Five-star Luxury at Kisawa Sanctuary Mozambique
A brand-new addition to Benguerra Island’s luxury portfolio of private villas, Kisawa Sanctuary adds a touch of superior eco-glamour to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Discover the hottest luxury property on Benguerra Island Mozambique where unrivaled 5-star eco-luxury meets a unique marine and land wilderness at Kisawa Sanctuary. This is probably the most exclusive and innovative hotel on Benguerra thanks to its ingenious fusion of local craftsmanship with cutting-edge 3D printing technology. The best part is that each residence is thoughtfully designed to minimize ecological impacts on expansive one-acre plots in the island wilderness.
Distinguished as one of the world’s leading futuristic resorts, Kisawa was partly created from patented 3D-printed sand cement. In a league of its own, this refuge boasts 12 extravagant bungalows, ranging from one to three bedrooms. Camouflaged in the pretty dune forests, each chalet offers exclusive access to a private beach, an expansive open-air deck, infinity pool, outdoor lounging areas, and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests share the central chic dining venues, a beach club, an extensive peacock blue swimming pool, a library, and a pampering Spa.
Elevating the guest experience, Kisawa’s Natural Wellness Center treats guests to specialized treatments rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, all while soaking up the sounds of the birds and the ocean breezes. Fully committed to preserving the natural environment, the sanctuary extends over 300 hectares of wild beachfront, forested dunes, and ocean bays.
Beyond its architectural elegance, Kisawa offers a choice of fabulous activities for guests of all ages. The resort’s PADI-certified dive center facilitates unforgettable snorkeling and scuba excursions, opening doors to rare sights of turtles, reef fish, billfish, dolphins, whales, and sharks. For an astounding bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking surroundings, helicopter tours and transfers over the azure waters are part of the extravagance.
Kisawa Sanctuary is like no other private island villa
Never Seen Before Design Elegance at Kisawa
Design innovation is the cornerstone of Kisawa and everything created here is the brainchild of Nina Flohr, entrepreneur, creative director, and philanthropist. The project is rooted in a deep appreciation for Mozambique’s landscape and cultural legacy, and it all operates from NJF Design, an in-house boutique studio. This dedicated studio at Kisawa is there to translate Nina’s artistic vision into reality and is capturing a ‘never seen before’ design elegance at the sanctuary.
NJF Design has been working with consultant architects, engineers, furniture experts, illustrators, artists, and graphic designers to create the perfect wholesome, and inclusive guest experience. This permeates every aspect of the property’s development, from original physical planning to the intricate details of food presentation and textile design. Thanks to its focus on environmental conservation and sustainability, the studio’s designs reflect bright, natural colors to honor nature, also reducing waste and saving energy.
Kisawa was constructed without the use of heavy machinery to minimize its ecological footprint. Instead, local artisans from Benguerra and neighboring islands are employed at the lodge, at the same time showcasing their traditional craftsmanship. So, the luxury resort features and preserves unique art and antiques sourced from across Africa.
Boutique and Luxurious Five-Star Accommodation Options
Guests at Kisawa stay in one of 11 opulent villas with one, two, or three bedrooms. These boutique and luxurious five-star accommodation options are modern, spacious, and characterized by natural tones, indigenous materials, and charming thatched roofs. They all feature a full kitchen, an inviting living area, an alfresco day space, and a private infinity pool overlooking the azure waters.
Guests are pampered with high-tech eco-amenities including their own Mini Moke for convenient exploration, attentive butler service, and dedicated workspace. To ease into their stay, a complimentary jet-lag recovery massage at the wellness center is offered upon arrival.
Kisawa Sanctuary accommodation suits all tastes and needs:
- 1-bedroom residence: Designed for intimate getaways, this elegant honeymoon suite features a king bedroom, a spacious living room, an open-air deck with a separate day area, an outdoor kitchen and living space, an alfresco shower, and a sparkling infinity pool.
- 1-bedroom residence with annex: This sunlit retreat comprises a king bedroom, a vast living area, and a self-contained annex with twin beds and a full bathroom – linked by an open-air deck and a mesmerizing infinity pool.
- 2-bedroom residence: Two charming bungalows are connected by an open-air deck, sharing outdoor amenities and a captivating infinity pool – with king bedrooms and spacious living areas.
- 3-bedroom residence: Perfect for groups and families, this expansive retreat offers three standalone chalets sharing a deck, and two infinity pools.
- Kisawa residence: The resort’s flagship accommodation, a prestigious retreat promising panoramic views of the ocean and cove sides of the island, boasts pan-African antiques and an impressive art collection. Two bungalows connected by a deck share an inviting infinity pool.
Kisawa Sanctuary and the Community
Beyond its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism, Kisawa Sanctuary believes in supporting its local community. A significant group of talented women in the construction workforce came from Benguerra Island, and their special weaving techniques were also integrated into the interior design of each luxury chalet. Local artisans helped design the eco-friendly lodge and its 22 natural thatch bungalows using tried and trusted traditional methods such as sand and seaweed mortar, combined with patented 3D sand-printing technology.
This fusion of the old and the new has resulted in a successful reflection of cultural heritage and modern design. The interiors are decorated with natural textures and hues, showcasing the talent of local weavers, carpenters, and textile artists. There is an obvious strong bond between the local community and Kisawa which employs a passionate team of 220 African staff.
Kisawa Sanctuary works hand in hand with the community on the one hand and, on the other hand, the team joins forces with its sister establishment, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS), also situated on Benguerra Island. BCSS is Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory and the revenue generated from Kisawa’s ecotourism helps to sustain ongoing marine conservation initiatives.
Guests get the first option to witness marine science in action including shark tagging and monitoring other charismatic megafauna. A decadent tropical island retreat at Kisawa contributes automatically to marine conservation while divers can also assist scientists to gather data in the Indian Ocean. Unique BCSS research and studies inform various environmental decisions at the sanctuary, ranging from architectural design considerations to promoting ocean awareness among guests. Initiatives like shark tagging expeditions are termed ‘resort to research’ and strengthen the Kisawa Sanctuary and BCSS relationship.
The BCSS leads research into global ocean issues
Culinary and Wellness at Kisawa
Kisawa invites all guests to sample new ways of relaxing and appreciating an exotic holiday destination. The Natural Wellness Centre in the dune forests is like no other spa retreat, its individualized treatments and programs aimed at promoting holistic wellness. Culinary delights at Kisawa are grounded in seven different foodie experiences that focus on serving locally sourced organic fare infused with vibrant Mozambican and African flavors, including freshly caught seafood.
The natural ethos at Kisawa means that the chef and his team prefer regional produce for their tables. They have set up partnerships with local farmers and fishermen to ensure the highest quality ingredients within a 300km radius. Moreover, Kisawa maintains its own organic garden, to add to its healthy menus. The sanctuary is committed to homegrown organic vegetables and herbs, organic gardening practices, zero-waste principles, and the exclusion of processed ingredients. This ethos permeates each dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Mozambique and Africa.
Included in the Kisawa experience are:
- The Main Terrace: Offering refined global cuisine and a Robata Grill, set within a luxuriously rustic space with an open-flame counter.
- Baracca: An evening dining destination specializing in Mozambican dishes with South Indian influences, accessible by Dhow boat and boasting stunning sunset views.
- Ocean Mussassa: A beachside café serving seafood-centric small plates, set against the backdrop of the ocean.
- Cove Mussassa: Another beachside café focusing on fresh produce and local flavors, offering a relaxed outdoor dining experience with panoramic ocean views.
- Pizza Tuk Tuk: Providing freshly made pizzas with various toppings, available for dining under the stars.
The Natural Wellness Centre at Kisawa is a sanctuary of tranquility, offering Ayurvedic treatments aimed at harmonizing the mind, body, and spirit. Guests can also rejuvenate in the state-of-the-art Japanese Iyashi dome sauna or partake in yoga and Pilates sessions in the fully equipped gym. With a focus on holistic wellness, Kisawa invites guests to embark on a journey of rejuvenation and self-discovery amidst the stunning natural surroundings.
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Kisawa Adventures and Activities
Imagine five km of unspoiled Mozambique coastline within the Bazaruto Archipelago, encompassing 300 ha of serene sanctuary and coastal forest teeming with diverse birdlife and small mammals. What a fantastic setting for exciting activities from whale and dugong spotting to encounters with turtles, rays, and dolphins, amidst a backdrop of over 150 bird species. Boating adventures, snorkeling expeditions, and leisurely picnics on secluded shores turn every moment at Kisawa into something significant. It’s about embracing the interconnectedness of people, places, cultures, and the majestic natural world.
The natural ocean and island environments envelop guests in true serenity – from the ethereal beauty of sunrise to the serene spectacle of sunset, and the crystalline clarity of the starlit sky. Whether chilling peacefully on your private beachfront or exploring the wonders of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Kisawa is the best base from which to do all of these things and more.
Private and group diving experiences introduce water babies to the mesmerizing marine life of the region and water sports are varied and entertaining. Activities are thoughtfully tailored to reflect the season and the presence of visiting wildlife, and each guest becomes a part of the gentle aura of love for nature, and a deep appreciation for all living things in this remarkable sanctuary.
How to get to Kisawa Benguerra
Traveling to Kisawa Sanctuary is stress-free and guests can choose to get there by air and sea. If you are wondering how to get to Kisawa Benguerra, read on:
- By Air: Vilanculos Airport (VNX) serves as the nearest airport, boasting daily commercial flights from Johannesburg (JNB) and Maputo (MPT). For those seeking private travel arrangements, VistaJet and XO offer tailored solutions. Guests can choose 5-10 minute long helicopter charters from Vilanculos Airport to the sanctuary.
- By Sea: Upon arrival at Vilanculos, a Kisawa airport host assists with immigration procedures and luggage handling. The 35-minute transfer to Kisawa from Vilanculos is by private boat, an arrangement made at the time of booking.
For unrivaled luxury at Kisawa Sanctuary Mozambique, discover the hottest property on Benguerra Island boasting 5-star eco-luxury. We recommend the innovative Kisawa Sanctuary for your next island getaway in paradise!
