White Pearl Resorts

Situated on a private magnificent white sandy beach in Ponta Mamoli on the south east coast of Mozambique (100kms south of Maputo and almost on the border with South Africa), this new contemporary resort, which opened in June 2011, has proved an exciting addition to the Mozambique beach scene. It has also been included in Conde Nast Traveller's Hot List for 2012 - a uniquely selected list of the 60 Best New Hotels in the World. The stunning stretch of coastline on which it is located is one of Africa’s best kept secrets and it is surrounded by untouched tracts of bush. This truly is an enticing beachside escape and provides the perfect antidote to an exhilarating South African safari (it easily combines with safari lodges in the Sabi Sands, the Madikwe or Phinda). The resort enjoys breathtaking ocean frontage and is nestled in a cool, sheltered bay where the clear turquoise waters are warmed by the Indian Ocean current moving south from the equator.

The accommodation comprises 22 individual suites, each with their own private pool and each poised amongst the dunes on timber stilts with stunning ocean views. The suites have been sensitively designed so as to take full advantage of their beautiful setting. The style is one of cool, clean contemporary lines – a ‘look’ inspired by this breathtakingly striking coastal setting. Open the glass doors to hear the waves crashing on the shoreline and feel the sea breeze as it drifts through the air and embraces the relaxed informality of this magical ‘yet-to-be-discovered’ coastal retreat.

Elegant beach chic best describes the restaurant where, by candlelight, you can enjoy distinct local flavours which celebrate the bounty of the sea, whilst breakfast is a delicious affair of freshly baked pastries, mezze platters laden with fruit and other delectable treats. The service is sincere, warm and charming and the staff’s sense of pride in their fascinating Mozambican heritage is endearingly apparent.

There’s also a beach bar where you can enjoy tapas and light snacks with chilled wine or swim up to the contemporary pool bar and indulge in a cocktail whilst savouring the endless Indian Ocean views. The large rim-flow swimming pool boasts four poster day beds on the pool deck where you can while away lazy hours! The resort is undoubtedly aspiring to earn the reputation for being the jewel of the Indian Ocean – and each guest is encouraged to relish in the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, which is quite unlike any other in all of Mozambique.

Those feeling active can go deep sea fishing on a full or half day charter or even try sea kayaking. Horse riding along bush trails with ocean views is another option, as is swimming and snorkelling with bottlenose dolphins which regularly glide through these waters. Ponta Mamoli is also home to one of the richest turtle nesting sites in southern Mozambique (between November and February, Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles head to this stretch of coast to lay their eggs).

Private picnic lunches on the beach and romantic candlelit dinners on your private deck can easily be arranged and if you simply want to relax and be pampered, you can enjoy a variety of massage treatments in your room.

The resort revels in the unspoiled natural beauty of its spectacular setting which embraces the Indian Ocean to the east and the Maputo Elephant Reserve to the west. This unique location also boasts some of the finest diving in Mozambique and the dive centre offers exclusive scuba diving experiences as well as PADI courses. Between June to September, you may well see migrating humpback whales, whilst whale sharks can be seen most of the year although the best time to see them is from October to March.

Children of all ages are welcome.

The best access to White Pearl Resorts is via a 45 minute fixed wing flight from Maputo to Ponto do Ouro followed by a scenic 45 minute drive in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle. Flights operate on a twice daily scheduled basis - Maputo to Ponta at 11am and 3pm and vice versa Ponto to Maputo at 8am and 12 noon daily. You will fly over remote dune bush and beautiful coastal scenery as well as the Maputo Elephant Reserve on your journey to Ponto do Ouro. From here, see the local villages and experience the thrill of adventure on a 4x4 trip across the scenic route to White Pearl Resorts. For the return flight, guests depart White Pearl one hour prior to the flight departure at 7am and 11am respectively. There is a luggage allowance of 15kgs per person in a soft bag. Excess luggage can be stored at Maputo airport free of charge (or there is an additional charge should you wish to take excess luggage with you).