asDUNAS
asDUNAS IS AN EXCELLENT 4 STAR BEACH LODGE ON A QUIET SECTION OF MOZAMBIQUE COASTLINE JUST NORTH OF VILANCULOS.
asDunas is a lovely, exclusive property to the north of Vilanculos offering a more affordable stay than the properties on Benguerra Island. Located on sandy cliffs with access down onto a huge beach, the property faces the island of Benguerra and offers access to the diving, snorkelling and beach picnic spots of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Food and service is good quality, and the property retains a relaxed and friendly feel. Being a small property, there is a genuine feeling of exclusivity and escape.
Rooms
The lodge accommodates a maximum of 18 guests in nine suites, all of which have sea views, sun decks with sun loungers and private plunge pools. The six tented safari suites, each built on to a wooden platform under a large thatched roof, have king or twin beds under a mosquito net, a desk and sofa, and an en suite bathroom with wash basin, shower and separate toilet. The two Cottage Suites are slightly smaller than the tented suites and are built of stone and thatch. The Tented safari suites have ceiling fans whereas the cottages have air conditioning.
The latest addition to the property is the Iconic Suite, which is set along a private path from the central areas, giving plenty of privacy and prime sea views. The Iconic Suite is built in the style of the Safari Suite, with canvas bedroom under thatch, but it is much larger with a separate outdoor lounge, a dining area, a small massage treatment room and large deck with sun beds and a private solar-heated pool. Behind the bedroom area is a wash basin and separate toilet, while to the side of the bedroom, accessed off the deck, is a full separate bathroom with double vanity, separate toilet, rain shower and freestanding bathtub. The Iconic Suite has a ceiling fan in the bedroom and there is also an indoor sitting area within the bedroom.
Central Areas
The main area houses a lobby, lounge, dining area, bar, a mezzanine floor with a cosy seating area, and deck with sunken outdoor lounge, additional outdoor dining area and small pool. Steps then lead down to a second larger pool with sun deck and sun loungers. Private steps lead down to the long golden beach where there are deck chairs, shades and drinks service. Daily sunset aperitif drinks are taken on the dunes when the weather allows. There is also a wellness spa.
asDunas dining is based on Mediterranean recipes and local ingredients with daily fresh fish coming from asDunas bay fishermen, vegetables, local fruits and variety of herbs are grown in the hotel’s vegetable garden and homemade breads and baked goods accompany each meal. Breakfast is available in your suite, lunch is served at the sea view restaurant and dinner comprises a five course tasting menu which changes each day and can accommodate a variety of preferences and dietary
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming Pool – Yes
Area
The Bazaruto Archipelago lies some 10 to 15 kms offshore of Vilanculos in the southern Mozambican province of Inhambane. It consists of five islands, Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise), Bazaruto (the largest by a long way), Benguerra, Margaruque and Bangue and was gazetted as a Marine National Park in 1971. Some 3500 people, mostly involved in fishing, inhabit the islands (supported by a number of fresh water lakes on each island). Both Bazaruto and Benguerra islands have a number of hotels offering exclusive beach getaways. Diving is very good (both the 2 and 5 mile reefs), as is deep-sea fishing, reef and fly fishing, and snorkelling.
Activities
asDunas can arrange a number of excursions and activities organised through local operators – all at extra cost. These include traditional dhow sailing trips to Magaruqye Island (including snorkelling, beach walks and a BBQ lunch on board) or sunset cruises. If low tide timings work, a picnic lunch on the sandbank in front of the lodge can be arranged. Motorboat trips to explore the islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago (Magaruque, Bangue, Bazaruto or Santa Carolina) can be booked – these are usually full day trips including some snorkelling, dolphin spotting and, if you’re very lucky, Dugong spotting too, with a BBQ lunch on the beach. Between July and September it’s possible to organise whale watching trips by motorboat to spot the humpback whales that migrate through the Mozambica channel at the other side of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Deep sea fishing is very productive in this area (Marlin and Sailfish, as well as other species) and scuba diving is excellent and can be prebooked through a local PADI Dive Centre. Kite surfing, river canoeing, horse riding, guided bird watching and nature walks in the coastal and wetland areas close to the Lodge, yoga and traditional Mozambica cooking lessons can all be arranged locally. Cultural tours are also arranged weekly and include a visit to the local market, art and craft stalls and local shops. A half day tour can also be arranged to learn about the work of the Association en faveur de l’Enfance Mozambicaine (ASEM). This is a non-profit organisation that helps orphaned and vulnerable children through supporting schools, health, social care and economic self-sufficiency through agriculture.
Seasons
The best times to visit Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago are from mid April through to late May, and then from August through to December. June and July are very pleasant but can be a little cool due to the southern Africa winter (average daytime temperatures around 23/24 degrees), whilst the rainy season technically runs from November through to March, with most rainfall falling in January and February which is also the peak cyclone season.
Children 13 years and older are accepted at asDunas, and whilst most of the accommodation units can accommodate a third bed if needed, there are no specific family accommodation options.
AsDunas supports the local community wherever possible. Their latest project includes the development of an art gallery at the lodge which supports and promotes Mozambican local contemporary artists and artisans. An art residency program is currently being developed.
