Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort
mozambique, mozambique · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is the most established and accessible resort in the Bazaruto Archipelago, combining Anantara's trademark Thai-influenced spa culture with two miles of brilliant white sand beach and one of East Africa's most complete water sports programmes. With 44 villas across the main island of Bazaruto, it operates at a larger scale than the boutique rivals on Benguerra, and benefits from Anantara's polished international service standards. It offers good value for a five-star Indian Ocean island experience, particularly for honeymooners who want a full activity roster alongside beach relaxation.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Want direct beach access
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
88/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
The Ocean Pool Villas are the standout honeymoon choice — raised on stilts above the beach with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, private plunge pools, and outdoor rain showers with sea views. The open-plan layout maximises the sense of space, and the large deck is ideal for sundowners. Upgrade to a Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villa if you want more living space or anticipate hosting a private dinner in-villa.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $1,300/nt) | $9,100 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $3,200 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $13,650 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $1,820 |
| Total estimated | $29,270 |
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Anantara Bazaruto across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival & First Swim
A light aircraft from Vilankulo deposits you on Bazaruto Island's airstrip in minutes. Anantara's team greets you with cold towels and escort you to your villa. The afternoon is best spent exploring the two-mile beach and taking the first of many swims in the turquoise shallows. Dinner at the Lighthouse Restaurant offers seafood with a long view down the beach.
Snorkeling & Water Sports
Anantara's water sports centre offers one of the broadest programmes in the region: snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. A guided snorkeling trip to the surrounding coral reef reveals trumpetfish, moray eels, and shoals of tropical reef fish. Afternoons are ideal for the spa — the Anantara Spa is particularly celebrated for its signature Mozambican ritual treatments.
Dhow Excursion & Sandbank Lunch
Board a traditional dhow for a sailing excursion to one of the uninhabited sandbanks surrounding Bazaruto. The crew sets up a private lunch with fresh seafood grilled on the beach. Snorkeling off the sandbank often reveals starfish, sea cucumbers, and reef sharks in the crystal shallows.
Scuba Diving Day
The reefs around Bazaruto Island shelter a remarkable diversity of marine life including guitar sharks, potato bass, and seasonal whale sharks. Anantara's PADI dive centre runs a full programme for both beginners and certified divers. A night dive, if you're adventurous, reveals a completely different cast of characters on the reef.
Anantara Spa Journey
Dedicate a full day to wellness: a couples massage in the Anantara Spa, followed by traditional Thai-influenced therapies using local ingredients. The spa's outdoor treatment pavilions face the sea. Afternoon brings optional yoga or meditation on the beach, and the evening a special honeymoon dinner set up by the beach team.
Sunset Dhow & Stargazing
A sunset dhow cruise is a Bazaruto classic — the light over the Mozambique Channel at dusk is extraordinary. Back on shore, the resort's location far from light pollution makes for spectacular stargazing; the sky interpretation team can lead a guided star session if pre-arranged. End with a nightcap at the bar.
Farewell Morning
A slow final morning: breakfast in bed or on the villa deck, a last walk on the famous two-mile white sand beach. The Anantara team can arrange a departure keepsake. Transfers to the airstrip are arranged by the concierge for your light aircraft back to Vilankulo and onward connections.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Bazaruto Island is larger than neighbouring Benguerra and receives more guests — at 44 villas, the resort feels noticeably less intimate than the boutique properties on the archipelago.
Internet connectivity is available but unreliable and slow — plan accordingly if you have work obligations during your honeymoon.
The light aircraft transfer from Vilankulo is the only practical route; book air transfers in advance as seats are limited on these small planes.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort Dear Anantara Bazaruto Island team, My partner and I are planning our honeymoon and are very interested in staying with you from [DATE] to [DATE] ([X] nights). We are particularly interested in: an Ocean Pool Villa Could you please let us know: - Current availability for our dates - Any honeymoon packages or complimentary upgrades - Details on private beach dining options and couples spa treatments Thank you for your time. [Your names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort good for honeymooners?
Yes — the combination of private Ocean Pool Villas, a world-class spa, two miles of white sand beach, and Anantara's experienced service team makes for an excellent honeymoon. It's a larger property than its Benguerra neighbours, which some couples prefer for the broader activity options and more lively atmosphere.
What is the best time to visit?
June to October is the peak dry season with optimal weather and water clarity. Whale sharks are most frequently spotted between November and February in the surrounding waters. March and April are shoulder season — fewer guests, lower rates, occasional afternoon showers.
What should we book in advance?
Ocean Pool Villas, couples spa treatments, the dhow sandbank excursion, and in-villa or private beach dining arrangements should all be pre-booked. Light aircraft transfers must also be arranged in advance.
Is it adults-only?
No, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort welcomes children and families. It's more family-oriented than the boutique Benguerra properties, though the guest mix in peak honeymoon season skews toward couples.
What's the best room for a honeymoon?
The Ocean Pool Villas offer the best combination of privacy, views, and direct beach access. They include private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and large decks overlooking the Indian Ocean — ideal for a self-contained romantic retreat.
How do we get there?
Fly into Vilankulo via Johannesburg (SA, LAM, or connecting via Maputo). A chartered light aircraft from Vilankulo to the Bazaruto Island airstrip takes approximately 15 minutes. The resort coordinates transfers through its recommended air partners — ask when booking.
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