At Rio Azul in Vilankulo they say you can make your greatest catch and lose your heart at the same time. I’d like to think this extends beyond being charmed by the cherry-pink sunsets and powdery-white beaches or the treasure trove of colourful fish you can catch. It’s also begging for a romantic escapade with a loved one.
Six twin-bed chalets and two luxury villas dot the beachfront and are constructed out of the finest local timber, with exquisite wooden shutters and tables. The villas are popular for families and large groups, sleeping six adults and six children, with a plunge pool out front.
At the main lodge, it’s simply impossible to ignore the 10-metre bar. Order a piña colada or freshly squeezed orange juice to sip on your lounger, cool off in the pool or catch up on the latest sports on DStv.
If you’re a water baby, the ocean is your playground and with waters rarely dropping below 25º Celsius it will be hard to reel you back to shore. I’d recommend a day of snorkelling at Paradise Island for blacktip reef shark and animated coral fish, followed by a picnic lunch of quiches, prego rolls and fresh salads with an ice-cold beer to wash it down. For those looking for a bit more action, hire a skipper and boat for a deep-sea fishing excursion. Mackerel, cuta, bonito, kingfish, seasonal marlin and sailfish aren’t uncommon species to find on the end of your line.
Why we like Rio Azul Lodge
The lodge has the best of both worlds: if the weather turns sour, opt for a day exploring the channels of the sheltered mangrove estuary. Fresh fish, lobster, peri-peri prawns, calamari and some of the biggest crabs I’ve eaten, together with Mozambican-style dishes, grace the dinner table.
Need to know about Rio Azul Lodge
A two-hour flight from Johannesburg takes you to Vilankulo airport. From there, expect a comfortable one-and-a-half -hour road-and-beach transfer to the lodge. Consider staying for a little longer should you drive up. The lodge is fairly remote, so come prepared with must-have items. In addition to using the mosquito nets provided at the lodge, it’s advisable to take malaria tablets.
What it costs to say at Rio Azul Lodge
R1 850 a person a night sharing, including meals and snacks, use of estuary boat per room, sea kayaks and windsurfers, tea and coffee. Special rates for kids.
Contact details for Rio Azul Lodge
Tel 011-467-2853, email [email protected], www.rioazul-lodge.co.za.
