andBeyond Benguerra Island

Character and identity

Set on a barrier island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, this is a small, barefoot-luxe beach lodge from one of Africa's most polished safari operators, recently renovated but deliberately kept low-key. The footprint is tiny: ten casinhas, two cabanas and a three-bedroom casa, scattered along the sand with a pool, beach bar and spa. Design is cheerful and unfussy rather than glossy. Expect attentive, personal service of the safari-camp school (your passport comes back to the room tied with a ribbon) and a programme built around the ocean: snorkelling, diving, dhow sunset cruises, horseback riding, big-game fishing and birdlife running to roughly 140 species.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What sets this place apart is the combination of genuine seclusion and a serious marine playground, delivered with safari-grade service at an intimate scale. Spend the money if you want a quiet, ocean-led escape with a partner and have at least four nights to absorb the travel time. The three-bedroom casa suits families or friends travelling together; pair the stay with a mainland safari to justify the journey.