1/5

Kisawa Sanctuary

Benguerra Island, Mozambique • Benguerra Island • OVER THE TOP

avg. $5,324 / night

Includes $280 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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PB hotel design editorial

Benguerra Island sits within the Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of Mozambique, a marine sanctuary of such ecological fragility that every design decision at Kisawa Sanctuary had to begin with the question of what the land could bear. The answer, developed by architect and founder Barbara Fairly working with the Swiss research foundation Oceans Without Borders, was a construction method almost without precedent in luxury hospitality: 3D-printed coral-sand structures using a proprietary technology that eliminated the need to import concrete or extract local stone. The twelve beach houses and villas that resulted from this process press low against the dunes, their undulating thatched roofs — visible in the aerial images as soft, layered forms that shadow and recede — making the buildings feel grown from the landscape rather than placed upon it. The circular pool terrace, edged with woven palm fringe and set directly in the sand, carries the same logic: nothing announces itself. Inside, the interiors draw on a warm material vocabulary grounded in handmade craft — limewash plaster walls in amber and sand tones, woven seagrass ceiling panels, Pierre Jeanneret-influenced cane chairs in dark timber, and hand-knotted checked rugs in natural fibre. Burnt-orange drapes cut against barrel-vaulted ceilings in one configuration; in another, sage-green upholstered beds anchor rooms where woven reed shutters filter the light to something close to dusk at midday. The beachside dining deck, furnished with raw-wood tables and rush-woven circular-backed chairs, frames the Indian Ocean through a canopy of casuarina trees.

Travel notes

Short helicopter ride or boat transfer from Vilankulo airport (VNX)

About

A 300 hectare sanctuary of coastal forest, beach and sand dunes, located on the southern tip of Benguerra Island, Mozambique. Celebrating the unbreakable bond between people and land.

Amenities

Kids Activities

Beachfront

Suites

Restaurant

Bar/Lounge

Spa

Airport transportation

Free Wifi

Fitness center

Laundry Service

Kisawa Sanctuary Reviews

5 reviews

"Our stay at Kisawa was truly exceptional. From the moment we arrived, every detail was thoughtfully taken care of. The design of the hotel is stunning, perfectly blending luxury, nature, and privacy in a way that makes you feel completely connected to the surroundings. The residences are spectacular—spacious, elegant, and with incredible views. Every space is designed to offer absolute comfort and tranquility. The service is impeccable; the entire team is incredibly kind, attentive, and always willing to make your experience perfect. The food was also one of the highlights of our stay, with fresh ingredients and delicious dishes that reflect the spirit of the island. Being able to explore the property and the island in the moke makes the experience even more special. Kisawa is not just a hotel, it’s an unforgettable experience of luxury, nature, and genuine hospitality. A place we would absolutely love to return to. Thank you to Jared , Ruth , Mario. Alex, Dube and all the amazing staff that took care of us during this days 💕"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 15, 2026

"Amazing in every way... rooms, butler, food, activities. And endless private beaches. The team went above and beyond to make our stay special! Specific call out to our butler Luvia who was fantastic."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Oct 02, 2025

"Stayed for 6 nights — and truly, we should’ve stayed longer. We stayed at Cove Four. I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical about Kisawa at first since it’s not a private island, yet the rates are 6k/night :)) But I was completely wrong. The place is surrounded by the most incredible natural beauty, and we were lucky enough to be there during humpback whale 🐋 season. We spotted several from both the boat and the helicopter, what an unforgettable experience 🤩 On the other day we took another boat trip and saw Dugong 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 The beach, the sunsets, and everything gifted by Mother Nature in Kisawa are simply perfect. Our villa was gorgeous — I can honestly say it’s the largest accommodation I’ve ever stayed in throughout my travels 🔝 The interior design was flawless, beyond any complaint. I also loved the idea of exploring the island in a “Moke” — such a fun and unique touch. The food was decent, though I would’ve appreciated more variety (I’m Asian and a bit of a picky eater ✌️). Still, when I requested something off-menu, the chef kindly made it for me 😉 The staff were outstanding, they’re friendly, warm, and always helpful. Special thanks to our butler, Rute, who took such great care of us. One call away and voilà! Everything we needed appeared right on time :) Also it was windy when we were there, and at least it’s cold for me :) But Rute always trying her best to set up the moonlight dinner, pizza tuk tuk and everything to made me feel less 🥶 and of course comfortable. There’s just one thing I think the Kisawa team could pay a little more attention to, the laundry service. It’s complimentary, which is great, but unfortunately a few of my clothes came back with some unusual stains after being washed. But this minor imperfections are easily overlooked and certainly don’t change my overall love for Kisawa. I’ll definitely consider coming back — thank you, Kisawa, for the unforgettable memories."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 21, 2025

"Wow! Kisawa Sanctuary is Absolutely Exquisite. Warm and Friendly Team! Magnificent Ocean Views! Stunning Grand Residences with Exquisite Decor fit for Royalty! Beautiful and Picturesque Sunrises and Sunsets! Personalized Butler providing Outstanding Service! Superb Cuisine! Award Winning and Luxurious Spa! Wonderful Pool area overlooking the Ocean! Great Gym! No Words to describe this Out of This World Experience at Kisawa Sanctuary!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 03, 2025

"My husband and I visited Kisawa Sanctuary August 20-27, 2023, to celebrate our joint 58th birthdays. The genuine kindness, warmth, and beauty of everyone we had the absolute joy of coming to know there was the best gift we could ever have hoped for. The sanctuary is unbelievably gorgeous; from the uniquely beautiful design of the resort to the awe-inspiring beauty of Benguerra Island and the Indian Ocean. But it is the people who shared their lives and island home with us during our stay that turned an incredible holiday celebration into an experience that has left us with a renewed sense of optimism and gratefulness. On our first full day at Kisawa we were fortunate to witness the reopening of fishing for the island residents. We saw groups of people celebrating the ability to fish and share their catch with their villages after months of being unable to do so while allowing nature to replenish their waters with fish. Coming to understand the importance of living in a community in which resources and wealth are shared for the benefit of the entire village was a heartwarming reminder of the importance of interpersonal connection and caring for your loved ones. What we experienced that first day was only the beginning… During our stay, we had the good fortune of luxuriating in Ocean Residence #10. With the expansive views of the ocean, the ever-present lull of the waves, and an incredible natural light that would change the colors and tone of the Residence throughout the day, we felt like we had been transported to another world. Every element of the Residence seemed to have been perfectly planned and, yet, it all felt so personal and effortless. The vastness and privacy of the setting, the comfort of the furnishings, the ease with which everything worked in harmony left us incredibly relaxed. We could fill our days with as much or as little as we desired. Some days were spent swimming, lounging, and reconnecting at the Residence. Other days were filled with travels to spot beautiful flamingos, snorkel, or marvel at migrating humpback whales. On the day of our actual birthdays, we were surprised by literally everyone, even those we had not met before, wishing us a happy birthday. We helicoptered to Santa Carolina Island for a private, champagne picnic on the beach and were later surprised by foot massages on the pool deck of our Residence while we watched the stars overhead and listened to the waves crashing below. The night was capped off by a private dinner at Ocean Mussassa with singing and a chocolate cake that we will never forget! As memorable and special as that day-long birthday celebration was, the day that touched us the most was when Querino (“Q”) led us on a private tour of Benguerra Island. Q grew up on the island and took part in the construction of Kisawa Sanctuary. He drove us to where he had been spotting crocodiles since he was a kid and told us stories of his experiences with them. Q took us to the top of the Red Sand Dune and explained how the dune has been changing; pointing out the tops of trees that have been covered by the ever-growing dune and now appeared to be shrubs poking out of the sand. He drove us through the villages, introduced us to fisherman, and chatted with a group of women cooking vegetables they had harvested and would later serve to their communities. Q explained to us how the educational and medical systems worked on the island as he took us past the hospital and school. We watched children playing in their yards with vibrantly colored clothing drying on the lines. We are so grateful for those experiences. Thank you, Q! The thoughtfulness, effort, and love that have gone into creating and running Kisawa Sanctuary are evident everywhere. The exquisite food prepared by Chef J.P. and his team is not only delicious, but beautifully presented. Each meal at every location was a piece of scrumptious artwork. The unique and creative cocktails poured by Elton, Dubes, and Lorenzo were visually striking, potent, and second to none. On our first night having sundowners at Baracca, Elton asked me what my favorite drink was. He then proceeded to mix up the most delicious Sidecar I have ever tasted. Subsequent nights were filled with bespoke creations; including a tobacco-infused stunner by Dubes that I still think about! The genuine connectedness we felt with everyone was touching: Alberto, who served us each morning at breakfast and told us stories of his life on the island and dreams of becoming a teacher; Ruth and her gorgeous smile (even as she cleaned up broken glass after I accidentally knocked a drink off the table during lunch one day at Cove Mussassa); the quiet beauty of Aida as she was learning the ropes of a new role at the Main Terrace; and the strength of Selu as he chatted with us while he readied our residence each morning. We have so many fond memories of everyone who made our stay so special: Jared’s infectious sense of humor left us smiling and laughing throughout our stay; Fernando’s beautiful smile and patience as we tried to connect via WhatsApp so that we could send him some photos; Mario and Sergio expertly guiding us through the waters around the islands and taking us to the most beautiful, deserted beach for an impromptu lunch after whale watching; Lindonnie’s friendly greetings and stories; and Jay taking such good care of us during the week...Saurez expertly guiding us through a variety of menus as he cared for us during so many meals; Simon sailing us around the Cove as we sipped Champagne on a sunset dhow cruise; John, Alex, and Rishad making sure that we had everything we needed while relaxing under beach umbrellas on the Cove side of Kisawa Sanctuary; and Mathieu, confidently taking on his role as the new General Manager while finding so much time to spend talking with us, sharing life stories, and providing us with so many surprises. From our first inquiries with the Reservations team to our final departure from Vilanculos Airport, our Kisawa Sanctuary experiences surpassed our every expectation. We are so grateful to everyone for providing us with a holiday that somehow transcended beauty, adventure, and luxury to become a life-affirming experience we will always treasure. Ta Bonga!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Oct 27, 2023

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