Welcome
As the only resort on the island, Anantara delivers a genuinely private island experience, with beach and pool villas scattered along the shore and consistently ranked as the top hotel on Bazaruto Island by travellers.
Arrival here is an experience in itself, some guests land on the island’s own private airstrip, while others arrive by speedboat, wading the final stretch to shore where a full arrival party greets them with singing, clapping and drumming. It’s the kind of welcome that sets the tone for a stay built around genuine seclusion, natural beauty and warm Mozambican hospitality.
Being the sole resort on Bazaruto Island itself sets Anantara apart from the neighbouring Benguerra Island lodges, which share their island with several other properties. For guests who specifically want an entire island’s worth of privacy and space, rather than a private stretch of a shared island, Anantara Bazaruto is one of the very few options in the archipelago that can genuinely deliver that.
Getting there
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort sits on Ilha de Bazaruto, the largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park, roughly 30km off the coast of southern Mozambique near Vilanculos. The resort is around 19 miles from Vilanculos Beach and close to the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park’s protected reef systems.
Guests typically fly into Vilanculos International Airport via Johannesburg, then complete the final leg either by light aircraft directly onto the island’s private airstrip, or by speedboat transfer across from the mainland. The resort’s own airstrip and helipad make it one of the more flexible island properties in the archipelago when it comes to arrival options.
Where to stay
Anantara Bazaruto offers a range of villa categories, from Beach Villas and Beach Pool Villas to two-bedroom Sea View Pool Villas designed specifically for families. Beach Pool Villas offer spacious outdoor living with a veranda, sun loungers and a private plunge pool overlooking the ocean, along with a tropical outdoor shower or an indoor bubble bath for guests who prefer to soak in comfort.
Two-bedroom Sea View Villas give families room to dine and lounge together, whether indoors or poolside overlooking the ocean, with a quiet bath overlooking the bay for parents wanting a moment to themselves after a day of activities. Across all categories, large decking areas and sweeping views of tropical white sand and turquoise water are the consistent thread.
On the island
Anantara Bazaruto’s island setting supports an unusually broad activity list, dugong, turtle, dolphin and whale watching trips, horseback riding along the island’s dunes, scuba diving and snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs, dune boarding, deep-sea fishing and a full range of watersports. Humpback whale migration season runs from July to September, a particular highlight for guests visiting mid-year.
The resort’s spa and wellness facilities round out the experience for guests who want to balance activity with genuine relaxation, and a sunset sail is a popular way to close out the day, taking in views across the marine park as the light changes over the water.
Food and drink
Guests consistently highlight breakfast and lunch as particular strengths of the resort’s dining programme, with fresh, quality ingredients served across a range of settings. While some reviewers note dining options could be more varied given the resort’s remote island location, the overall standard of food and service remains a consistent highlight of stays here.
Seasons
Humpback whale migration season runs from July to September, adding a strong seasonal draw to the dry winter months, which also bring the clearest water for diving and snorkelling. The warmer months from November to March offer warmer swimming water but a higher chance of tropical storms, which can affect boat and light-aircraft transfers to the island.
Perfect for
Anantara Bazaruto suits honeymooners and couples seeking a genuinely secluded island resort with strong diving and marine wildlife credentials, along with families drawn to the resort’s two-bedroom villas and wide activity range. As the only resort on Bazaruto Island itself, it’s a strong recommendation for guests specifically wanting an island exclusively their own rather than sharing the setting with neighbouring properties.
Good to know
Anantara Bazaruto sits within a malaria area, so standard precautions and pre-travel medical advice are recommended. Given its remote island location, additional charges for certain activities and amenities are worth confirming when booking, as some guests have noted this affects overall value relative to the headline rate. The resort periodically runs signature anniversary packages tied to milestone celebrations, worth asking about when booking a special occasion stay.
Questions
Yes, it's the sole resort on the island, giving guests a genuinely exclusive island experience within Bazaruto National Park.
Fly into Vilanculos International Airport via Johannesburg, then transfer by light aircraft directly to the resort's private airstrip, or by speedboat from the mainland.
Yes, humpback whale migration season runs from July to September, making this window a strong choice for guests hoping to combine a beach stay with whale sightings.
Enquire
Share this stay
Similar stays
Extend Your Journey
Book your ideal Holiday
This for is for Agents only.
