Kisawa Sanctuary is a new standard in luxury hospitality. Pairing cultural celebration with environmental conservation on Benguerra island, Mozambique, Kisawa’s ambition is to bring wilderness and service together, carefully and comfortably. Benguerra Island is situated 14 kilometres off Mozambique, on the Eastern coast of Africa. Part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, this WWF National Marine Park is home to some of the richest and least explored subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. A dramatic 150m high sand dune overlooks the sanctuary; a place more than 145 bird species, including flamingos, call home. Orca, manta rays, dugong, whale sharks, marlin and an assortment of dolphins are either regular visitors or permanent residents. The island’s warm, crystal clear waters are also a globally significant nursery for mother and calf humpback whales, along with five species of nesting sea turtles.
Kisawa is a combination of 12 one, two and three-bedroom bungalows, plus The Kisawa Residence, positioned within a 300-hectare stretch of forest,
beach and sand dunes. Each bungalow (380 square meters of internal space and 560 square meters of external space) is housed within its own one-acre plot, offering maximum privacy, minimum disturbance and optimum appreciation of the natural environment.
Each uniquely designed bungalow has its own stretch of beachfront, a private swimming pool, shaded day area with outdoor kitchen, massage hut and pantry stocked to guest preferences. A 24/7 personal service team, plus dedicated vehicles – including a colourful fleet of electric buggies – means the experience can be intuitive and self-directed.
Guests also choose between multiple dining venues across the sanctuary, including two beach ‘cozinhas,’ a lagoon-style swimming pool, beach bar ‘barraca,’ a library and main terrace. At Kisawa there is no set schedule; guests decide their own agenda. Everything from dining hours, treatments and access to activities are customised to the individual’s needs.
Furthermore, a stand-alone spa specialises in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic offerings with striking architecture inspired by the island’s thatched village houses and central community buildings. Additional facilities include a gym, sand-clay tennis court and diving centre.
Image credit to 'The Boundary'
