★★★★★
July 11, 2023
I had the recent pleasure of visiting Ilha de Mozambique as a guide for a VIP client in July 2023. It’s been quite a while since I was on Ilha and had visited Villa Sands, but it still definitely the best accommodation and maintains the best position on Ilha. My visit was amazing and the service and attention to detail flawless.
Marcus and his wife Gizela were incredible hosts and really knew how to mingle and interact with their guests. Villa Sands was completely full that evening, but they and their team handled things effortlessly. Table and bar service five-star, good wine list with some decent offerings from Porto and South Africa and the food was again five stars. The seared tuna with soy and ginger is a must, as well as the local clams steamed in white wine with fresh bread on the side. What I liked as well, is how Marcus kept updating guests on what was fresh, what had just come in from the boats and the menu morphed accordingly with the emphasis around the freshest of seafood. The restaurant overlooks the bay and at high tide the waves lap the walls near your table.
I didn’t have much time for activities except a guided tour with local expert Edi – organized by the hotel. It’s a fascinating island to explore and even though this was my 6th visit here – it still retained its charm and sense of mystery. And I discovered some amazing side streets, new buildings and architectural gems I hadn’t seen before.
Go to Ilah de Mozambique – and stay at Villa Sands. You won’t be disappointed!
Kevin Record (owner Mozambique Travel)