Jetsettersblog

Opening December 2009, Coral Lodge 15.41 is a unique barefoot beach retreat situated on a peninsula within the wild and rugged untouched Varanda nature reserve in Northern Mozambique.

La Varanda, the area surrounding the lodge, is a privately owned nature reserve full of untouched beaches, dunes and mangroves.

It lies only a short distance from the historical UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique Island), the former capital of the country. Since the end of the civil war in 1992, tourism has fast become one of the country’s key resources but the area around Coral Lodge 15.41 is still largely untouched and the rugged unspoiled terrain and friendliness of the locals are a true testament to this.

This unique boutique beach retreat, comprising of only ten villas, has been designed by the renowned Dutch designer Edward Van Vliet who has tastefully combined the latest in luxury and comfort with the authentic feel of Mozambican style and pureness.

He has skillfully incorporated the colours of the surroundings by using a mix of wood and textures to ensure the lodge sympathetically blends in with its surroundings.

To further enhance the area’s natural setting the villas have been built on top of the dunes to give incredible sea views and a continuous breeze from the cerulean ocean.

For complete privacy and relaxation the minimalist villas include various sitting areas, a spacious bedroom, separate bathroom with huge bath and shower and large veranda with comfy chairs and daybed for lazy afternoons.

Each villa boasts its own outdoor shower, perfect after a cooling dip in the sea.

Coral Lodge 15.41 is also the first hotel in the world to have the award-winning Evening Breeze canopy beds in each bedroom.

A revolution in eco technology, they negate the need for energy-guzzling air-conditioners yet still allow full climate control with a fully integrated cooling system. Combine this with hardness-adjustable mattresses and Egyptian cotton bed linen and guests are assured a luxurious sleeping experience on warm balmy evenings.

Cuisine is a highlight at Coral Lodge 15.41 with outdoor and indoor dining taking place at ‘The Reef’, an open wooden thatched structure peacefully situated at the tip of the peninsula allowing guests to combine stunning sunsets with enticing Mozambican flavours. Using only local ingredients with a key focus on fresh fish and shellfish, the experienced chefs prepare everything daily.

The delicious Portuguese style pastries will delight at breakfast and the gastronomical skills displayed through the variation of the daily dinner menu will no doubt impress.

Every dish is infused with the original flavours of Mozambique mixed with Portuguese and Middle Eastern influences and is always complemented by a variety of first class wines from South Africa and Portugal.

For those not only passionate about the consumption but also the creation of the dishes there is the opportunity for guests to join the head chef on her daily visit to the market and then return to the lodge to learn how to cook popular Mozambican dishes.

A shared infinity pool is ideally positioned where the laguna and ocean meet. After a morning swim guests can watch the tide feeding the mangroves and listen to the birds waking the other wildlife.

In the afternoon, they can dive in to cool down from the various activities on offer or simply relax by the pool with a bestseller and enjoy a refreshing drink and delicious traditional snack. A private dinner can also be arranged by the infinity pool, ideal for a romantic celebration or proposal under the stars.

Due to its unique location the choice of activities at Coral Lodge 15.41 are diverse and endless… Step onboard the lodge’s traditional dhow and learn to sail. Alternatively let the experts take you to the best snorkeling and world class diving spots followed by a visit to an uninhabited island to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.

During high tide grab one of the canoes and explore the mangroves where you can see native birds, mangrove crabs and other indigenous animals.

Enthusiasts can indulge in a fishing dhow excursion before enjoying their fresh catch prepared for dinner that evening. During August and September whales are spotted from the beach as they migrate passed Coral Lodge 15.41 and with the available boat excursions guests are brought up close and personal with these fascinating sea mammals.

The lodge’s position lends itself perfectly for the cultural exploration of Ilha de Moçambique, the former capital of Mozambique built by the Portuguese.

From the lodge guests look out onto San Sebastião Fort (1558 AD) at the north point of the island.

This fort and many other colonial buildings are remnants of a bygone era that still preserve history. Guests can explore this fascinating city at their own pace or let a local guide tell them about its controversial history.

Coral Lodge 15.41 is the perfect hideaway to enjoy everything this untouched area of Mozambique has to offer. Villa’s start at $295 per person per night including all meals, house wines, beer and soft drinks, all non-motorized activities (fishing, sunset dhow cruise, windsurfing, snorkeling equipment and canoeing).