Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort

It seems like people are paying 2 different prices for this place because we paid over $1000 US a night, the highest price we paid on a 5 week trip through Africa with a dozen different stays, and it was the least luxurious for the price. This was our last stop so we wanted it to be nice. We stayed 5 nights so we got a real feel for the place and I'm guessing if you only stayed 2 nights you might have a different impression. It was HOT (83* but felt like 93* with the humidity) when we arrived. The only AC in the whole resort is in your room. Our room had weak AC to start, that declined to nothing by the 3rd night. We found it hard to enjoy things when we were so hot, as we were sweating and lethargic. When we did call (nobody answered on the first call) they said "we will come put some gas in the AC unit for you" and it worked fine after. They had been servicing the room for 3 days and saw the AC was running out, but did nothing ~ not proactive and not 5 star service. The menu seems great until you are told that they don't have the tuna dishes and the pizza oven is not working, which remained true for 5 nights. The menu doesn't vary much at all, so 5 days of a similar menu is not 5 star. We were told drinks are included but only local rum or vodka drinks, that are made weak, are included. If you want a G&T, you pay $10. A bottle of white wine was $50-85 unless it was one of the 3 on the "included" menu. Drinks were not really 'inclusive' as implied when we booked. The spa was a joke! The spa has no working AC anywhere. In the women's locker room there are no chairs, blank walls with no art or decor anywhere, a smell of mold, hair blocking the shower drain, no shampoo at all, a sauna that didn't work, and the lockers don't lock in the changing area, so I had to go back down the hill to my room to shower after. The staff didn't pay attention to the forms we filled out with our preferences (they tried to rub spots I marked to be avoided so I had to ask them to stop). In the end, they overcharged us and then argued that we should pay the individual price X2 ($290) instead of a couples massage price we signed up for ($220). The management had to get involved and finally gave us the price stated on their own brochure ~ weird. We only went back for the second massage because it was the free one included in our package which they told us would be a "signature massage", not the Swedish massage we prefer, because no 'alterations' were allowed ~ ***? At these prices, $145 was the supposed value for an individual massage we were "gifted", that is nuts! They were purposefully unaccommodating. Sadly, we couldn't scuba dive because they said the water was not clear enough and they suggested we come back in April (not easy to do from California ;o). The horse back riding was great because they took us along the beach and through the small local village (paid extra). The small dhow boat sunset ride they included was nice. The waterskii

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.

From our initial check-in to every morning and evening at meal times, the team could not do more for you. Their beautiful, warm smiles and excellent hospitality made you feel like you were staying with a relative / family member. The food was out of this world with the chefs surprising us everyday with their talent - were we blown away by the Mozambique seafood or what. Unbelievable - Those prawns - actually the size of Lobsters were ‘next level’ and sumptuously prepared. I was equally surprised on my birthday with a cake and warm Portuguese singing by the fabulous team which was the icing on the cake for me so thank you , thank you and thank you. We will definitely return. I would add they do need to promote the Spa a bit more as it is somewhat feels like an afterthought when asked about and this is where they could make their money.

The Staff are extremely friendly, welcoming and always ready to assist. The beach club has a wide variety of amenities aswell as a beautiful sunset view of the archipelago that you’ll never forget, accompanied with food like you can’t believe makes Anantara one of the top spots in the archipelago.

Cada pormenor, por mais pequeno que seja, é tratado com muito carinho. toda a equipa que trabalha no hotel é maravilhosa.

We arrived at Anantara Resort on the helicopter which was an incredible experience. Would definitely recommend this if it is an option. The views were incredible. The hotel staff was friendly when we arrived and escorted us to our room. The walk to the room can be extremely long so if you have a far suite keep that in mind. The room was a bit outdated and had a foul odor throughout our stay. The view from the room is beautiful and being on the beach and being able to watch the sunset is lovely. The food at this hotel is not 5 star quality. We were served inedible food at times. The staff tried to make up for the quality of the food by offering us complimentary food but we did not have an appetite. The breakfast is also not great as the food is left out and not fresh. The drinks are ok but nothing special. I would not recommend doing the complimentary sunset cruise as the boat is extremely old and rocky. The staff was not accommodating on this cruise at all. When leaving the resort keep in mind that you have to walk through water to get to the boat which is an inconvenience. You end up arriving at the airport wet and sandy. Not great accommodations for a 5 star resort. All in all, the hotel is lovely and the views are spectacular. The rooms are a bi outdated as is the lobby. And the staff could have done a much better job making us feel welcomed.