Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort

I've read a couple of negative reviews of this place and was a little nervous about going but honestly- I could not find one thing to complain about. The staff are so inviting and friendly- nothing was too much trouble for them. The food was great- there was a decent selection to suit any palate and everything we had was really delicious and packed with flavour. They had a large selection of all- inclusive drinks and the service was great- nothing we ordered was out of stock or unavailable. We stayed in the beach villa and the room was stunning- the view from our deck and beach loungers was postcard perfect. We spent most of our time at the adult pool area and everything there was gorgeous- they even do a sundowner set up on the beach that is spectacular. Honestly, this place is perfect for couples looking to switch off and reconnect with one another. Its an African island resort so if perfect wifi and top of the range Balsamic vinegar (yes, I actually heard people complaining about this) are what's important to you then this may not be the resort for you. The price point was worth every penny spent in my mind- for the view and the private beach loungers alone. There are plenty of free activities to keep you busy- walks along the beach, paddle boarding and kayaking. The dhow cruise (included in the stay) was also really special and worth doing. The sunsets are AMAZING- my poor phone photography skills just couldnt do them justice. We will definitely be going back!

During our 10-day stay at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort starting August 5, 2024, we experienced both the charm and the challenges of this tropical paradise. **Booking Process** The financial handling during the booking process was frustrating. We assumed our holiday was paid for on the Anantara website using American Express (a surcharge applied which was fine to us). However, just a few days before the intended arrival to Anantara, while already on holiday in the South African bush with limited access to mobile connectivity, we were informed that they could not process the American Express payment due to a banking system transition. We were asked to pay by bank transfer with unclear banking details, which were blocked by our bank's fraud department. This took a lot of time and effort to resolve. It would be much simpler if Anantara arranged a PayPal payment option or some other payment terminal which could easily avoid this kind of struggles. **Helicopter transfer and airport handling** The welcome and organisation on the Vilanculo airport by the Anatara staff was friendly and well organized delivering a swift pass through to the helicopter transfer. This helicopter ride over the azur blue ocean is an amazing experience to get to the resort. The pilot very friendly and experienced. **Accommodation and Facilities** The villas, while spacious and offering stunning ocean views, are noticeably outdated. The interior decor feels very old, with in example broken lamps, old useless kitchens as a memory to appartment style units in the past and curtain rails that no longer function properly. This detracted from the overall comfort and luxury we expected from an Anantara brand property. **Resort Infrastructure** The resort features, as a main walking infrastructure to get around, elevated wooden walkways and terraces, which are unfortunately in a state of disrepair. I even fell through one of the planks, and I am not particularly heavy. The lighting installed in these areas is exposed, posing a hazard, especially around the pool with water where children play. Additionally, the available airstrip is completely outdated, the tennis court has cracked and uneven tarmac, the artificial grass football field is half torn and damaged, all the signing is old and unreadable and the asphalt paths throughout the resort are all broken and worn out. A thorough renovation is urgently needed to address these safety concerns and to meet the high standards associated with the Anantara brand. **Staff and Service** Despite the outdated facilities, the staff performed wonders with the limited resources and outdated infrastructure and accommodation available. From housekeeping to the restaurants and reception, everyone was attentive and helpful. Their dedication and friendliness significantly enhanced our stay. **Food and Beverage Experience** Although we generally prefer à la carte dining, the buffets exceeded our expectations. The quality, themes, and variety were

The overall stay was amazing, all the staff were incredible. The Santa Carolina trip and snorkeling was great. The management guy suggested the trip around the island by car which we really enjoyed. Bazaruto is beautiful and with this kind of service you can even stay and not return home. Missing all of you and all the best. I really recommend this hotel, either for leisure or business trip.