Kisawa Sanctuary 0pens in Mozambique, combining contemporary luxury with stunning coastal vistas and a marine conservation ethos.
A celebration of Mozambique, showcasing its culture, heritage and environment, the new Kisawa Sanctuary has opened on 300-hectares of beachfront calm and coastal forest on Benguerra Island in Mozambique.
The new sanctuary, which launches with 22 spacious bungalows and 12 residences, not only offers guests the utmost privacy across 5 kilometres of Indian Ocean coastline, but enables them to support marine research and conservation, via its sister property Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory.
The resort’s bungalows and residences have been designed to reflect the beach haven’s philosophy of forming a bond between people and place. Some lie on the calmer cove side, others shelter in the dunes on the ocean side, yet all are carefully positioned within their own secluded plot of at least one acre of beachfront, sand dunes and forest, providing maximum privacy and optimum appreciation of the natural environment. Each bungalow sleeps two people. Some stand alone, while others are positioned in groups, so family or friends can enjoy a balance of privacy and togetherness.
A 24/7 personal service team, plus a colourful fleet of electric Mini Mokes, mean the Kisawa experience is intuitive and self-directed, with visitors able to choose complete privacy within their bungalow and surroundings, or to adventure at their own pace and rhythm, throughout Benguerra Island and the Bazaruto Archipelago, some of the richest, least explored parts of the Indian Ocean.
The creation of entrepreneur, creative director and philanthropist Nina Flohr, the property is an honest acknowledgement of Mozambique’s terroir and heritage. No heavy machinery was used in its construction, to minimise environmental impact, while local weavers, thatchers, carpenters and textile makers were employed to ensure a community connection.
At the heart of the sanctuary, guests will discover shared spaces dedicated to dining, relaxation and wellbeing, along with an expansive Natural Wellness Center. Located amongst dunes at the heart of the sanctuary, the Natural Wellness Center offers guests individual treatments or personalised programmes rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, in collaboration with the guest’s private chef and the broader Kisawa team. A state of the art Japanese Iyashi dome sauna uses gentle infrared heat to promote healing, while a fully equipped gym and team of Pilates reformers are available.
Throughout the seven culinary locations at Kisawa, the ethos remains the same; a commitment to sanctuary-grown produce, the practice of organic, seasonal gardening methods, operating a zero-waste policy and using no processed ingredients. Kisawa has built a network of farmers and producers ensuring fresh local produce daily. The multiple venues, including the Main Terrace, Baracca and two Mussassas, offer a wide variety of dishes, with a focus on Mozambican and African flavours, including an ever-changing array of seafood inspired by daily conversations with local fishermen.
In addition to founding Kisawa Sanctuary, Nina launched its sister property, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS – also located on Benguerra Island); Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory. Their parallel operations create a new, symbiotic business model whereby (for-profit) hospitality contributes directly to (non-profit) marine science and research. The data and knowledge output of BCSS informs the environmental decisions of the sanctuary, ranging from design choices and ocean awareness, to meaningful guest experiences – such as spending the day tagging sharks from the deck of the research vessel. Coined ‘resort to research’, this is an authentic, active, day-to-day relationship that allows for the harmonious existence of Kisawa Sanctuary and BCSS
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