Accommodation
Luxury Chalets
Care has been taken in the placement of all chalets to provide guests
with views of the sea, while retaining privacy in the rooms. Where
possible existing flora has been incorporated into patios and indigenous
bush has been kept. The Luxury Chalets are positioned on the 100m
drop to the beach, each patio faces the ocean and offers exceptional
views of the sunrise over the ocean.
Construction of the chalets is of indigenous hardwood sambiri pole
and thatch; plaster walls with wooden frame windows and doors; and
combinations of highly polished hardwood and cemcrete floors. Frameless
glass shower doors and interesting vanity features incorporating
traditional beer barrel bases with impressive hardwood counter tops
have been included in the design of the interior.
Large glass doors and windows allow an abundance of natural light
to enter the rooms and offer fantastic views of the ocean from each
chalet. A well-placed desk and counter top serves a practical purpose
while adding a local element of high gloss wood and traditional
beer barrel to the room.
Chalets are comfortable and well-appointed. All units are fitted
with separate air conditioning, mosquito nets, hairdryers, shaver
plug points, electronic safes, fridges and coffee and tea stations.
Chalets are available with private patios, or sharing for families,
and as twin bed or double bed units.
Villas
Situated in a secure complex with controlled access and positioned
on a sand cliff with unsurpassed views of the ocean, the Villa is
perfect for those looking for more private, exclusive and personalized
accommodation. The Villa is located a short drive from the lodge
and is constructed of thatch with plaster walls, wooden frame windows
and doors.
The Villa can comfortably accommodate up to 14 guests in five bedrooms
with five bathrooms. All rooms are air-conditioned. The open plan
lounge, dining room and bar, with large sliding doors, offer superb
views of the morning sunrise over the ocean. The high volume roof
gives a feeling of space overlooking the pool and garden. Various
combinations of food and personalized service can be supplied from
the lodge to suit one's requirements.
The swimming pool, with children’s splash pool,
or the cover patio provides the perfect place to relax while watching
the changing tides. The Jacuzzi and boma add to the relaxation experience
and the upstairs viewing deck is the perfect place for sundowners,
with views stretching across the bay to the islands of the Archipelago
and the harbour beyond.
Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite, built on stilts, offers superb views of
the ocean and islands in the distance. It has two en-suite rooms
a comfortable open plan lounge and bar as well as a spacious covered
patio. Floors in the Presidential Suite are cemcrete with interesting
tile inlays. Construction of the unit comprises plaster walls, high
volume thatched roof with wood framed doors and large folding louver
doors off the lounge.
The air-conditioned rooms are large and comfortably appointed with
mosquito nets, desk, arm chairs, luggage racks, hairdryers and electronic
safes. The en-suite bathrooms, boast open shower, double vanity,
toilet and a bidet. The lounge has large folding doors which, when
open, offer unobstructed views of the ocean. The bar counter provides
a comfortable place to relax in private with friends and family.
Email Vilanculos Beach Lodge reservations:
vnx_beach_lodge@mozbookings.com
Restaurant
The spacious restaurant offers the choice of dining in doors, or
out on the patio under well-designed, attractive shade sails. For
true outdoor dining, the option of dining under the palm trees or
next to the pool is available. An impressive chandelier, adds an
element of interest within the building. Traditional Mozambican
and standard Western fare are served, but fresh, scrumptious seafood
remains the specialty. A pizza oven situated near the pool bar offers
authentic wood-cooked cuisine year round.
Pool, Gardens and Bar
The spectacular 550,000 liter infinity pool on the beach front offers
a welcome retreat from the heat of the day. It boasts a gentle sloped
beach entry, martini double tiered seats, and Jacuzzi jets and bubbles
with a stunning water feature. The pool bar, overlooking the gardens,
pool and beach, offers a more relaxed atmosphere. A big screen TV
for the sports fans, a selection of drinks, shooters, and cocktails
are available from this fully equipped bar.
The beach entry accommodates wheel chair access, and is perfect
for children, elderly or disabled patrons. A depth of 2m allows
for scuba training, without compromising the comfort of other guests.
An endless amount of paving allows one to find secluded areas to
settle and enjoy the view on a lounger.
The well-kept gardens are an appealing blend of indigenous bush
on the slopes around the chalets and pathways, and tropical lush
green palms and lawns of the guest entertainment areas. The rolling
green lawns of the gardens around the main building, pool and pool
bar, are peppered with palm trees, offering shade on the hot summer
days. Scattered paved areas amongst the trees offer quiet shaded
areas for drinks, meetings, meals or to simply relax. A small dam
on the property offers children an opportunity to fish for small
fresh water fish while dad is chasing the game fish at sea.
Main Building
The Main Building houses the lounge, reception, main bar, restaurant
and kitchen .This welcoming thatched structure invites guests to
unwind in the comfort of its open spaces and passages which lead
into the garden, allowing for a refreshing escape and uninterrupted
views of the sea. In the event of inclement weather, awnings are
available to offer protection, without blocking the magnificent
views. The large comfortable couches in the lounge provide the perfect
place to relax indoors and the main bar is equally well-positioned
overlooking the lush gardens, palm trees and pool in the distance.
Getting there
Vilanculos Beach Lodge is situated just 8km from the airport on
the tarred road, the lodge arranges transfers to and from the airport.
Fly
Vilanculos hosts an international airport with flights departing
to/from Maputo and Johannesburg on a daily basis. There are also
flights from KMIA (Nelspruit) to Vilanculos twice weekly
Drive
The roads to Vilanculos are acceptable and tarred, but look
out for potholes on route, a 4x4 is not a necessity. We do not suggest
travelling at night in Mozambique. Fuel is readily available, but
it is suggested to fill up when possible. Unleaded fuel is available
in Vilanculos.
Visas
South African passport-holders do not require a visa for leisure
travel to Mozambique. Visas are obtainable at the airports for overseas
visitors. Cash (in US Dollars, South African Rands or Meticais)
will be required for payment of these upon arrival.
Activities
Scuba Diving
At Vilanculos Beach Lodge, dive in the warm, subtropical waters
of the Indian Ocean, in and around the Bazaruto Archipelago. Let
the dive instructor, guide you around the pristine coral reefs which
abound with more than 200 species of fish. Our Dive Centre includes
a well-stocked equipment room, computer to download those fantastic
underwater photo's, hot water showers, classroom, compressor room
and makes use of our swimming pool which is one of the largest in
Vilanculos.
As the reefs range from shallow to deep, they offer the diver an
abundance of marine life with a huge diversity of both coral and
fish life. In addition to most of the beautiful East Indian Ocean
reef fish, we have the privilege of seeing various species of Sharks,
Whale sharks, Manta rays, Potato bass, Turtles, Guitarfish and various
Rays and Eels. For those extremely fortunate, a Humpback Whale during
the months of July to October.
For the non-diver there is always the opportunity to take a snorkeling
trip to the amazing 2 mile reef. Here, one may appreciate the beauty
and colours of a coral reef and the abundant marine life it supports
without having to don scuba gear.
Fishing
Come fishing with us at Beach Lodge in and around the prolific waters
of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Let one of our local skippers take
you expertly to the current fishing hot spot aboard one of our fishing
vessels - be it for game fishing, drop shotting, light tackle or
fly fishing. Fishing is excellent all year round, especially for
giant king fish, king mackerel, yellow fin tuna and barracuda, with
Dorado and Wahoo being found in the summer months.
October to February produces three species of Marlin, mainly Black,
Blue and Stripped. For the Sailfish enthusiast the best months are
May to July. Fly fishing is available from the shores of one of
the idyllic islands, the sand flats around the Archipelago or out
at sea. At Beach Lodge, we support catch and release but a fish
for the pot is accepted. On return from a day's fishing, you can
kick up your feet around our pool and brag about the one that got
away.
Boats for Charter
Catamaran - The 46’, 8 berth catamaran offers all the modern
prerequisites for a day trip or overnighter. Boasting LED lighting,
plasma TV with surround sound, glass front fridges, microwave, freezers,
pressurized water system, shower room, gas braai, generator and
battery system, along with staff accommodation. There are large
areas of shade under bimini tops on the deck and dropdowns through
the main deck area for comfort in the event of inclement weather.
Yachts - 26’, 5 berths motorised sailing yacht for the qualified
enthusiast. This includes a burner stove, sink, fans, radio stereo,
toilet, fridge and battery system with solar panel. Canopy with
dropdowns provide shade and shelter if required.
Fishing Boats - An array of mono and cat hulls through the range
designed and specked to suit various applications and requirements.
These are specifically built for the area with fuel economy and
reliability in mind.
Motorized Kayaks - Newly launched, these can be used for general
sporting about, bird viewing on the rivers or for the serious fisherman
looking for a thrilling angling escapade or a personalized fishing
expedition in the channel. With an electric start, these motorized
kayaks are simple to operate and an adventure all on its own.
Water sports Boat - The water sports boat is an open bow rider.
Catering for the general water junkie, this vessel cover all aspects
from tubing, skiing, wake snakes, wake boarding and knee boarding,
to mention a few. For both learners and experienced watersport enthusiasts,
it is fitted with a monster tower and side pole.
Parasailing
The 30 ‘caterpillar powered, genuine parasail boat has a landing/launch
deck incorporated into the boat. This is specifically designed to
launch and land multiple people at one time using a hydraulically
operated winch system. The system allows multiple pax flight to
a maximum of 400m and is the pinnacle of parasail equipment available.
Non Motorised Water Sports
Non-motorised activities include sea kayaks, paddle skis, soccer
and beach volleyball. The sea is calm and shallow in front of the
lodge and ideal for swimming and paddling. Vilanculos is proving
to be a popular kite surfing destination, particularly between the
months of September and February. Comfortable wooden loungers, large
thatched umbrellas and waiter service guarantee complete relaxation
on the beach. Alternatively, a day can be spent next to the swimming
pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquil gardens.
Island Hopping
Various packages allow mind boggling options of adventure,
sport and recreation to suit your requirements. Enjoy an idyllic
picnic on the pristine beaches of a deserted island, where calm
indigo waters stretch to the horizon.
Booze Cruise
Day time, late afternoon and evening booze cruises on a specifically
designed bar boat. The boat accommodates 10 people with sound system,
gas braai and bar counter with built-in bar stools and canopy. The
boat has a toilet and side deck for easy water access.
Horse and Camel rides
Breakfast, day time, sunset and night horse rides can be arranged
through the Activities Manager at the Lodge. Camel rides along the
Vilanculos beachfront can be booked with the Activities Manager.
Whale watching
Dolphins are seen year round and whales are seasonal visitors
to the Archipelago. Whale watching excursions take place during
the months of July to October.
Vilanculos Beach Lodge is situated in the small costal town of Vilanculos,
in the subtropical province of Inhambane, Mozambique. Vilanculos
lies 720kms north of Maputo and 500kms south of Beira. The town,
with friendly people and a lively atmosphere, offers the perfect
base from which to explore the picturesque Bazaruto Archipelago
and the Bazaruto National Park.
The marine reserve includes five islands – Santa Carolina
(also known as Paradise Island), Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque
and BangueThe Archipelago offers some of the world's best snorkeling,
diving and big game fishing. The islands are pristine in their natural
beauty and diverse ecologies. The coral reefs are profuse with a
diversity of tropical fish and turtles, and are amongst the most
pristine in the Western Indian Ocean. Dolphins are seen year round
and whales are seasonal visitors to the Archepelago. The park is
also home to the last viable population of dugong on the east African
coast.
There is an abundance of bird species, including the crab plover
and olive bee-eater that tunnels its nest into the sand dunes. Large
flocks of migrant waders visit the fertile mud flats from September
to April, and the nomadic Greater Flamingo arrive around
mid-October. The town of Vilanculos has grown extensively over the
last decade, and has been the recipient of considerable inward investment
into its tourism infrastructure. Vilanculos has an international
airport with daily flights from Maputo and South Africa. Tourists
should be reminded to take malaria tablets and wear sunscreen.
Email Vilanculos Beach Lodge reservations:
vnx_beach_lodge@mozbookings.com
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