Marlin Lodge is an African island refuge, where balmy, tropical weather relaxes you, warm, azure waters refresh you and peaceful tranquillity renews you. Marlin Lodge is situated on the south western shore of Benguerua Island, second largest of the four main islands that form the Bazaruto Archipelago off the Mozambican coast. This luxury private island lodge offers 17 sea-facing suites with direct access to the beach, a host of exhilarating activities and delectable cuisine.
Benguerua Island Hundreds of thousands of years ago, mass sand deposits from the Limpopo river formed the Bazaruto Archipelago, which comprises four main islands – Magaruque, Bazaruto, Santa Carolina and Benguerua. Originally named “Sao Antonio” by Portuguese explorers, Benguerua Island was later renamed after a local tribal chief and declared part of a National Park in 1971. The island, which lies 14 km offshore from the Mozambican mainland town of Vilanculos, extends approximately 11 km in length and 5,5 km in width. From its sand dunes, savannah, freshwater lakes and wetland eco-systems, acacia woodlands and forests, Benguerua Island is a diverse ecological gem.
With over 2000 fish species and over a hundred coral species, a kaleidoscope of colour awaits you below the surface of crystal clear waters, while approximately 140 bird species steal the show on land. Indigenous cashew nut trees, casuarina trees that prevent erosion and wild orange trees, the fruit of which contains natural strychnine poison when green and can only be eaten when ripe, are just some of the trees on the island. Mlala palms are in abundance and the leaves are used for weaving mats, baskets and hats, while coconut palms are harvested for their fruit. Sisal plants are plentiful and used by the industrious locals, among other things to repair their fishing nets.
Marlin Lodge Mozambican hardwood, reed-clad brick walls and thatched ‘jecca’ roofs create a lodge that sits in perfect harmony with its pristine natural surroundings. The natural plant life is carefully preserved by elevated wooden walkways that connect the 14 seascape Luxury Beach Chalets and three Executive Beach Suites to the main areas. Attention to detail, soft, inviting furnishings and colours that reflect the lush island greenery and sparkling blue ocean, complete the picture. Guests can enjoy spacious accommodation, delectable food, rejuvenating wellness treatments and exhilarating explorations on land or under water. At Marlin Lodge you are free to surrender to a nonchalant way of life. This is where time slows down and lasting memories of unhurried bliss are made. Rejuvenate and reawaken body and soul, and indulge in mighty Africa’s most beautiful island refuge.
Marlin Lodge is located off the coast of Mozambique, a 20-minute boat excursion from the mainland town of Vilanculos. There are three modes of travelling to Vilanculos: * Flying by scheduled flight from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa. Flights depart at 10:15 daily and arrive at Vilanculos at 12:30. * Self-drive to Vilanculos, which is approximately 810 km north of the capital city of Maputo. We offer a secure complimentary parking bay in Vilanculos. * Guests can opt to charter a private plane through a selected company, or fly with a privately owned aircraft. We offer a minibus transfer from Vilanculos International airport to the harbour, followed by a boat charter transfer from Vilanculos Harbour to Marlin Lodge. Travel time is 20 – 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions. Guests arriving from Vilanculos harbour Daily set departure time is between approximately 13:30 and 14:30. These times depend on the number of guests arriving, the passport control and the flight arrival times. Guests departing from Marlin Lodge Departure between 11:00 and 11:15 The above is weather and guest transfer dependent, and might change without prior notice. In order to keep the transfer costs reasonable, guests will be transferred to and from Marlin Lodge at the above-mentioned times, even if they arrive or depart on a flight other than Pelican Air. This includes private charters. If guests are departing from Vilanculos before approximately 13:30, they will be required to pay for a private transfer, e.g. some LAM flights leave at 10:00 in the morning and guests are required to check in at approximately 8:30. We offer Marlin Lodge guests a private air-conditioned lounge at Vilanculos International Airport with refreshments, snacks and shower facilities while waiting for departing flights.
COST
From US $ 480.00 per person sharing per night, inclusive of Mozambican sales tax, accommodation three meals per day, teas and coffees, as well as the following: » water sports: windsurfing, ocean ski paddling, power kite flying & catamaran sailing
Children over 14 years welcome
To book your stay at the stunning Marlin Lodge with Cape Diversity, click here.