisherman's dhow has been converted into a beach bar and meals of fresh, fragrant seafood can be set up on the beach or on your private deck. Activities range from picnics on deserted sand bars to guided snorkelling and romantic dhow cruises.