The Pescador is something of an anomaly in Vilanculos; a business-style hotel by the sea. In fact, we think it might be having a kind of identity crisis. The rooms wouldn’t look out of place in an urban southern African city, but downstairs in the lobby and outdoor areas, the vibe is 100 percent fishing lodge. The restaurant is the real draw here, located in a romantic setting around the pool and unsurprisingly popular with Mozambican couples on date night.
The rooms draw a Mozambican clientele, too, including visiting businessmen, but they are popular with vacationers too. We liked the enormous, comfortable beds (with good mosquito nets), the lounge chairs and the lighting. Magazines were a nice touch. We weren’t so keen on the door locks – flimsy, old-fashioned locks don’t inspire confidence as far as security goes or the strange layouts of the rooms. The bathrooms are so huge that they echo as you walk around them, which doesn’t do much for generating a cozy feel to the place.
Downstairs, the staff are gregarious and very helpful, whether you need a tuk-tuk or taxi into town or a dive trip to the islands. The bar staff and breakfast wait staff are among the friendliest in Vilanculos, and there’s a nice lounge area filled with African artefacts, fishing paraphernalia, and colorful coffee table books. The restaurant is very good, and specializes in Mozambican cuisine (served poolside and lit by fairy lights at night), as well as European dishes. There’s a short but reasonable wine list, and a well-stocked bar that serves beer and spirits as well as soft drinks. If you’re staying here, you can also pop across the street to eat at the wonderful Casa Rex restaurant (a three-minute walk away).
Expert Review
The Pescador is something of an anomaly in Vilanculos; a business-style hotel by the sea. In fact, we think it...
The Pescador is something of an anomaly in Vilanculos; a business-style hotel by the sea. In fact, we think it might be having a kind of identity crisis. The rooms wouldn’t look out of place in an urban southern African city, but downstairs in the lobby and outdoor areas, the vibe is 100 percent fishing lodge. The restaurant is the real draw here, located in a romantic setting around the pool and unsurprisingly popular with Mozambican couples on date night.
The rooms draw a Mozambican clientele, too, including visiting businessmen, but they are popular with vacationers too. We liked the enormous, comfortable beds (with good mosquito nets), the lounge chairs and the lighting. Magazines were a nice touch. We weren’t so keen on the door locks – flimsy, old-fashioned locks don’t inspire confidence as far as security goes or the strange layouts of the rooms. The bathrooms are so huge that they echo as you walk around them, which doesn’t do much for generating a cozy feel to the place.
Downstairs, the staff are gregarious and very helpful, whether you need a tuk-tuk or taxi into town or a dive trip to the islands. The bar staff and breakfast wait staff are among the friendliest in Vilanculos, and there’s a nice lounge area filled with African artefacts, fishing paraphernalia, and colorful coffee table books. The restaurant is very good, and specializes in Mozambican cuisine (served poolside and lit by fairy lights at night), as well as European dishes. There’s a short but reasonable wine list, and a well-stocked bar that serves beer and spirits as well as soft drinks. If you’re staying here, you can also pop across the street to eat at the wonderful Casa Rex restaurant (a three-minute walk away).