Discover Kisawa Sanctuary, a hidden treasure on Benguerra Island, in the heart of the Bazaruto archipelago off the coast of Mozambique. Here, untamed nature intertwines with well-being in a setting of unrivalled luxury. Immerse yourself in an environment where white sandy beaches, coral reefs and lush forests combine to offer the perfect escape. At Kisawa Sanctuary, every moment is designed to awaken your senses and soothe your spirit. Luxe Wellness Club presents this exceptional property in one of East Africa’s most enchanting locations.
Kisawa Sanctuary: A paradise in the heart of the Bazaruto archipelago
Kisawa Sanctuary is located on the island of Benguerra, around 14 kilometers off the east coast of Mozambique. This country, with its natural and cultural riches, is an ideal destination for travelers in search of well-being, adventure and authentic discoveries. To reach Kisawa Sanctuary, you can take a flight to Vilankulo airport, followed by a short boat or helicopter transfer to the island. Benguerra is part of the Bazaruto archipelago, known for some of the richest and least explored marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, dunes and lush forests, this island offers total immersion in unspoilt nature. What’s more, our proximity to the National Marine Park allows us to discover exceptional marine biodiversity, from colorful coral reefs to dolphins and dugongs.
Vision and commitment of founder Nina Fohr
Kisawa Sanctuary was founded by Nina Fohr, a visionary with a passion for nature conservation and holistic well-being. Its commitment to ecology and the local community is reflected in every aspect of the sanctuary. It’s an ultra-exclusive retreat where disconnection is privileged, embodying the slow luxury trend. Here, silence, distance and intimacy create a unique feeling of being at the end of the world. Ultimately, it’s this vision of ethical travel that Nina wanted to defend, by creating a place where luxury and well-being are experienced in harmony with nature.
Accommodations combining luxury and tradition
The architecture of Kisawa Sanctuary is a harmonious blend of modern innovation and local tradition. The sanctuary has been designed with the environment in mind. It uses cutting-edge technologies like3D printing while collaborating with local artisans to preserve and promote traditional skills.
Accommodations consist of spacious one- to three-bedroom residences, each with a private infinity pool, extensive outdoor living areas and dedicated butler service. Residences range in size from 150 to 450 m², with pools of up to 80 m². Inside, you’ll find a collection of Pan-African art and antiques, adding a unique cultural touch to each space. To make it easier to get around the sanctuary, each residence is equipped with an electric mini-moke. These residences are set on private plots, offering total privacy and breathtaking ocean views.
Kisawa Sanctuary also welcomes families with children. The hotel also offers personalized experiences for younger guests. Adapted activities ensure that even the youngest guests will enjoy unforgettable moments in harmony with nature.
Wellness at Kisawa Sanctuary
The Kisawa stand-alone spa
The Kisawa stand-alone spa specializes in integrated holistic healing. The Natural Wellness Center (NWC) focuses on achieving well-being through the unity of mind, body and soul. You can enjoy treatments at the natural wellness center or in the privacy of your own residence. Individual rituals are inspired by the natural elements of Air, Fire, Water, Space and Earth. Treatments include deep-tissue massages, Oya Oya oil massages, hot stone therapies and the signature aromatherapy ritual. In the Iyashi Japanese Dome, you can also enjoy an infrared sauna.
The spa also offers Ayurvedic treatments, paying homage to the spice route that crosses this part of the world. These ancestral treatments from India are designed to balance energies and revitalize the body using precious herbs and oils, recalling the ancient trade routes that enriched this region with their exotic treasures.
Holistic healing rituals
Kisawa Sanctuary offers a variety of holistic healing rituals to promote well-being. These include Hatha Yoga, Surya Namaskar, Pranayama, Qi Gong and Sriwijaya sound healing. Yoga is practiced in the“Yoga Nest“, a cocooning dome made from natural materials, offering a reassuring and comfortable space.
The lagoon pool
While each suite has its own private infinity pool, the lagoon pool at Kisawa Sanctuary is organically designed and set against the dunes, offering stunning sea views. Measuring 25 m², it allows you to relax while admiring the spectacular scenery around you.
Sport and water activities
Finally, for sports enthusiasts, Kisawa Sanctuary has a well-equipped gym for fitness sessions. What’s more, you can indulge in a variety of water sports, such as diving, snorkeling and paddle boarding, exploring the marine wonders that surround the island. These activities offer unique opportunities to connect with nature while staying active.
Connecting with nature and discovering with the research center
Kisawa Sanctuary goes beyond simple activities, offering a true connection to nature through its observatory and research center, BCSS (Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies). The BCSS team, made up of passionate scientists and researchers, works on the conservation and study of local biodiversity. They offer scientific diving expeditions, enabling visitors to take an active part in researching and discovering marine ecosystems.
This innovative concept, called “Resort to Research”, allows guests to immerse themselves in scientific projects while enjoying the luxury and comfort of the sanctuary. Guided excursions are organized to observe marine wildlife, for example. Each experience is an invitation to encounter and understand the natural wonders that make Benguerra such an exceptional place.
Whale season
Whale season is a magical time at Kisawa Sanctuary, running from July to October. During these months, the Mozambique Channel becomes a favorite place for humpback whales to breed and raise their young. You’ll have the unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, often in close proximity. The sanctuary organizes guided tours to maximize your chances of seeing these whales and learning more about their behavior and migration. A must for nature and marine wildlife lovers!
Cultural connection and discovery of Mozambican handicrafts
Kisawa Sanctuary also invites you to discover Mozambique’s rich culture through explorations of Vilanculos and the surrounding area. Immerse yourself in the local craft culture by visiting markets and artisan workshops, where you can admire and acquire traditional works of art and handicrafts. The celebration of Mozambican art is omnipresent, with exhibitions and events organized to showcase local talent. These cultural immersions offer a unique perspective on local life and help create authentic links with the community.
A culinary journey at Kisawa Sanctuary
At Kisawa Sanctuary, the culinary philosophy is to showcase the best of Africa in a fresh, modern way. To achieve this, a network of farmers and fishermen in Inhambane province has been set up, guaranteeing natural, local products from within a 300 km radius of the sanctuary. These ingredients, grown, caught, smoked, grilled and cooked in the Kisawa kitchen, ensure exceptional freshness and quality.
The culinary spaces on offer are varied, and each offers a unique experience. The Main Terrace offers refined world cuisine and is open all day, using fresh, local ingredients for modern, tasty dishes. The Cove Mussassa is a casual beach café specializing in seafood and sharing plates, also open all day. It offers a friendly atmosphere with freshly caught seafood. Baracca stands out for its traditional Mozambican dishes and is reputed to be the best spot to admire the sunsets! For a quick, casual meal, Pizza Tuk Tuk is ideal, offering pizzas made with local ingredients in a fun, informal setting. Finally, the sanctuary’s wine cellar offers exceptional vintages, carefully selected to perfectly complement the dishes served in the various restaurants.
Book your stay at Kisawa Sanctuary
Rates: Double room from €5,000 per night in low season.
Luxe Wellness Club helps you organize your wellness trip. Call us for the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK: +44 20 4577 3258 to discuss your holiday plans.
