Opened
2021
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
Wave-thatched dune estate
Electric Mini Mokes navigate rolling dunes between wave-shaped thatched residences spread across three hundred hectares of pristine Indian Ocean coastline.
“Kisawa is a blissful hideaway conceived and piloted to completion by Flohr’s Dubai-based design studio NJF.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Wave-shaped thatch and on-site 3D-printed sand mortar shape dune-facing coastal villas.
Remarkable
Dedicated butlers, private plunge pools, and electric Mini Mokes accompany each secluded residence.
Remarkable
Guests join marine biologists tagging sharks and sail traditional wooden dhows across Bazaruto.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in The 50 Discovery, Wallpaper*, AFAR and Tatler.
a thoroughly sustainable operation whose aesthetics combine modern construction methods and traditional crafts alike.
“Featuring 12 residences with a mix of one, two, and three bungalows within, each residence has an open-air deck, private pool, outdoor kitchen, and its very own stretch of beach.”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Protected waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago surround the island, sheltering rare dugongs, dolphins, and coral reefs reached by traditional wooden dhow.
1 of 6
The rooms
Residences occupy secluded multi-acre plots where woven grass doors slide open to timber decks, private infinity pools, and direct beachfront access.
The spa and pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Conical thatched domes set in the dunes host Ayurvedic rituals, beside an open-air yoga deck and lagoon pool.
Restaurant
The Main Terrace
Porthole windows line the curved timber bar, where meals center on a robata grill overlooking the sea.
This 300-hectare African hideaway… has plenty to recommend it to high-flying travellers: spacious biophillic-inspired suites, dedicated personal infinity pools and a beautiful and remote, white sand location flung into azure seas.
At the table
Barefoot dinners unfold across the beach, with fresh seafood and drinks served at sunset along the dunes.
How it began
Founder Nina Flohr paired the resort with an ocean observatory, pioneering 3D-printed sand architecture to fund permanent marine research and reef conservation.
“Its research not only helps international scientific organizations better understand the Indian Ocean but also augments the experience for guests, who can help tag sharks...”
Stay here
Kisawa Sanctuary
See rooms and prices on the hotel's own website.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.