Kisawa Sanctuary, the luxury retreat in touch with nature

Warm crystal-clear waters, an expanse of fine sand poised for long walks, a sustainable resort that respects nature and local culture…. Scheduled to open by the end of the year, the Kisawa Sanctuary is the new “paradise on Earth” of Benguerra Island in Mozambique, which promises a luxury experience that’s completely in touch with nature.

Respecting the environment and building a sustainable place has always been the main concern of Nina Flohr, the founder of Kisawa and passionate about the African continent from an early age. The design of the entire project was used as a tool rather than a style, so that the hotel would be fully integrated on the island, both culturally and environmentally. Natural raw materials were a priority in the construction, such as sand and salt water from the island itself, whose combination resulted in a kind of ecological mortar, applied in various elements of the construction, such as façades, in order to reproduce a finish that was as natural as possible. This same mixture also served as a base material for a patented 3D sand-printing technology, which allowed to print different building elements, from masonry to floors and tiles. The end goal – and what makes this project technologically revolutionary – was to obtain architectural structures developed through 3D printing. These structures were cleverly combined with artisanal touches such as weaving, carpentry and some typical Mozambican textiles, involving artisans from Benguerra and other neighboring islands.

At the Kisawa Sanctuary, guests can choose to stay at the Kisawa Residence or in one of its 12 bungalows – which are built within a unique setting comprising 300 hectares of forest, beach and sand dunes –, each with its own décor, private pool, massage hut, outdoor kitchen and a pantry stocked daily with guests' preferences. The resort has a personalized service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and an electric buggy rental service, which allows guests to explore all the virgin beauty that spontaneously pops up all around. Those who do not insist on having complete privacy during their stay can choose to socialize with the other guests in a huge swimming pool, in the shape of a lagoon, at one of the two beach clubs available, or at the pleasant terrace lounge of the main building. The wonderful Spa – where traditional Chinese medicine or a pleasant Ayurvedic massage are offered – is the icing on the cake of this luxury resort, which calls for relaxation and introspection.

Benguerra is the second-largest island in the Bazaruto archipelago, a true natural paradise that is home to some of the richest and least explored subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. Staying at the Kisawa Sanctuary costs from 5,000 euros a night, in a one-bedroom bungalow, which includes meals cooked by a private chef, different treatments at the Spa and activities provided by the hotel, such as diving or marine safari. The most difficult part will be leaving this true paradise.

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