&Beyond is set to expand its island footprint by adding &Beyond Vamizi Island to its portfolio. We will take over the management of the island, situated in the Quirimbas Archipelago off the coast of northern Mozambique, from 01 March 2016. The island’s six luxury private villas will continue to operate under our signature brand of warm and authentic hospitality and we intend to re-open the lodge in the future.
Boasting one of the most pristine habitats on the East African coast and home to exceptional marine life, Vamizi perfectly complements &Beyond’s other island destinations namely &Beyond Mnemba Island off Zanzibar and &Beyond Benguerra Island in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. Vamizi’s six individually-designed luxury villas provide an intimate setting for up to 10 or 16 people – the perfect choice for families, small groups or high-profile guests in search of a private holiday. Each villa comes with a dedicated team of staff, as well as a vehicle that can be used to visit one of the island’s five secluded picnic sites or to explore the mangrove swamps.
“These exclusive houses are very different from what we have to offer at either &Beyond Mnemba Island or &Beyond Benguerra Island, adding yet another dimension to our portfolio. They represent the ultimate private beach hideaway for individuals, families or groups who want to escape winter or end their safari on this very unique island,” explains Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO.
Set in a marine conservation area, the waters surrounding &Beyond Vamizi Island boast some of the most untouched coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, with over 180 species of coral and more than 400 kinds of reef fish, making this one of the world’s top diving sites. The island is situated in a marine sanctuary that covers much of its eastern side, extending three kilometres (almost two miles) out to sea.
&Beyond, known for its conservation ethos, intends to augment its existing conservation efforts at &Beyond Mnemba Island and &Beyond Benguerra Island, by supporting and driving the environmental initiatives already in place at Vamizi. &Beyond already has a positive influence on over 9 million acres of protected wildlife land in the areas where it operates and the addition of a third marine habitat to the company’s portfolio means that marine conservation will now receive the same focus as its land-based projects.
“With its strong conservation background, Vamizi Island aligns perfectly with our values of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People,” says Kent. “The new addition is part of a broader strategy that will promote the conservation of the Indian Ocean from Zanzibar in the north to the southern tip of Mozambique. Home to one of the world’s great marine archipelagos, this entire area is under threat. We intend to use our influence and expertise to protect it, focusing on reef conservation and on creating safe migratory routes for the endangered species that travel this coastline, from turtles to whale sharks.”The island’s community is a long-standing partner in Vamizi’s conservation efforts, &Beyond will continue to work closely with the local inhabitants through its social development partner of choice, the Africa Foundation. Following the examples already established at &Beyond Mnemba Island and &Beyond Benguerra Island, the company will use its operations to bring much-needed income to the local communities, while exposing the beauty of these areas to international travellers and working diligently towards the conservation of their natural riches.
- Scuba diving – most notably to Neptune’s Arm, recognised as one of the top scuba sites in the world
- Whale watching (seasonal)
- Kayaking
- Traditional dhow cruises
- Sailing
- Castaway picnics
- Guided nature walks
- Local community visits
- Deep-sea fishing, ethical spear-fishing, fly-fishing
- Private in-room yoga sessions
- In-room spa treatments
- Seasonal turtle nesting and hatching excursions – &Beyond Vamizi Island is renowned as a breeding site for green turtlesInternational scheduled flights to Pemba International Airport (POL) from Johannesburg, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
This is followed by a one-hour connection on a charter flight, aboard a mono-propeller plane to the Vamizi airstrip. Upon landing, guests will be met by their personal chauffeur for a 30-minute scenic drive to their villa.
Rates for 2016 remain as published, with the additional benefit of &Beyond’s long-stay discounts.
Reservations for &Beyond Vamizi Island will be handled directly by &Beyond from 18 January 2016.
Please note trade partners with existing bookings will be contacted personally by &Beyond.
For more information or to make a booking please contact dmc@andBeyond.com.
