Azura, Benguerra Island, Mozambique. Luxury eco-boutique Indian Ocean island hotel.

	Conde Nast Traveller – ‘The Hot List 2008’. May 2008 MOZAMBIQUE. AZURA. ‘Benguerra Island Mozambique is becoming the hippest beach destination in Africa, with a handful of design-conscious hangouts, of which Azura is by far the most chic. On Benguerra Island, eight kilometres off the coast, the hotel is set on a white sandy beach strewn with thousands of shells, a few flamingos and little else. Owned by British entrepreneurs Chris and Stella Bettany and Mozambican partner Gabriel, this is the first of what the trio hopes will be a string of Indian eco-lodges that work with communities on conservation and educational projects. The 15 suites are more villas than rooms, each with a plunge pool, veranda, garden, beach sala and vast bathroom and living area furnished in relaxed Conran style. Beneath the shaggy thatch, the interiors are cool and contemporary, with mirrors framed in driftwood, marine-themed modern art and crisp, sea-coloured linens. The menus are light and health-conscious, with platters of seafood, fruit smoothies, salads and heavy sorbets served on sensuously curved decks under starlit skies. Bedtime is usually early: either in preparation for the next day’s activities (from snorkelling and fishing to dhow cruises and islands excursions), or perhaps because it’s so romantic; most couples can’t wait to retire.’

	ES Magazine – ‘It’s a wonder’. 4 April 2008 ‘AZURA AT GABRIEL’S MOZAMBIQUE. It’s night and, sitting on Benguerra’s beach, the stars are reflected by the phosphorescence in the Indian Ocean. Benguerra is one of five islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park off the coast of Mozambique. There are no nightclubs, no cars and no lights to interrupt your stargazing, just the breaking of the waves on the white sand. Azura at Gabriel’s is a new eco lodge on the island, joining Benguerra lodge. Compromising just 15 secluded villas, each with a small private pool, sundeck and butler service. Azura is definitely at the luxury end if eco lodgings, but the boutique resort has made a commitment to the local Mozambican community, who have a stake in the local business.’

	Conde Nast Traveller – Word of Mouth Section – ‘Astro Turf’. June 2008 WHERE TO MAKE STAR-GAZING A FIVE-STAR EXPERIENCE ‘....................and at Azura, on Benguerra Island in Mozambique, the resident marine biologist dazzles guests with lectures on deep-sky objects, while butler Greg is a good source of local lore – according to one legend, the Milky Way was formed when a village girl threw some embers into the sky..........’

	Tatler Travel Guide 2008 – Out there – ‘101 best hotels’ AZURA. Benguerra Island, Mozambique. ‘It’s all go in the beach wilderness that time forgot, and now a hot new arrival has everyone talking. Azura was hand-made by local people (completely charming), using raw materials transported to the island by dhows. As with all building projects (such hell), there were a few dramas along the way, but the results walk the tightrope between rusticity and plasma-screen glamour. Private pools and sushi at teatime (as good as Zuma’s) are a taste of the high life; rooms are simple comfort. But tear yourself away – Mozambique is so beautiful. Miles and miles of the most unbelievable coastline and serious unsullied reefs.’

	Harper’s Bizarre 2008 Travel and Spa Guide – ‘Beach Hotels’ NEW Azura, Benguerra, Mozambique. ‘Each of Azura’s 15 luxury villas are separated from the lapping Indian Ocean by their own swimming pool and decking area. Inside, bamboo blinds, animal skins and luscious Missoni and Australian fabrics marry with African artwork in the jekka-thatched villas. Each of the public areas has open views to the ocean – which is really what this retreat is all about. Dive the reefs or just snorkel, and you’ll catch the best marine life and most abundant coral reefs. The other key to the Azura experience is food: whether you’re devouring the freshest shellfish, nibbling sushi or dining on a remote, romantic spit of sand, expect a gastronomic delight.’

	House and Garden - Travel Stop Press – ‘NEWS’ MOZAMBIQUE’s first ‘eco-boutique retreat’, ‘Azura on Benguerra Island, is one to watch. The resort has all mod cons, but also a social conscience – a special fund supports a variety of local projects, from helping fishermen, to building Benguerra’s only school. Azura has a dive centre on site, and at the spa, treatments are based on local ingredients such as tamarind, aloe and marula oil. All 15 beachfront villas have pools.’

	Conde Nast Traveller Spa Special – ‘Word of Mouth’. March 2008 NEED TO GO: UNWIND IN THE WIND ‘For most people, the landscapes and wildlife in Africa are therapy enough; but even so, it may be hard to resist a rich, moisturising wrap using shea, avocado and mafura butters and baobab and mondondo-nut oils, a massage mimicking the beat of African drums, or a couples’ treatment with antioxidant-rich marula oil. These are among the treatments at Azura, an intimate resort on Benguerra island Mozambique which combines organic-chic with glam detailing. There are 15 pool villas and two bars, and activities include swimming with dolphins and searching for dugongs. It is the first property in what owners Christopher and Stella Bettany hope will be a boutique chain.’

	Food and Travel – ‘Hotel of the Month’. May 2008 Azura retreat, Benguerra Island Mozambique. SURROUNDED BY THE CLEAR BLUE WATERS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN, LAURA EVANS IS DAZZLED BY THE BREATHTAKING NATURAL BEAUTY OF MOZAMBIQUE AND IT’S WARM, LOCAL WELCOME. ‘Far away on an island off the coast of Mozambique is Azura. The landscape will make you blink; keep walking along the beach and you might just tumble off the edge of the earth. The coastline is unbelievable, with barely-touched reefs and diving to die for. Dolphins skim through the waves and whales visit from July to October. But looks aren’t everything. The real story here is behind the scenes – Mozambique is like the land that time forgot, after 16 years of civil war it’s just getting back on its knees. Which is the great thing about Azura; it’s completely connected to the island it’s on.............. Azura is smart and slick but with a conscience. WHY GO: For unbelievable silence, the brightest stars you’ve ever seen and scenery that’ll make your eyes sore.’

	Vogue – ‘In Vogue’. Jan 2008 THE DESTINATION ‘Once braved only by backpackers, the islands of Mozambique’s southern Bazaruto Archipelago now give the Maldives a run for their money. Head to Benguerra Island’s lavish new lodge, Azura, for villas with infinity pools and butlers.’

	Woman & Home. February 2008 MOZAMBIQUE ‘Some of the best beaches in the world are to be found in Mozambique – wide, white sand and seemingly endless, with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean lapping their edges. Best of all, it’s still relatively undiscovered by the tourist masses. Book yourself one of the 15 luxury villas at Azura – an exquisite eco-luxury resort on Benguerra Island in the middle of Bazaruto National Park. If Robinson Crusoe won the lottery, this is where he would live! Only opened last autumn, it’s remote, wild and wonderful, and the place to escape from the rigours of modern life. Just lie on a hammock or sail in a traditional dhow (sailing boat) along an almost untouched coastline.’

	The Sunday Times Travel – ‘summer 100’. January 6 2008 ‘Hottest destination of the year? Mozambique. Hottest hotel in Mozambique? Azura, a luxury 15-villa “eco-boutique” retreat on the stunning white beaches of Benguerra Island. It has private butlers, personal plunge pools, designer African decor and a mood that’s relaxed but responsible – you can visit a local school in the morning and have a diamond-dust massage in the afternoon. It’s been booked up since it opened in October – good news for the local community, which owns a chunk of the resort.’

	Arena – ‘Arena Life’ ESCAPE ROUTES. ‘If you really want to get away from it all, head for Mozambique’s palm fringed islands – but hurry. The memory of 17 years of civil war, combined with a complicated journey involving a light aircraft and motorboat or two, has kept tourists away. But it can’t be long before a big tour operator sees the potential in the country’s idyllic candy beaches. The islands are grouped into two archipelagos: Quirimbas in the north and Bazaruto to the south. On both, accommodation is in small, exclusive hotels, the most exclusive of all being Azura, newly opened on Benguerra Island, Bazaruto. Its 15 thatched villas offer Crusoe-style seclusion, with plenty of Man Fridays to cater to you every whim.’