One of the largest resorts in the Bazaruto archipelago, Indigo Bay has 44 pretty villas accessible via a wooden canopy walk beside the ocean. Although it feels more like a big vacation resort than the boutique lodges on Benguerra Island, there are some advantages to that: Indigo Bay is better for families, with a dedicated pool for children and the possibility of arranging babysitting services. It’s also better suited to solo travellers, disabled travelers, or groups of friends. The emphasis is on beauty and activities by the beach – although romance certainly has its place here too. Guests are greeted with a welcome cocktail and ferried to villas via golf buggies that are always available to get around the vast site (although it’s generally an easy walk, too.)

The villas are spacious and each has its own veranda and garden area complete with hammocks. The bathrooms are huge and luxurious; we spent a full five minutes deciding whether to take a bath in the gorgeous tub, an indoor shower, or an outdoor shower under the sun. The beds are large and very comfortable; the turndown service at night is thoughtful and includes slippers and a robe. You’ll sleep like a baby beneath the air-conditioning, and come morning, the veranda is the perfect spot for coffee against the backdrop of waves lapping against the golden sand.

There are several restaurants on-site and daily specials include Caesar salads, Indian Ocean curries, and very good chocolate cake (thankfully there’s a gym on-site). Breakfast is a spectacular affair that includes plenty of fresh tropical fruit, hot options, and fresh juices. Indigo Bay has one of the most extensive activities brochures of all the Bazaruto resorts, and includes sandboarding trips to the nearby dunes. A free taster snorkelling session in front of the resort is thrown in for all guests, although it’s far better to go on the organized excursions to Two Mile Reef, where you’ll see much more. The feather in Indigo Bay’s cap is its stunning spa, perched on the cliff-top with amazing views out over the ocean. It might just be one of the prettiest spas in Africa, decked out with Thai décor, stylish chaise longues, and a new juice bar serving ginger and lime concoctions. There are rooms for singles and couples, an aromatherapy lounge, honeymoon treatments, and beautiful infinity pools and hydro pools. Bliss.