At a Glance
- Anantara Bazaruto blends barefoot luxury with marine park adventures in Mozambique’s protected archipelago.
- Guests enjoy 44 shoreline villas, local dining, reef diving, whale watching and dhow cruises.
- Conservation projects safeguard coral reefs, dugongs and turtles while supporting local communities and schools.
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, one of the most beautiful Mozambique Resorts set on Mozambique’s largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, located inside Bazaruto National Park, off the Indian Ocean coast of southern Mozambique, blends barefoot luxury with the natural rhythm of the Indian Ocean.
Rebranded from Indigo Bay in 2013, the resort has become a centerpiece of Mozambique’s high-end tourism, offering travelers a mix of secluded comfort and access to one of East Africa’s most protected marine environments.
Protected setting
Bazaruto Island has been a national park since 1971, known for its seagrass meadows, coral reefs and one of the region’s last remaining dugong populations.
Minor Hotels introduced the Anantara brand to the island a decade ago, promising to deliver world-class service while safeguarding the fragile environment and supporting local communities.
With only 44 villas along the shoreline, the resort retains the feel of a private retreat while serving as one of Mozambique’s leading luxury properties.
Getting there
Reaching Bazaruto is part of the appeal. Visitors fly into Vilanculos before crossing the ocean by speedboat, small plane or helicopter.
The arrival often involves stepping through shallow water while traditional dhows sail past, underscoring the island’s identity as a living marine park rather than a packaged destination.
Design and villas
The resort’s 44 villas are designed with natural materials including timber, thatch and stone to blend into the landscape.
Options range from Beach Villas that open onto the sand to Beach Pool Villas with private plunge pools.
Larger family villas include expansive terraces with ocean views. Interiors use warm tones, local craftsmanship and features such as al-fresco showers and wide verandas that connect indoor and outdoor living.
Food and dining
Dining reflects both international tastes and Mozambican flavors. Golfinho offers seafood and tropical fruits alongside global cuisine, while Clube Naval serves wood-fired pizzas and grills in a casual poolside setting.
For more exclusive experiences, “Dining by Design” sets up private meals on the beach or dunes. Guests can also join Spice Spoons cooking classes to learn regional recipes from the resort’s chefs.
Experiences on land and sea
The island offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Two Mile Reef attracts divers and snorkelers, while seasonal whale watching brings close encounters with humpbacks.
Anglers test their skills in deep-sea waters, and dhow cruises at sunset provide slower moments. Onshore, horse rides along the beach, dune climbs and sand boarding highlight the landscape, while the spa draws on African and Asian traditions for post-adventure relaxation.
Conservation efforts
Operating in a marine park places conservation at the core of the resort’s mission. Anantara partners with local and international groups on coral gardening projects, inviting guests to participate in planting corals later tracked for growth.
Education programs raise awareness about dugongs and turtles, while community initiatives support schools, local food producers and tourism training for island residents. These measures aim to preserve biodiversity while creating economic opportunities.
Milestones and gatherings
Beyond leisure, the resort has become a venue for life’s milestones. Couples travel for weddings or vow renewals, while families gather for anniversaries in larger villas.
Small groups occasionally book retreats, drawn by the island’s privacy and intimate scale.
A lasting presence
More than 10 years after Anantara took over, Bazaruto Island Resort remains central to Mozambique’s tourism profile. Its villa-style accommodations, marine park setting and balance of comfort with responsibility make it a distinctive presence in the Indian Ocean.
For many travelers, a stay offers not only escape but also a connection to the rhythms of island life that endure beyond the trip.
