Maputo - Avani Hotels & Resorts, the vibrant upscale brand launched by Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group in 2011, has added its first African property – the Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa in Mozambique.
The former Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa is situated in the country’s far northern province of Cabo Delgado, in the ancient port town of Pemba. With its striking architecture blending African and Arabian design, the hotel is aimed at both business travellers and those seeking easy beach escapes.
There are flights to Pemba International Airport from Johannesburg, Maputo, Nairobi and Dar as Salaam. Transfers to Avani Pemba take just 15 minutes. For guests who wish to explore the local area a taxi service is available, and for travellers who prefer to drive independently, a car rental desk is located within the resort.
In addition to being a thriving business destination, Pemba is now firmly on the tourist trail as the gateway to the Quirimbas Archipelago and Niassa Reserve.
The Quirimbas Archipelago is Mozambique’s best-kept secret – a 250km-long string of tropical islands surrounded by dazzling coral reefs and a wealth of untouched marine life. This is a prime diving destination, and is currently being considered for World Heritage Site status. Pemba is also the ideal base from which to visit northern Mozambique’s Niassa Reserve, where four of the “big five” animals are resident.
Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa is located on a headland between the rugged coastline of Pemba Bay and Wimbe Beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean. The 185 guest rooms, suites, villas and apartments are all designed with a view of the ocean or the gardens from their balcony or terrace.
On a site that seems to hover above the Indian Ocean, the Avani Spa has been refurbished and offers an array of treatments.
The hotel has become a sought-after conference and incentive destination with its functional 12-seater executive boardroom and main conference room seating up to 200.
l www.avanihotels.com
Saturday Star