Vamizi Island Lodge, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique

Image 3 - Vamizi Island Lodge, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique

Image 4 - Vamizi Island Lodge, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique

At a Glance...

Style: Barefoot luxury

Our opinion: 5 star: kick off your shoes and relax in indulgent Robinson Crusoe-esque splendour

Accommodation: 13 beautifully private thatched villas, each with their own stretch of beach

And the kids? Children are welcome - babysitting provided and family villas available

Activities: World class diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing, pamper yourself with holistic treatments and most of all, relax!

Season: Open year round: Best months - May/June and September- December

Highlights: Complete privacy and the most beautiful beaches and seas in the Indian Ocean; Low malaria risk

Vamizi Island Lodge, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique

Located in the Quirimbas Archipelago, Northern Mozambique

Vamizi Island is situated in the Quirimbas Archipelago, a chain of 32 islands which stretches 200 kilometres along the remote northernmost coastline of Mozambique. Slender and crescent-shaped, Vamizi boasts vast stretches of empty white beaches, thick forests and vibrant lagoons, encircled by some of the most pristine coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. The surrounding waters are rich with life and offer exceptional blue water fishing and truly world-class diving; one of its best kept secrets is Neptune's Arm, a spectacular drop-off which has been voted one of the top ten dive sites in the world.

Vamizi Island lodge on the northern side of the island has 13 impeccable villas, strung along a beautiful stretch of beach and nestled in amongst the dense green foliage of the forest behind. These spacious one or two-bedroomed villas, each commanding their own stretch of beach, blend into the tropical surrounds with palm thatched roofs, timber floors, woven screens and reed pole walls and verandas. King or twin beds lead off to the en-suite bathrooms which boast marble double vanity areas and large showers. The sitting areas of comfy cushion clad wicker and wood furnishings also have mini bars and tea and coffee stations, all opening out to shaded decks, with wide doors allowing the cool breeze to waft through.

There is relative formality in the thatched and open sided dining room and lantern lit lounge but don't be fooled. Vamizi is all about barefoot luxury. Buffets are served in the Muntu Nkulu castaway restaurant on the south side of the island, or open grills are prepared and served on the beach. Enjoy cocktails and fine wines at the bar and relax in the deep cushions of the sofas.

Access to the island is either from Vamizi lies 100 kilometres south of the Tanzanian border and 180 kilometres north of Pemba. International flights from Europe, the Middle East and South Africa flying into Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Pemba (Mozambique) are met by a regular charter flying directly onto the island 3 days per week. From the Vamizi Island airstrip, it is a further fifteen minute transfer by boat or a 30 minute transfer on a 4x4 Land Rover to reach the lodge.

A haven for Samango monkeys, green turtles and Humpback whales, alike, Vamizi is a sanctuary, not only for endangered wildlife, but for the world-weary, yet discerning, traveller seeking solace and serenity. The ethos of the island is all about barefoot luxury; leave your shoes and worries behind, unwind and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with Hatha yoga classes, meditation sessions and therapeutic treatments. The tranquillity and serenity of Vamizi, marred only by the plaintive calls of monkeys, fish eagles and kingfishers, provides the perfect setting for rest and relaxation.

For those who seek a little more adventure, Vamizi is surrounded by long stretches of remote beaches, whilst the interior is engulfed with forest, crying out to be explored. Unlike a number of places on the East African coast, there is very little difference between low and high tide at Vamizi, meaning that the walk down the beach to the sea only changes by a couple of metres. Voted one of the top ten dive sites in the world, the island boasts truly world-class diving with magnificent coral gardens and a myriad of fish species beneath the surface. Fishing enthusiasts can be spoilt for choice with an abundance of big game and trophy fish within the blue waters.

Ultimately, however you choose to spend your time, Vamizi Island will send you home invigorated, with a renewed zest for life.

The lodge has since won numerous travel awards, including "Winner of the Good Safari Guide Best African Beach Property 2010" and "Conde Nast Traveller's Award 2010".