Santorini Mozambique
Vilanculos

At first glance you will think you have landed on the chic white-washed island of Santorini in the Greek Islands, but look closer and the Santorini Mozambique has so much more to offer: the tropical white beaches of the Bazaruto Archipelago, virgin coral reefs offering some of the best scuba diving in the world, and a wonderfully warm and relaxed African welcome. Go whale watching one day and sandboard down the red cliffs of Vilanculos or the sand dunes of Bazaruto another. Enjoy stand up paddling right in front of the villa or go kayaking, snorkelling and fishing – or push the boat out by chartering Santorini’s own 38ft Supercat Catamaran to explore these pearly isles. Other activities include horse-riding, kite surfing, cycling, dhow safaris and helicopter rides. There is a spa at the resort to unwind after: Spa Na Colina is tucked away on the hill amongst palm trees and lush vegetation.

Originally a sprawling villa, Santorini is now a boutique resort offering a villa experience with stylish décor, immaculate polish and panoramic views over Vilanculos Bay. It adopts the simple lines and white washed interiors inspired by the Greek Isles, but it also has original pieces of décor from Mozambique, hard-carved doors from Bali and antiques from Indonesia and India. Guests can either stay in the main villa which has 5 gorgeous sea-view bedrooms with their own patio, or in one of two separate villas which have their own private butler. The Chapel is a 1-bedroom villa ideal for honeymooners with a lounge, kitchen, dining room and a private swimming pool and patio; and Villa da Praia is a new 3-bedroom villa with its own lounge, kitchen and dining room. The Main Villa facilities are available to all guests and comprise a lounge, TV room, ocean facing deck with martini pool, secluded patios, wind-protected courtyard pool and dining spaces.

Enjoy the freshest seafood from their daily catch, vegetables picked from their gardens, and pizzas from their special pizza oven. Guests can dine in the courtyard, by the martini pool or at the open-air beach boma while being entertained with a local song and dance from the Santorini Family and tucking into a BBQ of peri-peri chicken, fresh prawns and tender calamari. Alternatively, private dining or a romantic beach picnic can be arranged at any time.

Vilanculos International Airport is serviced by daily flights, and the Villa is a 20-minute drive from the airport.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson