A Luxury Travel Blog

Move over the Maldives and Mauritius… there is a new player in Indian Ocean luxury and it’s coming in the form of a rather unique Mozambique. Something of a hidden gem, this sparkling coastline has only been visited so far by ‘those in the know’. Powder white sands and azure blue seas abound, but this time it’s less manicured, more remote feeling, and even a little adventurous.

What this new Indian Ocean alternative is offering is summed up by Vamizi Island. Billowing white muslins drape enormous beds, the gentle sea breeze whispers through pretty latticed windows and vast decks surround Robinson Crusoe villas scattered with deep sofas, colonial style chairs and cushion covered day beds…

The beaches are your own, the diving is to die for, deep sea fishing is unrivalled and the privacy is quite spectacular.  No rows of over water bungalows or ‘carefully hidden’ neighbours at Vamizi Island… the villas are 70 metres apart, absolutely private and with the company of weaver birds working over head and monkeys gamboling in front of your villa you will never feel lonely.

Vamizi Island, like most luxury African lodges is also fully inclusive except for scuba diving and deep sea fishing, so unlike other Indian Ocean destinations you will not face an extras bill at the end of your holiday.

Take a step back to the romantic appeal of the ‘Golden Age of Aviation’ as you travel through southern Africa in a DC-3. Experienced 4th generation local guides tailor the voyage to the interests of a select group of 14 travellers as you explore Zululand, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa with Travcoa Flying Safaris. You¹ll be a distinguished guest at a private ceremony, the Zulu King¹s Reed Dance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to observe a celebration of 20,000 African maidens rekindling their people¹s pride in dance and traditional culture.

Azura in Mozambique is unveiling new suites, including an ultra-luxurious Presidential villa. This private residence offers its own beachfront location and amazing views towards Bazaruto Dune, an infinity edged swimming pool spanning the front of the villa, private kitchen with personal chef, massive bathroom with freeform bath, outdoor showers, dining area with feature star-shaped roof, wine bar and more.

Our latest interview is with Suzanne Aaronson, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Suzanne’s Files, a leading quality lifestyle resource. Suzanne’s Files provides expert picks on under-the-radar getaways, hidden gems, wow services, truly unique gifts, lifetime experiences, and niche experts around the world.

What is it that you do exactly?

Everyday is different – that’s for sure! Throughout everyday there is a mix of our insiders, people I meet, things I read that help keep me and our team well informed about special finds all over the world. My days are mixed with business meetings and “checking things out” time. The mix is perfect for me!

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Everyone I know, almost everyone I meet is interested in Suzanne’s Files – super flattering. People are so curious how they can tap the ever-growing site; the way it can help them navigate through the noise out there- the clutter. The time-saving benefits they get from the e-Newsletters; the insight and personal voice is like a friend would tell you!

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Little Kulala Lodge, Namibia: an intimate desert retreat on a private Namibian wilderness reserve. It felt like Fred Flintstone’s house meets chic stylish.  A real wow when you can sleep under the stars on your rooftop.

St. Regis in Singapore: imagine the most well serviced and most eclectically designed city hotel – now multiply by 2!

Cap Estel, Eze, Cote D’Azur, France: exactly what the Med should be. Surrounded by the sparkling sea, provided with great sporty activities on property.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

Hmmm… that’s a fun question! So, I’d have to say when I was 16 years old, out to dinner in New York at a great Indian restaurant and I saw Bill Cosby (whom I grew up watching of course and adored). I walked over to him and said hi and asked if I could have a hug.  He hugged me tight!

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

I like to keep celebrities’ anonymity as there are quite a few that tap me for my suggestions of wonderful experiences to have, places to visit and go… I’ll share one non-work related story which is that years ago Christy Turlington entered the same elevator I was in in NYC.  She turned to me and complimented my jacket – which I had designed myself from an old military jacket I bought in a Washington DC thrift store.  I felt very stylish to say the least…

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

No question – these places: Atacama Desert in Chile, Mozambique, Madagascar, Wild Fitness bootcamp in Kenya, Croatian Coast, Tokyo….and I’d like to learn how to video document to better share my perceptions and finds via the web.

Thank you, Suzanne, for a great interview. And apologies on me having to be chased to get it published… it’s been a busy time here at A Luxury Travel Blog!

A new luxury eco-boutique hotel is opening on Benguerra Island, Mozambique.  Called Azura, it consists of 14 beautiful villas adorned with traditional Mozambique artwork and blends modern chic with a wonderful beachfront location. Watch the dhows pass by, swim with dolphins or simply stroll along the miles of pristine beach. Azura opens in July 2007.

Following a major renovation programme, Indigo Bay Island Resort & Spa has re-opened. Situated on Bazaruto Island, the largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, the resort has converted its 24 Bay View Rooms into 12 Bay View Suites, each with two bedrooms and their own splash pool. The resort also boasts a dedicated honeymoon chalet, and the addition of a Presidential Suite, which has its own spa bath and rim-flow swimming pool. A gym will open at this unique getaway next month, and the spa is scheduled to open in April of 2007.

This is post three of twelve in our daily look at the best islands in the world to visit, when to visit them and where to stay (where individual recommendations are made). For March, the following are recommended:

• Benguerra, Mozambique: Benguerra Lodge
• Bermuda: Fairmont Southampston
• Dominica
• Maldives: Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa Rangali Island and Four Seasons‘ Explorer catamaran
• Tasmania, Australia: Islington Hotel
• Zakynthos, Greece: Hotel Nobelos

New for 2006, Benguerra Lodge in Mozambique now has a pool on the beach. Situated on Benguerra Island (approx 11 kms by 5 kms in extent), the lodge is in keeping with the ancient tradition of the Archipelago, once the playground of the Queen of Sheba and the trading route of old Arabia. Also new are two honeymoon suites which have been built right on the edge of the beach, offering the ultimate in romance, elegance and seduction.

Mozambique is one of the last unspoilt areas on the east African coast, with pristine beaches and coral reefs. Several barefoot-luxury-style lodges have opened on the virtually uninhabited islands of the Bazaruto archipelago, including the nine-villa Quilálea Island resort on the Quirimbas. The island can now be reached by helicopter transfer from Pemba airport.