Sitting atop a creamy sand dune watching the sun slip into the sea at the end of the day, we have completely forgotten Autumn?s coolness ? and that a buzzing, busy world exists somewhere out there. Bazaruto Island, off the coast of Mozambique, is warm and balmy all year, and the only sign it?s not summer is the sun setting a little earlier in the evening.

 

Lying enticingly on the west coast of Bazaruto Island, Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa follows the water?s edge and nestles between lush coastal vegetation and plenty of palm trees. Every decadently appointed suite has unobscured sea views and a private deck from which to enjoy them. The secluded, sugary white beach is also dotted with sun beds under shady palm leaf umbrellas ? of course with panoramic ocean views from up close.

What?s quite unique about Indigo Bay, is that it offers sublime levels of luxury, astonishing attention to detail, unobtrusive service, the most decadent and sumptuous cuisine imaginable, and more activities than you can ever do, yet it?s at all times completely private. Children are welcome here too and a handful of private villas, each with their own pool and sweeping sea views, are ideal for the whole family on holiday.

Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa is also a choice spot for conferences and team building parties, with facilities that cater to all needs ? and there?s a full media centre if you do want to keep in touch with the office back home. Importantly, because there?s plenty of space and options at the resort, conference guests are also able to enjoy complete exclusivity and privacy ? and may not even realize there are other guests in house, except maybe at mealtimes.

But if you do go to Indigo Bay there should be plenty of time to play, because the resort?s R&R menu is extensive and delectable. Notably, the Sanctuary Spa is breathtaking. High on the hillside, there are sea views in every direction and the design instils perfect calm. Water features and little 'rivers running through it' give the spa a sense of coolness and even the four treatment rooms all have sea views.

Outdoor hydro and ice pools and a viewpoint swimming pool all overlook the warm Indian Ocean, or you could relax in the tranquil lounge area, at the juice bar or curl up in the shaded relaxation area outside. There?s no more beautiful setting to be pampered and polished, and a chauffered golf cart will take you to and fro.

For the family on holiday, the list of activities on offer is lengthy and most are courtesy of the warm blue sea. Scuba diving or snorkelling on shallow reefs to see rainbows of tropical fish, a range of non-motorized water sports such as windsurfing and hobie cat trips, or you could try waterskiing, wake boarding, knee boarding or tubing too.

Deep-sea fishing is popular for sailfish and marlin, or you could go horse riding in the dunes and along the beach. Island cruises and sunset cruises are very popular and completely relaxing, especially when dolphins or whales swim alongside the boat. If you?re up for an adrenaline rush, there?s dune boarding and kayaking, if you?re not, there are guided bird walks and cultural drives across the island to see the crocodile lakes, towering dunes and dramatic coastline that?s punctuated by a deserted lighthouse.

Bazaruto is a living, breathing island and is the largest in the protected Bazaruto Archipelago, at 37km long and 7km wide. Local people named it 'the place of mist' because the island is sometimes in cloud in the early mornings and can?t be seen clearly from the mainland.

Over 3500 people live on Bazaruto, which is in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, proclaimed to protect magnificent coral reefs, rare dugongs, five species of marine turtles, whales, dolphins and hundreds of species of coral and pelagic fish. So going there gives a taste of an idyllic, unspoilt natural world. While staying at Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa will have you thinking you have definitely found heaven on earth.

 

    Getting there:
  • Indigo Bay is an ideal long weekend getaway from Johannesburg, with daily flights available.
  • Contact Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa though www.raniresorts.com or call 0861 77 RANI.
  • The easiest way to reach Bazaruto is on Pelican Air's daily service from Johannesburg to Vilanculos. Visit www.pelicanair.co.za or call 011 973 3649.