Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

Coral Lodge 15.41 is a unique property in Mozambique, located near Unesco World Heritage site, Ilha de Mozambique, which is a fascinating town full of wonderful crumbling buildings and interesting colonial culture. Coral is the only luxury lodge in the area it is a modern, African-style beach resort, which offers the latest in luxury and comfort while maintaining that authentic feel of Mozambican pureness. The resort’s design incorporates the colours of its environment using wood and brightly-coloured textures. These natural materials make the resort blend in perfectly with the surroundings

Five villas have a direct ocean view, situated on top of the dunes overlooking the beach. The other five are more secluded and have a view over the mangrove forest and Ilha de Moçambique. The villas have been designed by Edward van Vliet using a mixture of African and modern designs. Each has its own private lounge area, large bed and en-suite bathroom with both a bath and a shower. There is a large deck area perfect for sundowners and relaxing. In two of the villas an extra bedroom is included for 2 children or an extra adult. The extra bedroom has its own separate loo and basin.

Because of its unique location, Coral Lodge 15.41 can offers a great number of activities with lots of variation. Guests can simply enjoy the resort, the beach and the water sports or explore Mozambique's rich history and the culture of the Macua people. Coral Lodge 15.41 is only 10 minutes away from llha de Moçambique. This is the only UNECO World Heritage site in Mozambique and one of the few on the African continent. A local guide is on hand to share his knowledge of the fascinating history and stories of the area. Also on offer is the opportunity to join the chef on his visit to the local market and then learn to cook his favourite Mozambican dishes back at the lodge.

Guide price £2,649 per person

£2,649 based on two sharing for 9 nights on a fully inclusive basis and includes flights, air taxes and transfers.

Accommodation

Coral Lodge 15.41 has 10 spacious villas. For optimal privacy and relaxation the living space includes informal sitting areas, a bedroom, a bathroom and a big terrace. In two of the villas an extra bedroom is included for 2 children or an extra adult. The extra bedroom has his own separate toilet and basin. Five villas have direct ocean view situated on top of the dunes at the boarder of the beach. The other 5 villas also situated on top of the dunes, are more secluded and have direct view on the mangrove forest and Ilha de Moçambique.

Childcare

There are no specific child care facilities but children are welcome and an English speaking nanny is available for babysitting or child minding. Food and meal times can be adjusted to suit younger guests.

Facilities

The lounge bar and restaurant, The Reef, is situated at the very tip of the peninsula. The building is an open wooden structure with a high thatched roof that can accommodate in- and outdoor dining. There is a stunning infinity pool located where the Laguna and the ocean meet and a spa with a range of treatments for guests to indulge in.

Activities

At Coral Lodge 15.41 there is a dive centre, with all new Scubapro diving gear with professional guides to help explore the reefs just off the coast from the lodge. These reefs have hard and soft corals with many species of small fish. They are regularly visited by the bigger predators like dolphins. Another very good reason to dive are the wrecks of some 17th century Portuguese vessels. Between the remains there is still a lot of broken Chinese porcelain, trading beads - which the Portuguese used to trade the slaves for-canons and old Portuguese coins.

Whale watching is another activity on offer - during September and October whales migrate along the coast where Coral Lodge 15.41 is situated and they can easely be spotted from the islands in front of the lodge . Other activities include snorkelling, dhow sailing, trips to Ilha de Mozambique and fishing.

When to travel

Location and directions

Bazaruto and the south coast, Mozambique

Varanda, Ilha de Moçambique

How to get there

11.5hr international flight, 3hr internal flight to Nampula and then its 2.5 hours in 4 x4 by road to the lodge.