Ensconced on a tiny private island in the remote Quirimbas Archipelago off the northern coast of Mozambique, Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort takes full advantage of its idyllic location with the romantic allure of welcoming adults only. Indeed privacy is a signature hallmark, and the resort won the 2015 World Travel Award for Africa’s Leading Private Island Resort.

All guests staying at the resort enjoy the all-inclusive benefits of the Discovery Experience package, including accommodation, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner with free flow beverages comprising a select range of non-alcoholic drinks, house wines, local beers and house spirits, as well as a host of non-motorised water sport activities and an in-room mini bar.

Untouched and authentic, paradise is naturally intimate. Medjumbe Island is a mere one kilometre long and 300 metres wide. Lush vegetation frames the softest of white powdery sands, lapped gently by the azure waves of the Indian Ocean. Tranquil seclusion reigns supreme. Yet the feeling of being in a world of one’s own is conveniently accessible with a 45-minute light aircraft transfer from Pemba International Airport, which can be reached from Mozambique’s capital Maputo or international flights from Johannesburg or Dar es Salaam. Bird’s eye views flying over the Quirimbas Archipelago conjure images of escaping to a deserted beach, plunging into warm crystal clear water and exploring the hidden charms of island life.

Intimate luxury has a distinctive African island identity

Showcasing incredible tropical nature, the resort has a distinctive African island identity with customised furniture, textiles and accessories, including traditional wax printed capulana fabrics that were scoured from local markets.

A boutique collection of just 12 Beach Pool Villas all open onto a pure white shoreline. Elegant rusticity of thatching, stone and wood is matched by understated luxury. Charming interiors feature colourful patterns depicting vibrant local culture, and aqua shades reflect the ocean. Modern amenities ensure comfortable indulgence. Bedrooms, offering twin singles, a queen size bed or a sumptuous king size four poster bed, adjoin a luxury bathroom with both a shower and tub. Tea or coffee can be sipped in the lounge in air conditioned comfort, or the wall-length glass doors opened and the fan turned on to circulate the breeze. Bliss in the tropics extends to an al fresco deck. Sun worshippers can bask on loungers and cool off in the aqua mosaic splash pool, which boasts an ocean-facing champagne step to toast a sparkling blue expanse, and later on sunset, with bubbles.

Exclusive experiences refresh perspectives

 The ultimate destination for couples, honeymooners and divers, Anantara Medjumbe’s remoteness assures untouched beauty and absolute privacy. Naturally breathtaking, every experience feels extraordinary. The ocean’s hues are dazzling and powdery white sands stretch for over a mile when the tide goes out. Couples can stroll straight from their villa onto the beach and swim or snorkel without distraction or intrusion – the only other passersby being local fishermen sailing their dhow boats to and from the mainland.

Reclusive allures are balanced by the genuine hospitality of resort team members, who go out of their way to create memorable experiences. The oceanfront pool sets the scene for lazy, sun-kissed days. Ascending to the Loft Lounge, guests can cosy into sofas and armchairs with a book from the library, play board games, or daydream to a translucent bay view. Sensual pampering awaits at Anantara Spa’s intimate beachfront villa. Starry nights are a dream come true, with the Robinson Crusoe-style Star Bed Experience inviting couples to sleep outside in a four poster bed surrounded by lanterns, all alone on Quissanga Island. 

Culinary experiences are tailored to guests’ liking, and served with extraordinary views. At Jahazi Restaurant, guests create their own breakfast from international and island flavours. Casual luncheons and elegant dinners present gourmet Mozambican, seafood and western dishes in Chef’s signature three-course set menus, which vary daily. For a change of scene, signature mocktails and cocktails at the Bahari Lounge Bar come with one of the most incredible views in the Quirimbas. Dining by Design customises romance with a personal chef crafting the ideal menu, savoured in villa privacy or on a quiet stretch of beach, at sunset or under the stars. Offshore escapism is deliciously alluring. Explorers can picnic on a deserted island and champagne is served with finger foods aboard a dhow sunset cruise that sails across the bay.

The pristine Quirimbas Archipelago is a breathtaking canvas for ocean adventure. Water sports energise with water skiing, wake-and knee-boarding, and teach new skills in a dhow sailing lesson. Brilliant coral reefs, striking underwater topography and a startling abundance of marine life promise some of the world’s most magnificent diving. For those who prefer to stay dry while admiring nature’s majesty, turtle, dolphin and whale watching boat trips offer iconic journeys.

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