Mozambique’s Sleeping Beauty Beckons

Mozambique was first explored by Vasco de Gama in 1498 and colonized by the Portuguese in 1505, before gaining it’s independence in 1975 and becoming the People’s Republic of Mozambique. For 15 years, it was the crucible of political unrest and civil war in Southeast Africa. Bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest, this jewel-like coastline has long been a hot spot, but now thankfully for good reasons as it climbs the charts as one of Africa’s up-and-coming travel destinations with stunning beaches, excellent diving and magical offshore islands.

Mozambique’s leading luxury resort group, Rani Resorts, is currently offering hot summer specials from now until April 20, 2011 at four of its premier Mozambique properties: Matemo Island, Medjumbe Private Island, Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa and Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa. The new specials provide guests with a twenty to fifty percent savings and a perfect reason to escape the winter chill.

Matemo and Medjumbe are two exotic islands located in the Quirimbas Archipelago off the northern coast of Mozambique. At Matemo Island, guests can choose between twenty-four beach chalets just steps away from the azure colored waters of the Indian Ocean. Medjumbe provides a more intimate setting with only thirteen palm-thatched chalets, perfect for couples looking for a romantic retreat. Both are an idyllic paradise with plenty of things to do for the active traveler including snorkeling, fishing, and diving. Those who prefer a more low-key vacation can relax in the privacy of their very own hammock on their chalet’s deck after a day lounging by the beach or at the pool.

Along the northern coastline just south of Matemo Island and Medjumbe Private Island is Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa. Located in the ancient port town of Pemba, Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa pays homage to the area’s rich past with its sand-colored stone walls recalling a kasbah and blending the rugged beauty of Africa with Arabian influences. Its proximity to the vibrant town allows the opportunity to visit one of Pemba’s age-old fishing villages or a local “souk” as well as much more.

Further south in the Bazaruto Archipelago rests the beautifully appointed Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa. Located on Bazaruto Island off the coast of southern Mozambique, the property is set amidst white sandy beaches, large sand dunes and freshwater lakes, all surrounded by the translucent blue of the Indian Ocean.

Rates: Start at $439 p/night for Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa; $250 p/night at Medjumbe Private Island; $140 p/night at Pemba Beach Island Resort; $235 p/night at Matemo Island.

The Hot Summer Specials also include fifty percent off bookings at Pemba Beach Island Resort and Spa’s Classic Room including bed and breakfast, as well as at Pemba’s Courtyard Room. Both rates are based on double occupancy. At Matemo Island and at Medjumbe Private Island guests can enjoy fifty percent off when booking the Beach Chalet. The rate code for these offers at Matemo Island, Medjumbe Private Island and Pemba Beach Island Resort and Spa is PERI.

As part of the summer specials, guests staying at Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa can enjoy a twenty percent savings when booking the beach chalets and a forty percent savings when booking the Bayview Villas from now through April 20, 2011. Included in the offer is a trip to Paradise Island or dune boarding and horse riding (1per guest per stay), as well as a 15-minute mystery Spa Treatment at Indigo Bay’s award winning Sanctuary Spa. Snorkeling trips to Neptunes Nursery are scheduled daily. There is no booking code necessary at Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa.

For bookings, detailed terms & conditions as well as certain restrictions please contact info@raniresorts.com or phone: +27 (0)11 463 6313