Here luxury goes hand in hand with a genuine humility and modesty that produce true richness and sophistication adding a welcoming warmth to its ambiance.
The attention to detail in every space and the personal touch delivered throughout your stay is beyond expectation. From the captivating decor and intriguing design within the villa, to the lush landscaped gardens and outstanding food, there is nothing that has been missed.
Originally created as a boutique villa, the passion and aspiration exploded beyond this, to create mystical pieces of heaven that fell into place against this dramatic backdrop. The entire estate exudes unpretentious charm.
Villa da Praia is your home away from home, only better.
Where is Villa da Praia Vilanculos located and how do I get there?
Vilanculos is well known as the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago and was one of Mozambique’s first well known tourist destinations. With regular flights from South Africa and now improved road access, Vilanculos is fast becoming a popular destination with tourists and travellers alike.
The town itself is only about 5km long, filled with all the amenities needed to make your visit comfortable yet local. The airport is based on the outside of the town with flights arriving and departing on a daily basis.
The Bazaruto Archipelago, a chain of islands strung out like a pearl necklace, is a protected National Marine Reserve (declared so in 1971) that lies parallel to the historical Mozambican channel. The archipelago consists of five islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque and Santa Carolina also known as Paradise Island.
There are daily flights from Nelspruit and OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg direct to Vilanculos with Airlink. Flight time is around 1 hour 40 minutes.
What sort of accommodation is available?
It consists of three stunning suites on different levels with king size beds, fitted mosquito netting and large bathrooms with gorgeous Charlotte Rhys amenities. Two suites have their own private patio and the third, a manicured garden terrace and separate entrance. Each suite is unique and spacious, with spoils of linen bedding, luxurious cotton bath towels, Kikoi gowns and locally designed beach bags for use during your stay. With mesmerizing views of the archipelago, the outdoor showers at the Villa da Praia are a sensational experience.
In true Santorini signature style, one can find exceptional, personal detail in every corner of every room. The alluring décor, with hues of blues, natural textures and striking art pieces in rustic frames is simple yet sophisticated giving one a sense of complete peace and tranquillity. The main living areas with vast domed ceilings, open plan spaces and delicious design invites relaxation and repose.
You will feel at leisure to snack on homemade treats, cappuccinos or a selection of chilled beverages at the villa bar. Your dedicated, private host will serve you delectable meals under the milky-way or sparkling cocktails by the rim flow turquoise pool while you take in the ever changing, indescribable panoramic views.
When is the best time to visit Villa da Praia?
You can visit Vilanculos at any time, as the clear skies, warm temperatures and sunny days create the perfect tropical weather all year round. Between November and February, temperatures soar into the 30s while the nights remain cool. If you don’t mind a few showers and humidity, visit during the rainy season, between December and February. If you’d prefer to stay dry and laze on the golden beaches, go between June and September. If you’re after some fascinating diving, winter is the optimal time, between May and September.
What should I pack and bring with me?
Pack light cotton based clothing along with a couple of warm items such as a jacket, especially during the winter months (June to August) as it can be cool in the evenings. Don’t forget to pack your camera and a pair of binoculars if you are a keen birder. A sunhat or cap is essential as well as sun cream and sunglasses as the sun in Mozambique can be harsh. Santorini provides Mosquito repellent in all areas of the villas but should you want any extra protection or specific creams/sprays, it is a good idea to pack these.
What Activities are Available?
Explore
Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a much-coveted travel destination in Mozambique. It is known for its white sandy beaches, glistening turquoise waters and some of the best scuba-diving in the world.
As one of the largest marine reserves in the Indian Ocean, the archipelago supports over 2000 species of fish, as well as dolphins, whales, turtles and sharks. It also holds the largest population of Dugong in Mozambique.
The archipelago consists of 5 islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque and Santa Carolina. It is a birders paradise, with a recorded list of over 180 species. You’ll also find 45 reptile and amphibian species; suni antelope, red duiker, endemic butterflies and the characteristic Samango monkey on the islands within the national park.
For the whole family
Being on the mainland, you have the opportunity to experience everything this magical place has to offer. From spending a day out on the magical waters surrounded by the flamboyance of flamingos to exploring the colourful markets and local shops of Vilanculos town.
The activities room is geared for almost any pending adventure, for all ages and it’s all complimentary during your stay at Santorini. There are assorted kayaks, stand up paddle boards, snorkelling gear, fishing gear and even a gym in a bag for a quick workout session or yoga on the sunset patio as the sun rises above the silhouette of Magaruque Island.
Their selection of outsourced available activities has been carefully chosen through partnering with local companies based in Vilanculos and include:
If you are wanting complete exclusivity, luxury and privacy when it comes to outsourced activities and experiences such as diving or fishing, they offer the option of chartering their motorised super cat, Aphrodite.
For The Kids
Kids simply love Santorini and it’s easy to understand why – with an abundance of activities, deliciously presented meals, the choices to fill the days are endless.
Kids love stand up paddling right in front of the villa or kayaking a little further out. Day-tripping to the islands and snorkelling amongst the abundant colourful fish and coral reefs of the archipelago or simply floating around the pool on pool pillows and creating sandcastles on the raked beach beneath the villa. The activity room is packed full of equipment for complimentary use.
On rainy days, youngsters are enticed indoors for baking, crafts and colouring in activities and after a long day in the sun, exhausted kids can collapse on the TV room couches for movie night and be treated with bowls of popcorn and treats.
The chefs prepare special meals for the younger (or fussier) kids presented colourfully and thoughtfully based on personal preference. There is always a selection of tasty snacks throughout the day and a special treat on their pillow at night.
Whether you are up for adventure, complete relaxation or simple walks on the beach – Villa da Praia will make your experience exactly as you dreamt it. A holiday worth treasuring and memories to last a lifetime.
A Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a unique concept of travel in Africa. It introduces another dimension to a typical African safari, that of the beauty of the continent from the air. Accompanied and guided by experienced pilots who are also experienced safari guides a Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a truly memorable and exclusive experience.
Epic helicopter journeys exploring corners of Africa that few have been to or even ever heard of. We specialise in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, the Congo and Namibia. Our tailor-made safaris cover wild and spectacular mountains, valleys, forests and deserts, with a focus on ‘remote and unknown, unexplored and unforgettable’.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore – Dream – Discover - Mark Twain - You can view clips of some of our own favourite discoveries here.
- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements
- Totally unique every time you travel with us
- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a good and an outstanding holiday
- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most
- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover
- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience
- Philanthropy is our philosophy
- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’
- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities
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By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...
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Your holiday is fully protected by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018
Flight-Inclusive Bonding: We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number 7159
Flight-Exclusive bonding: Your holiday is further protected by our membership of ABTOT Membership Number 5197
Villa in Detail
