Accommodation in room types indicated
Return helicopter transfers from Vilanculos Airport
NOTE: Rates apply only to SA residents
An old favourite of South African travellers which closed after a fire back in 2012, this lodge on the south-west of Benguerra re-opened under the Azura banner in mid-2025, delivering all the things that Azura is famed for: stylish luxury, superb personal service and wonderful dining experiences to name just a few!
Great to see Azura Retreats opening up another lodge - they just seem to get all the little and big things right: from rustic yet stylishly sophisticated accommodation and decor, to superb friendly service, to some of the most memorable dining experiences out there!
Azura Marlin Beach enjoys a really phenomenal location on the south-west coast of Benguerra island - it enjoys a sheltered position from the south-east trade winds that blow during the winter and the bay in which it is positioned is also free of any nasty ocean currents
Azura Marlin seeks to create a more sociable, funky, vibey ambience, particularly around the lodge pool and main public areas where there are a host of areas perfect for chilling
Despite being offered at a cheaper rate than sister lodge Azura Benguerra, guests at Marlin Beach still enjoy the famed personal service, courtesy of your dedicated Azura butler!
Loads of activities to enjoy - from the stunning snorkelling at the famous Two-Mile Reef, to stylish picnics on deserted beaches, not to mention world class deep-sea fishing and scuba diving!
Guests here have access to the award-winning Peri Peri Beach Club, a very cool and funky beach bar also run by Azura located further north on the island's west coast
Not all the rooms have private plunge pools - if this is a "must-have" you can however upgrade to the 3 Beach Villa Grandes (or stay at sister lodge Azura Benguerra instead of course)
ultimately this exciting new island paradise looks to be perfect for couples or families who are looking for something a little more laid back, young, fun and funky!
10 Villas - 6 Beach Villas, 3 Beach Villa Grandes, 1 Villa Vista (2 bedroom)
Yes - and private plunge pools at Beach Villa Grandes and Villa Vista
The original Marlin Lodge attained near legendary status, with many South Africans still retaining fond memories of enjoying their holidays there during the 90’s and 2000’s. Unfortunately that all came to a grinding halt in 2012 when a large part of the lodge was destroyed by a fire and it closed, seemingly for good. The great news though is that Marlin re-opened in mid-2025 – and even better is that it now falls under the Azura Retreats umbrella, where it is the sister-lodge to perhaps the most popular of all of the lodges that Barefoot Breaks sells: the fabulous Azura Benguerra! This has definitely elevated the old Marlin experience to new heights, with Azura’s well earned reputation for style and superb personal service as well as offering fantastic dining experiences now also visible here - it definitely ticks all the boxes for people looking for a memorable island holiday!
Azura Marlin Beach occupies the same excellent position as the original lodge, a lovely protected position along a long white sand beach on the south-west coast of Benguerra island – this means that it is sheltered from the strong south-east trade winds that typically blow during the winter months. It also avoids any of the strong ocean currents that can be found in some of the other parts of Benguerra, thereby offering ideal swimming even at high tide.
Azura Marlin Beach has re-opened with 10 villas initially with plans for another 12 suites to follow down the line. One of the advantages of the location is that all of the villas here are built in a slightly elevated position on top of a small dune above the level of the beach – this allows both better views out over the waters of the archipelago to the sun setting over the mainland in the distance, as well as exposing the villas to the refreshing summer breezes, making it more comfortable to relax on your deck whilst you enjoy the views.
The style of the rooms here successfully blend modern features with traditional Mozambique/Portuguese colonial style and they’re all hugely spacious too. The 10 villas are split into 6 Beach Villas (100sqm), 3 Beach Villa Grandes (which are larger at 132 sqm and also add private plunge pools) and finally the huge Villa Vista at 380 sqm, which boasts 2 bedrooms, a spacious indoor lounge area as well as a large exterior deck complete with private pool. All of the rooms boast very similar style and features, including double vanities and indoor and outdoor showers, but the private pools of the Beach Villas Grandes would definitely make them our favoured pick!