Kisawa Sanctuary in Mozambique will welcome its first guests this month ahead of its official opening later this year. 

The property, located on Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, features 22 bungalows spread across a sheltered cove and an area of dunes overlooking the ocean.

It launches with a soft opening on the cove side of property, with guests able to book 14 Cove Bungalows featuring their own beachfront, a private infinity pool and a day area with an outdoor kitchen, cabana and dedicated service team. 

Dining venues include Barraca, which serves Mozambican dishes with South Indian flavours, beach cafe Cove Mussassa and a mobile Pizza Tuk Tuk. 

In-bungalow dining and on-location menus, such as picnics in the dunes or sundowners while sailing on a traditional Mozambican Dhow, are also available.

The grand opening of Kisawa Sanctuary will take place in July, with the launch of the eight remaining Ocean Bungalows; a Natural Wellness Centre, including a stand-alone spa and gym; a central swimming pool and culinary options including the Main Terrace restaurant and another Mussassa beach cafe on the ocean side of the resort.  

A number of construction elements including tiling, countertops and decorative items such as stools, tables and vases were created using a patented 3D sand-printing technology to replace less sustainable construction practices during development. 

Hotel founder Nina Flohr has also launched Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS), as a sister property on the island. 

A statement from the brand said the parallel operations “create a new, symbiotic business model whereby (for-profit) hospitality contributes directly to (non-profit) marine science and research, resulting in an innovative platform that monitors multiple ecosystems and ongoing climate change across the Western Indian Ocean”. 

Rates at Kisawa Sanctuary start from €5000 per night for two adults, including a private butler and chef, airport transfers, a jet-lag recovery treatment at the spa and all culinary experiences, excursions and water sports.