Paradise found in Mozambique

Rani Resorts are delighted to announce that they will be adding a new island destination to their unique portfolio, due to open in 2009.

Construction will begin in early 2008 on the idyllic Paradise Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, southern Mozambique. It will be a retro style hotel, reminiscent of the original property that operated there in the 1950's and 60's, which was a playground for the rich and famous - frequented by the likes of Bob Dylan!

Rani Resorts, Mozambique’s largest investor in the tourism industry, has announced that it will commence building a new island destination on Paradise Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, southern Mozambique.

The island, also known as Ilha Santa Carolina is regarded as the ‘gem’ of the islands forming the Bazaruto Archipelago - a proclaimed marine national park - and boasts sensational beaches and magnificent scenery. With an airstrip for easy access to the mainland, Paradise Island will consist of 50 beautifully appointed rooms, stylish restaurants and bars, a Clube Naval, kids-club, Sanctuary Spa, shops, a dive and fishing centre, flood-lit tennis courts and an innovative Qolf chipping course - first introduced at Rani Resorts’ Indigo Bay Island and Spa.

The proposed exclusive project is a joint venture with Echo Delta Holdings Ltd, the concession holders of the island. In addition to the art deco 50-room hotel, 40 free-standing luxury fractional-ownership villas will be built as part of the joint venture.

Construction on Paradise Island will commence early 2008 and open to guests in 2009. “The architectural concept for the new island hotel is retro and will be similar to the original establishment that operated on the island in the 50’s and 60’s”, says John McMillan, Managing Director of Rani Resorts.

Ilha Santa Carolina was a well known and much-loved exclusive playground for the rich and famous in the 1950’s and 60’s, when Mozambique was still a province of Portugal. Bob Dylan is reputed to have composed his song, ‘Mozambique’ on the piano of the original hotel before the island was abandoned and fell into ruin during the war of independence and the ensuing civil war.

Only two hour’s flying time from Johannesburg and less from Maputo, the Bazaruto Archipelago is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for international tourists seeking an African Bush and Beach safari experience or looking for pristine and unique African island experiences

With the advent of Paradise Island, Rani Resorts increases the portfolio of islands and safari destinations it operates to seven. Apart from the flagship Indigo Bay Island and Spa on Bazaruto Island, the company comprises Matemo Island and Medjumbe Private Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago in the north of the country, Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa in Pemba, the capital city of the northern province of Cabo Delgado and Lugenda Wilderness Camp – a unique and exclusive tented wilderness camp in the remote Niassa Province of Mozambique. Rani Resorts also owns the boutique hotel, The Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls.

For more information, visit Raniresorts.com.