&Beyond Takes Over Management of Benguerra Island Lodge

The experiential travel company will be taking over the management, marketing, and reservations of the lodge, which will be renamed &Beyond Benguerra Island, with immediate effect.

“Just as &Beyond Mnemba Island off Zanzibar completes our East African lodge circuit and is renowned for its marine conservation efforts, &Beyond Benguerra Island will complete our Southern African lodge circuit and will be equally celebrated for its marine protection. The acquisition also opens up a new region for &Beyond and we look forward to sharing the natural wonders of Mozambique with our guests,” says Joss Kent, &Beyond Group CEO.

The move marks a new growth phase for &Beyond and is part of the company's lodge investment strategy, which also involves extensive lodge rebuilds currently under way at &Beyond's lodges in Kenya and Botswana. &Beyond Benguerra Island is scheduled for a refurbishment project of approximately US$ 1.5million during 2014.

The second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Benguerra offers pristine beaches, unspoiled coral reefs teeming with marine life and excellent fishing opportunities. Set in a national park, the island consists of a patchwork of habitats, including forests, wetlands and three freshwater lakes inhabited by crocodile. The Indian Ocean waters off its shores are home to a variety of fish species, as well as one of the few remaining populations of the endangered dugong.

&Beyond Benguerra Island is situated in a prime beach site. Simple, yet elegant, ten casitas and two cabanas are tucked into a shady forest on the edge of a pristine beach that directly overlooks ocean vistas. Both casitas and cabanas combine Arabic style with clean lines and chic interiors. Large windows with dark wooden shutters gaze out towards the Indian Ocean, while private timber decks and cool plunge pools offer a secluded alternative to beach sands and ocean waters. A shaded gazebo provides the ideal venue for starlit dinners. Two spacious bedrooms include ensuite bathrooms and open air showers, while the casitas offer a generous private lounge. A spacious two-bedroom family suite ensures privacy and exclusivity, and welcomes children of all ages and set in its own secluded garden, mere metres from the beach. The bathrooms boast deep copper bathtubs and outdoor showers with intricate mosaic inlays. The suite's sheltered wooden veranda boasts its own private swimming pool.

Swimming and boating is available directly off the sandy beach, while additional activities include traditional dhow cruises, island expeditions, birdwatching, local village tours and sea kayaking. &Beyond Benguerra Island boasts a dive centre where guests can take part in a range of PADI certified diving courses or set off to explore an exceptional wealth of marine life. The island is also known as a game fishing and fly fishing mecca, with all activities following a strict catch-and-release policy. Guests can enjoy idyllic horse rides on the beach or into the island's interior, while catamaran cruises, castaway picnics and snorkelling are also available.

SA Airlink and LAM operate direct flights from Johannesburg to Vilanculos, while LAM also runs flights between Maputo and Vilanculos. This is followed by a short helicopter transfer to the lodge.

To book a stay at exotic &Beyond Benguerra Island please contact &Beyond on safaris@andBeyond.com or +27 11 809 4441. www.andBeyond.com

Visit website: https://www.benguerra.co.za/