AVANI Hotels & Resorts, the upscale brand launched by Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group in 2011, has added its first property in Africa – 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 the perfect choice for business travellers or for an easy beach escape.
Getting there is hassle-free, with 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.
As well as 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 250 kilometre 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. Guest rooms offer comfortable sleeping and working facilities, accompanied by an assortment of entertainment and refreshment options. Suites have the extra comfort of a lounge area. The Two Bedroom Duplex Villas feature a kitchen, dining and living area with an ocean facing terrace downstairs and an en suite queen and twin bedrooms upstairs. In addition, the One- Two- and Three-Bedroom Apartments have an open living, dining and kitchen area with exclusive use of two swimming pools.
The hotel’s restaurants and bars offer an extensive array of cuisines to satisfy both business and leisure guests. The Niassa Bar invites guests to chat over drinks and boasts a menu with an Asian touch. The flagship restaurant, Clube Naval, is located on the beach adjacent to the yacht marina and offers a selection of international cuisine, and at Quirimbas Restaurant creative buffet and a la carte theme nights are abundant with local produce and delicious fresh seafood.
With the rebranding come some added AVANI touches, such as the newly opened Grab & Go deli, selling high quality chocolates, pasta, olive oils, wines from South Africa, Italy and Portugal, as well as a Segafredo coffee corner. In addition the hotel has just launched an in-room dining service.
In terms of relaxing and outdoor activities, a selection of four swimming pools will please swim enthusiasts and a well-equipped gym is open 24 hours. Tennis courts are available for players who want to keep up their game while on holiday. Water sports include snorkelling, sailing, skiing, wakeboarding and kayaking. Guests can also enjoy romantic sunset cruises, experience whale watching and deep sea fishing, or take the plunge with a scuba course and dive trips to incredible nearby reefs. Exploring the region is easy with a variety of excursions, from bustling markets and a picturesque wetland lake to watch bird life and local fishermen.
On a site that seems to hover above the Indian Ocean, the AVANI Spa has been refurbished and reflects the Pemba African and Arabian influence in its therapies. An array of treatments is on offer, from massages, body wraps and facials, with each experience customised to individual needs.
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 people. After a day’s meetings, delegates can board a sunset boat cruise which drifts across Pemba Harbour.
For an exquisite wedding, this romantic venue is perfect for either an intimate or a lavish celebration, as it caters for up to 200 guests. With the exotic background of tropical gardens and shimmering sea, the options are endless and the dedicated staff will ensure a memorable occasion.
AVANI Hotels & Resorts was launched in late 2011 as a sister brand to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, and now offers six hotels and resorts, with additional hotels to be added soon in Africa and Asia. ‘AVANI’ stems from the Sanskrit word for ‘earth’ – a meaning which is expressed through a grounded personality and simple sense of style. AVANI is a refreshing upscale hotel concept offering relaxed comfort and contemporary style to guests who value the details that matter. Designed for guests who appreciate genuine hospitality, AVANI offers a fuss free approach that leaves a great impression.
