The discerning traveler cannot miss White Pearl Resorts, the idyllic beach resort getaway of southern Africa. With just 22 intimate suites, from home to stunning beaches, wildlife, and ocean experiences, White Pearl is the ultimate destination on the continent today.
10. THE LOCATION
White Pearl is perched on the dunes on two kilometers of pristine, unspoiled coastline that was recently ranked as one of the top ten beaches in all of Arica. Warmed by the current of the Indian Ocean, this beach paradise is home to rare ecosystems and wildlife that can only be seen in magical Mozambique.
Mozambique is less known than some of its neighbors yet the best-kept secret of Southern Africa. Travelers are treated to endless white sand beaches, a vibrant cultural scene, and stunning Portuguese colonial architecture. White Pearl Resorts can be reached via a 30-minute helicopter transfer from the charming capital city of Maputo, but feels a world away.
By June 2018, thanks to a new river crossing and tarmac road, the transfer by road from Maputo to the coast will be condensed from 8 hours to just 90 minutes. It will fast-track travelers and easy access to a smattering of hotels that line the undiscovered southeast coastline.
9. THE ACCOMMODATIONS
White Pearl Resorts embodies luxury. High-end travelers should stay in one of the six exclusive oceanfront suites, where guests can leisurely walk from private terraces outfitted with pools, lounge chairs, and a bar right down to the beach. As with all of White Pearl, the suites seamlessly blend into the beach environment, offering a sense of authentic beach elegance that pays tribute to the country’s Arabic and African influences. White Pearl understands that as much as the today’s luxury travelers want to get away, they still need to stay connected, so Wifi, Bluetooth, and other modern-day amenities are all provided.
8. DINING
Honoring the country’s Portuguese, Arabic, and southern African influences, White Pearl offers a taste of Mozambique that cannot be forgotten. Guests can take their meals on their private terraces, enjoy a custom-made beachside picnic, or experience the rustic-beach chic White Pearl Restaurant. Fresh seafood, endless mezze platters, sublime tapas, and an extraordinary wine list take the dining experience to the next level. And regardless of where you choose to dine, the staff’s warm Mozambican hospitality makes the experience unforgettable.
7. REJUVENATION
Lulled by the calming sounds of the ocean, guests are immersed in an atmosphere of relaxation and revitalization. World-class wellness experts and masseuses will help guests ease their mind and body with a mix of local and international techniques at the White Pearl Spa. After enjoying the spa, stretch out on an oversized daybed on the beach to complete the experience, with an artisanal cocktail and a green tea in hand.
6. REEF DIVING
Mozambique’s southern stretch of coast is a hotbed for divers and the more intrepid traveler will fall in love with White Pearl Resorts’ unique reef diving experiences. Located on one of the world’s top pinnacle reefs, the resort offers thrilling sightings of Hammerhead and Zambezi sharks, the chance to swim among corals, and everything in between. This is the ideal dive destination for travelers of all skill levels; world-class professionals stand ready to train beginning divers.
5. DOLPHIN OCEAN SAFARI
White Pearl Resorts offers ocean safaris for a more leisurely way to experience the beauty of the Indian Ocean and its magnificent creatures. Intimate outings are arranged for guests to snorkel among bottlenose dolphins, some of the most friendly and intelligent animals in the sea. The Resort has a special license to interact with these incredible creatures up close; this is an experience that cannot be replicated.
4. GAME DRIVES
Once you’ve spent the day diving or snorkeling, experience a game drive in the nearby Maputo Special Reserve, one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse conservation areas in all of Africa. Roll a bush and beach break into one afternoon. This eco-experience provides an exhilarating bush safari among inland lakes, coast dunes, canopy forests, and endless planes. Local rangers will take you to see the Reserve’s thousands of animals, including elephants, antelope, and the rich black-backed jackal. On Guided Exploration Walks, you will see rare butterflies and small animals up close, and learn about how these creatures survive in a rapidly changing environment.
3. NATURAL WONDERS
Take a simple solitary walk on the beach and be treated to sightings of endangered turtles, playful dolphins, and rare birds. Or see it all on horseback, from which you can explore the beach or coastal trails.
2. ROMANCE
There may be no more beautiful destination to tie the knot or escape for a honeymoon. White Pearl offers beachfront ceremonies, bespoke wedding packages, and exquisite dining experiences. Management prides itself on taking care of guests’ every need: all you need to do is arrive, and enjoy.
1. SUSTAINABILITY
Best of all, this beach resort believes in sustainable tourism that benefits the local community. The staff prides themselves on lifting up and sharing the Mozambican way of life with newcomers. They also enjoy sharing about protecting the local ecosystem so that generations to come can enjoy this unique natural beauty. Quad bikes, off-road motorbikes, and jet skis are therefore not allowed.
Details: Rates start from $550 (ca. £385) per person sharing and include luxury accommodation with personal butler service, all meals/beverages/snacks and beach activities (snorkeling, surfing, sea kayaking, paddle boarding, fat bikes, kids skipper club, beach boot camp, beach picnic, shoreline fishing, local drumming performance). 4-night stays and longer include complimentary ocean safari with whale watching (seasonal) + swimming with dolphins, a safari at Maputo Special Reserve, guided turtle walks (seasonal) and a guided lake walk.
For reservations, visit the White Pearl Resorts website, call +27 (0)11 026 7178 or email [email protected].
All images courtesy of White Pearl Resorts.