Personal Notes from Paradise - Thoughts and stories from Mozambique

Bahia Mar Retreats , in the small coastal town of Vilankulo off the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique, recently launched their bespoke fitness and wellness retreats. These retreats are tailor made to the specific requirements and expectations of any guest and range from 7 to 14 days. Unique Retreats in Mozambique What makes the retreats so unique and sought after by wellness travel enthusiasts, is the careful combination between a guided exercise program, ayurvedic and aromatherapy treatments and day excursions in and around the waters of paradise in the Bazaruto Archipelago. “Our guests can enjoy two training sessions on the premises every day. We balance cardio, weights and circuit training in the program. Morning workouts are one on one with your personal trainer before breakfast, targeting a specific muscle group every day. Evening fitness programs in the retreats are in groups, looking more at guided aerial fitness, yoga or REAX raft training on our infinity pool...

Stunned by the facts detailed herein, Bahia Mar has been making every effort  to be ‘plastic pro-active’ and environmentally sensitive. Our commitment Here, where we are surrounded by nature’s majesty, we feel a special responsibility. We are very concerned about the critical situation in our oceans and accordingly have a strict recycling policy. We are one of only two companies in the area who contract an outside organisation to handle our recyclables, the other being global giant Sasol. Furthermore we are currently looking for ways to reduce our plastic dependence. ‘Indestructible’ glass straws have been ordered and our bottled water purchases are under review as we investigate filtered glass drinking water. We are also in the process of changing our take-away containers to biodegradable and we have moved away from individual amenities in the rooms in favour of bulk dispensers. Beach cleaning To assist our ocean dwelling creatures and to do our share to protect our...

We entered our beautiful monohole luxury speedboat, Mothassane, into the annual Big Blue Vilankulo Sailfish Competition - in aid of our beloved community project Bonguilli, aiding pre-school education in the area. Our three fisherwoman (Susana, Gretha and Dee) were as new to fishing as their vessel and not many believed they actually stood a chance. Never the less, they prepared for 5 days of hard fishing on the high seas and Mothassane and the ladies, exceeded almost everyone’s expectations: The Mothassane Mermaids landed an overall second place and caught the biggest Whahoo of the week, weighing in at 21,5 kg! “I learnt so much about fishing and the greater Billfish family in the 5 days at sea.” Dee Lourens  (our social media manager and photographer ) said after an exhausting week. “Our Captain Alex was meticulous and patient, teaching us exactly what to do when a fish strikes, why it was important to tagg them and what scientists from the Billfish Foundation actually do ...

Three ladies from Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel will be entering the 6th annual Big Blue Vilankulo Sailfish Competition between 22 and 26 May. They will raise funds for our community project Bonguilli- aiding preschool education and infrastructure in the area - they also hope to give the boys a serious run for their money. This is the first year in the history of the competition that an all girls team will be entering. even though these ladies are not experienced anglers, they are confident that with the help of local billfish legend, Duarte Rato, they secured the right skipper and might very well have beginners luck on their side. Followers support their course by donating US$1 for every nautical mile trawled over the 5 days at sea. Follow our journey on Facebook and Instagram and please share in the adventure far and wide.

Nestled in beautiful vegetated dunes on a quiet stretch of Vilanculos shoreline, with incredible vistas across to the islands, Bahia Mar has outdone itself again and again as a haven for young couples looking for a romantic getaway, discerning travellers wanting the boutique experience on an African beach and adventurous families looking for fun whilst surrounded by the comforts of home and more! We are thrilled to bring you some exciting news... Bahia Mar Club is in the process of constructing Garden Suites with the same natural flair and beautiful style you have experienced in the Seaview Bedrooms and Beach Suites. These will be on the same level as the main guest areas and nestled in the lush gardens surrounding Bahia Mar. This means that we will then be able to accommodate guests with mobility problems as they will not need to negotiate the stairs and cosy pathways which wrap around the rooms lower down the dunes. Completion of the Garden Suites is expected between Decem...

Mothassane, a long awaited new arrival to Vilankulos, fills the niche for those wanting to explore the diverse beauty of the famous Bazaruto Archipelago in absolute comfort and style. Driven by two 200hp Yamaha engines, is a custom built Triton 35ft with a beam of 8.8 ft and she can comfortably host up to 12 guests. Being a console vessel, she provides a lot of space and seating as well as a head (toilet). Mothassane has a 4ft swim platform on the back allowing easy and safe access for snorkeling and getting in and out during Island trips. This 35ft luxury power boat is professionally managed by a highly trained three man crew and is available for either pre-planned, catered excursions or on a day hire basis for those wishing to chart their own course and stock up with their own provisions. Day rental Price: $495/day - Maximum Capacity: 12 pax Includes: Use of snorkeling equipment, shade, chairs and tables. Tubing and wakeboarding also available. Doesn’t incl...

Young, enthusiastic and very talented, 27 year old Nelson Manabele, our new Executive Chef, is proving to be a genuine asset to the Bahia Mar team. One of five children born and schooled in Maputo, Nelson was unable to go to university and so chose to attend the Hotel School Andalucia in Maputo where he studied for 18 months.  A six-month kitchen practical followed his training which he served at the Pestana Rovuma Hotel  and Conference Centre, also in Maputo. Spending the next year assisting his businessman father provided an insight into commercial enterprise, but the kitchen was calling! A cousin associated with the tourism industry put Nelson’s name forward for a position as commis chef at the famous Azura Lodge on Benguerra Island  where he worked under a South African trained chef. “I learned a lot from Chef Mika” Nelson explains and my two years there provided a great opportunity for growth”. The lights of the mainland beckoned however and, h...