community. There are about 2 000 locals living on the
island, including some 300 children who are educated at
a brightly painted school built by Azura’s Rainbow Fund
(Azura is the first hotel in Mozambique to have its own
officially registered charity). Our destination is a remote
beach; its clear, blue water is bordered by dream-like white
sand, with incredible dunes rising in the distance. We finish
our day on the other side of the island, capturing shots
with a drone and squeezing in a paddleboard session.
On our final day of shooting (and our last at Azura,
sigh) we sneak in some much-needed downtime at Villa
Amizade, suntanning, swimming, dancing on the deck
and getting some great flatlays and selfies for Instagram,
of course. Later, we get our final shots (featuring a
massive Crystal Birch sun hat), then simultaneously call it
a wrap and cheers one another with ice-cold G&Ts. While
we drown our sorrows at the thought of leaving the next
morning, Pedro and Raul are halfway down the beach
setting up for our final supper, complete with lanterns
and palm leaves surrounding the table. As I walk towards
them, taking in the attention to detail and the effect of
the lanterns against the night sky, I can hardly believe
how beautiful and special it all is.
As we polish off flourless chocolate torte and berry
ice cream for dessert, we beg Pedro to play us a song on
his guitar. With the waves gently breaking beside us and
the stars showing off above, he serenades us with Tracy
Chapman’s ‘Baby Can I Hold You’. Soon, we’re all dabbing
at our eyes with our napkins, unsure whether our tears
are due to our new friend Pedro’s talent, the unforgettable
evening or because we know that, tomorrow, our
island bliss will be replaced by hustle and bustle and
stronger WiFi. Either way, the people, the places and the
overall spirit of Azura has touched us, and it’s been an
experience we will never forget.mcGETTING THERE
Airlink makes it convenient
to fly directly from Joburg to
Vilanculos, the gateway to
the Bazaruto and Benguerra
islands (and even from
Nelspruit KMIA to Vilanculos
allowing you to enjoy both
a bush and beach getaway- think an early morning
game drive and lunch or
cocktails on the beach, all
on the same day). Airlink flies
directly from Jo’burg to
Vilanculos five times a week.
Bookings: Flyairlink.com
RESERVATIONS
2 011 467 0907
2 reservations@azura-
retreats.com
2 Azura-retreats.com
2 Azurabenguerra.comWecallitawrapandcheersone
another with ice-cold G&Ts
JAN/FEB 2018 MARIECLAIRE.CO.ZA 121
PHOTOGRAPHS
NIQUITA BENTO, JUAN-PIERRE WHITFIELD