Vamizi Island

The very essence of eco-friendly barefoot luxury, pristine Vamizi Island (accessible by boat from Pemba) was the first of three escapist retreats to open in Maluane – Northern Mozambique’s vast new conservation area – an extraordinary mix of inland virgin safari territory and idyllic off-shore desert islands within the Quirimbas Archipelago.

Remote and beautifully untouched, Vamizi is just 12kms in length and 11. 2kms wide. It epitomises Northern Mozambique – unspoiled wilderness, powder soft white sand, virgin reefs, secret coves and coastal forest with a myriad of trails. There is a traditional fishing village on the west coast.

Your sanctuary is one of ten stylishly chic one bedroom beach houses designed with the utmost privacy and space in mind. Each is 175 square metres in size, with an open plan living area (cooled by a fan) and a private sundeck with Swahili day-beds. Discreetly positioned about 70 metres apart, with hand-carved furniture and natural fabrics which reflect the region’s Arabic influence, these exquisite hideaways are perfect for those who really do want to feel ‘lost’ on their own desert island! Families are welcome – and two houses have linked double bedrooms.

The diving is sensational – Vamizi has been rated one of the world’s top ten dive locations – and you can also enjoy deep sea fishing. Naturally, the ocean holds the key to the island’s cuisine – and the open-sided dining area and bar take full advantage of their glorious beachfront setting. Two private dhows are available for off-shore picnics and snorkelling. Vamizi’s birdlife is prolific – and the island is also home to Samango Monkeys, Coconut Crabs and Hawksbill and Green Turtles. You can often see dolphins and whales too.

PRICES Prices from £315 per person per night including all meals, soft drinks, local beer and wine, beach picnics and dhow sailing. Boat transfers to the island and flights to Pemba are additional. Flights from the UK from £739 (including £185 tax) with South Afican Airways