Ringed by powdery white sand beaches, Benguerra Island is a pristine paradise off the coast of Mozambique, the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Home to luxury resorts like andBeyond Benguerra Island, it’s a destination famed for diving and snorkeling some of the world’s finest coral reefs, horseback riding through the dunes, and traditional dhow cruises in the Indian Ocean. When news broke about a new eco-retreat on Benguerra Island that’s billed as “the world’s first 3D printed resort,” the buzz ricocheted around the Internet.
Scheduled to open in summer 2020, Kisawa Sanctuary will be made with local sand and seawater, its 12 bungalows (and Kisawa Residence) nestled on a 740-acre property comprising beach, forest and dunes. The idea is to minimize the impact on the local ecosystem, respecting the natural habitat. Therefore founder Nina Flohr has worked closely with Kisawa’s sister organization, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, an environmental nonprofit. Local artisans have also been commissioned to work on carpentry, textiles, thatched roofs and traditional Mozambican weaving. In fact, 1,000 jobs have been created in the surrounding communities.
Each bungalow (in one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations) will come with its own pool, outdoor kitchen and massage hut, while resort facilities will run the gamut from beach club to tennis courts. There will be a number of restaurants and bars, and the spa will offer treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Also expect a water sports center, a gym, yoga and meditation pavilion.
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