WEDDING EXPERIENCE

For many years now it has been the fashion for those seeking an idyllic island retreat to marry in the Seychelles or the Maldives.

Now dmAFRICA is able to offer the exotic alternative of a wedding in the islands of Mozambique!

All dmAFRICA wedding arrangements are tailor made to suit your requirements. When planning your wedding we shall share with you the successful experiences of previous weddings at this venue.

We have two main locations:-

• On Pansy Island which is a small sand spit which only appears at low tide. The wedding party normally arrives by helicopter, but can arrive by dhow. The ceremony then takes place and is conducted by the local tribal chieftain. After the ceremony, it is customary for the chieftain and other guests to depart. The newly married couple remain on the island until the tide comes in. They sail romantically to the lodge in a traditional dhow.


• Or the ceremony can take place under water! This is entirely possible as long as the wedding couple are proficient scuba divers.


• If the wedding is a blessing only, then the ceremony is conducted by the tribal chieftain. If it is an actual wedding then an authorised spiritual leader of the appropriate church officiates.


• dmAFRICA recommends Villa Amizade or the Presidential Villa , described below, as the perfect accommodation for our wedding couples.

AZURA RETREAT - WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• Azura is located on Benguerra Island within the Bazaruto Marine National Park.
• Benguerra Island lies 14km north east of Vilanculos, the nearest town and site of the international airport.
• Azura operates a state of the art 6 seater Eurocopter helicopter for the transfers from Vilanculos to Benguerra Island. The flying time is approx 7-10 minutes, and will connect with your arriving/departing flight.

Azura Retreat - Imagine an unspoilt island within a National Park, deserted beaches of pure white sand, sparkling turquoise seas crisscrossed by local dhows plying their trade, swaying palms, sunny days and star studded nights…and you have Azura Mozambique.

• Azura is the country’s first luxury 'eco' boutique retreat.
• Built entirely by hand by the local community and operated in partnership with them, it has just 16 villas each with their own infinity pool and designed for both pampering and barefoot escapism.
• The hand built villas blend modern chic with all that is traditional in Mozambique. The creature comforts you would expect from a luxury boutique resort are there, set off by locally sourced wooden beams and traditional artwork beneath a thatched jekka roof.
• Each is just footsteps from the beach, yet designed with seclusion in mind. Nestled amidst indigenous gardens and you have your own sanctuary. A haven of rest and relaxation, where you can feel at one with the environment. A fusion of indoor and outdoor space where time becomes your own.
• Wander down to the pristine white beach and welcoming azure ocean beyond.
• Lounge around on plump cushions on your daybed, or tan in private and cool off in your sparkling plunge pool.
• Dine on your deck, or sip champagne in your beachside Sala as the sun goes down.
• Lie in your bath and gaze at the view, or shower beneath the stars. Do whatever you want to do. The villas are a welcoming place to stay. You may not want to leave them at all.
• wedding couples will have a dedicated Mozambican host to look after you during your stay.
• They’ll take care of all your needs, including serving your meals, arranging activities and joining you on excursions.
• They are part of Azura’s commitment to the community and amelioration of the country’s people. Many of them have very little in the way of formal education, but they have a genuine warmth and friendliness, and will delight in looking after you.

THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA

• The epitome of style and luxury, with its own unique décor, the Presidential Villa at Azura is one of the most luxurious private residences to be found anywhere in the Indian Ocean.
• It is perfect for wedding couples and for their honeymoon...if they are not on a budget!
• It has two en suite bedrooms, a third staff bedroom, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, a sitting room with fireplace, dining area with ‘wine bar’, and huge infinity pool spanning the front of the villa.
• It is located just footsteps from the beach at the end of the property to ensure maximum privacy, and has uninterrupted panoramic views to Bazaruto Island and the Indian Ocean beyond.

The Presidential Villa has the following facilities:

• 425m2 under roof, 1075m2 private area.
• Complete privacy with its own beachfront location and amazing views towards Bazaruto Dune.
• Huge split level master suite with king size bed, oversize mosquito net, sitting area, massive bathroom with panoramic freeform bath & shower, separate toilet, dressing area, his & hers indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning and fans.
• Second beachfront bedroom with the same gorgeous layout as our existing Infinity Beach Villas.
• Third small en-suite bedroom suitable for bodyguards/nannies/pilots/guides and children.
• All linked by wooden walkways and screened by natural indigenous vegetation.
• Stylish separate sitting room with fireplace, flat screen TV, DVD and Bose Sound Dock.
• Dining area with feature star shaped roof and ‘wine bar’.
• Treehouse lounging area.
• 16m infinity edged swimming pool spanning the front of the villa.
• Private kitchen and personal chef.
• Mozambican host service.
• Guest toilet.
• Extensive sundecks, relaxation areas, daybeds and beach Salas.
• Maximum occupancy 6 (no extra children sharing rooms permitted).

WE RECOMMEND VILLA AMIZADE AS THE PERFECT ACCOMMODATION FOR WEDDING COUPLES

• Villa Amizade, which means friendship villa in native Portuguese. This 2 bedroom en-suite villa is located at the western end of the property, and offers more than 185 m2 under roof.
• It is perfect for a dmAFRICA wedding/honeymoon couple requiring more of a private residence feel, and represents excellent value when occupied by 4 people:

Villa Amizade has the following facilities:

• Master bedroom with king size bed, indoor/outdoor feel with doors opening up on 2 sides of the room to lounging decks, en suite bathroom with freeform bath, indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning.
• Second en suite bedroom with twin beds, sitting area, feature indoor/outdoor bathroom, look through sea view and air-conditioning.
• Sitting area with flat screen TV, DVD, Bose Sound Dock and selection of games, opening onto
• Extensive decking, dining and relaxation areas, including a ‘wine bar.’
• 10m fully tiled swimming pool.
• Large beachfront garden with daybeds and hammock, wonderful views of the sea and sunset.
• Guest toilet.
• Small kitchenette.
• Mozambican host service.
• All the normal Azura design touches and finishes.
• Maximum occupancy 4 people.

Azura has 10 Infinity Beach Villas. They are furnished in contemporary style and look out over a stunning infinity pool towards the beach and sea beyond. They have the best of beachfront locations.

Each Villa has the following facilities:

• 110m2 under roof, 650m2 private area.
• Beachfront location and views.
• Private 5 metre infinity pool (5m x 2.5m x 1.4m deep).
• Large private undercover deck with daybed and dining facilities.
• Air-conditioning and fans.
• King size bed with oversize mosquito net.
• Egyptian cotton percale bed linen.
• Large bathroom with panoramic shower & bath, dressing area and double vanities.
• Separate toilet.
• Indoor/outdoor his and hers showers.
• Mozambican host service.
• Mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
• Sundeck.
• Beachside sala.

Azura has 3 Luxury Beach Villas furnished in contemporary style and just steps from the beach.

Each has the following facilities:-

• 100m2 under roof, 450m2 private area.
• Beachfront location and views.
• Private plunge pool (2m x 3m x 1.2m deep).
• Air-conditioning and fans.
• King size bed with oversize mosquito net.
• Egyptian cotton percale bed linen.
• Bathroom with shower, double vanity and separate toilet.
• Outdoor his and hers showers.
• Mozambican host service.
• Mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
• Large private undercover deck with daybed.
• Sundeck.
• Beachside sala.

Azura’s African spa

• Azura’s spa has a double treatment room located right on the beach and open to the breezes so that you feel at one with nature.
• Signature treatments are based on local ingredients and traditions, and offer a wonderfully relaxing and pampering experience.
• On arrival you will change into your gown and therapists will explain your treatment while undertaking a traditional African foot washing ritual out on the deck of the treatment room.
• Afterwards you can shower off in the open air shower, before relaxing once again on the ocean view deck with refreshments.
• Signature treatments take their inspiration from the very heart of Africa. Be rubbed down with 5 carats of genuine diamond dust in our ‘Diamonds are Forever’ Scrub for the ultimate in glitz.
• Or try a ‘Butter me up’ wrap using a unique blend of African body butters and oils, including the highly prized Mongongo Nut Oil.
• Follow that up with a relaxing massage using the new beauty miracle, Marula Oil.
• Or try something different with our Tribal Traditions massage, where olive and shea butter is poured all over the body, massage strokes mimic the beating of African drums, and massage staffs hued from local wood are used on both body and face, finishing off with African rain sticks to leave you with a sense of lasting peace and calm.


• Nothing is hurried at the Azura Spa. Relax, lie back and be pampered. dmAFRICA wedding couples are encouraged to have their treatments together to take advantage of the Azura Spa’s beautiful romantic setting!

Activities Introduction

• A kaleidoscope of colour greets you above and below the ocean.
• Magnificent reefs for diving and snorkelling, home to the turtles that nest on the island’s outer shores.
• Migrating whales, dolphins, and the elusive and protected dugong ply these waters, along with marlin, sailfish and tuna to tempt the sports fishermen.
• On land, towering sand dunes give way to indigenous bush abundant with local flora and fauna, an interesting variety of birdlife, as well as the odd crocodile or two at the lakes.
• The island’s local people make for fascinating cultural encounters, and the starry night sky is quite magnificent to behold.
• Guests staying more than 3 nights will receive a free landrover island drive, sunset dhow cruise, and 15 minute refresher massage on arrival (subject to availability).
• There are also lots of special treats and surprises for dmAFRICA wedding couples.

Water Based Activities

• Many of the activities are focused around the ocean and reefs of Benguerra Island.
• You can snorkel, dive or fish the waters which are abundant with marine life.
• Watch the sunset as you sail on our dhow, or cruise to deserted beaches to look for pansy shells.
• Gaze at the dolphins, who are regular visitors to the beach, or track down humpback whales on their migration past the island’s shores (seasonal).

Scuba Diving

• Padi 5 Star dive centre with all new Scubapro equipment.
• Full range of instructional courses from discover scuba upwards (Padi MSDT Instructor).
• Dedicated watersports centre with dive training pool.
• DAN equipped 8m diving rib.
• Varied and interesting reefs with several species of turtle, dolphins, shark, pelagics, moray eels, eagle rays and a wonderful array of reef fish and corals.
• Snorkelling
• The world famous aquarium at 2 mile reef.
• Nearby Ponto Dundo.

Fishing

• Wonderful selection of reef fish for beginners and advanced alike.
• Some of the world’s best fishing for Marlin, Sailfish and Tuna.
• Giant Trevally (GT’s) are the area’s speciality and occur year round.
• Azura has a fully equipped fishing boat with local guides.
• Specialist guides are available in the area and can usually be arranged if required.
• Tag and release policy.

Dhow sailing

• Time stands still as you enjoy snacks and drinks on our 40 foot traditional dhow as the sun goes down

dmAFRICA Normal Arrangements at Azura Include:-

• All meals including main beach dinners and special menu events.
• Local beers & spirits, selection of house wines, soft drinks, tea & coffee, water.
• Sunset cocktail of the day served to Sala.
• Mozambican Butler/Host Service.
• A 15 minute refresher back and neck massage on day of arrival.
• A Landrover Island Drive.
• A sunset Dhow cruise.
• Various Honeymoon special treats.
• Laundry Service.
• EVAC Medical Insurance.

dmAFRICA Normal Arrangements Exclude:-

• Helicopter transfer Vilanculos to Azura Retreat US$330 per person return.
• US$10 per person per stay Bazaruto National Park levy.
• Visas if required (available on arrival) & Arrivals Tax US$95 per person payable cash.
• Premium spirits, cocktails, wines and champagnes.
• Specialist guided activities, day trips, deep sea fishing, boat hire.
• Reef snorkeling, Island hopping, Scuba diving and Scuba courses.
• Optional $10 per villa per night Rainbow Fund contribution.
• 17% government tax is charged on all extras locally.

Additional Information:

• Azura is located on Benguerra Island within the Bazaruto Marine National Park. Benguerra Island lies 14km north east of Vilanculos, the nearest town and site of the international airport.


• Co-ordinates: 21o51’12.83”S 35o26’ 18.79”E

How to get there?

• There are daily flights from Johannesburg International airport (OR Tambo) to Vilanculos International Airport which connect well with the major international flights to Europe.
• The flying time from Johannesburg is 2 hours on a 42 seat ATR aircraft.
• On Tuesdays and Fridays these flights collect passengers from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, with an onward flying time of just 1 hour. This facilitates an effortless beach and bush experience.
• There are also regular flights on Travelmax from Lanseria northern Johannesburg, LAM from OR Tambo, Lanseria and Maputo, and on Swazi Airlines connecting with Matsapha and Durban.
• Visas are available on arrival (currently US$31 but note this is subject to frequent change).
• Airport taxes are charged at the airport, US Dollars, South African Rands and Meticals are accepted. Currently US$3 on arrival and US$ 30 on departure.

Transferring to Benguerra Island

• Azura operates a state of the art 6 seater Eurocopter helicopter for the transfers from Vilanculos to Benguerra Island.
• The flying time is approx 10 minutes, and will connect with your arriving/departing flight. This should be booked at the same time as your accommodation.
• For those with an aversion to air travel, Azura will transfer you by speedboat on request and subject to availability. Transfer time is 15 minutes by minibus to the port, then 25-45 minutes by boat depending on sea conditions.
• Guests choosing to transfer by boat should be prepared for a knee deep walk through the ocean.