AVANI is probably the nicest hotel in Pemba, a somewhat gritty fishing town on Mozambique’s northern coast. This immaculate, though somewhat sterile establishment specifically caters to the business crowd who flock to Pemba to work in the burgeoning offshore oil and gas industry, though leisure travelers headed up to the Quirimbas make up a sizeable minority of guests.

The expansive beachfront property, which blends Arabic and African architectural styles, has 100 traditional rooms, plus 82 brand-new self-catering apartment units that are aimed at long-term business types. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with rustic decor, cold a/c, flat-screen TVs, comfortable beds and seating, and adequate power points. Get a sea view room if you can, and watch the dhows drift by in the late afternoon, or other guests whooping it up on the water.

Water sports activities include snorkelling, sailing, skiing, wakeboarding and kayaking, but if you prefer tamer pursuits the property also has four pools, several tennis courts, a large fitness center, and a superb onsite spa. Many resorts have massage therapists who give what I call “resort massages” — too little pressure for too much money. But at AVANI’s spa, my highly-trained Zimbabwean therapist knew exactly how to loosen up my tense spots and left me in a long-lasting state of bliss.

The food and drink is superb here, whether its at the upscale, open-air seafood restaurant, Clube Naval, where platters of fresh lobster, crab, linefish and calamari keep coming and coming and coming, or at the quirkily decorated Niassa bar, where taxidermied big game stares at you from the walls above while you sip your caipirinha. There is also the Quirimbas Restaurant, which offers creative buffets and a la carte theme nights chock full of local produce and delicious fresh seafood.

This place is fine for a quick weekend or a business stay, but not the most warm, intimate environment for those seeking a romantic getaway or classic beach holiday. However, considering the panoramic views, excellent conference and banquet facilities, and beautifully manicured grounds, it would be ideal for a corporate function or wedding.