Kisawa Sanctuary

DESIGN
Design has led the story of Kisawa, the first hospitality project by entrepreneur, creative director and philanthropist Nina Flohr, and is entirely founded upon an honest acknowledgement of Mozambique’s terroir and heritage. Careful decisions that serve to protect nature are paramount - born out of a desire to blend in, rather than interrupt - thus, treading the lightest possible footprint on the land, with no heavy machinery used.

Kisawa’s approach to craftsmanship and commissions are designed to involve and create work for as many people from Benguerra and the neighboring islands as possible. The skilled work of local weavers, thatchers, carpenters and textile makers is showcased with pride.

Celebrating the rich cultural history of the continent, unique art and antiques are sourced from across Africa, ensuring the preservation of heritage artefacts and their remaining provenance within the continent. These valuable works sit alongside locally made bespoke furniture, all coming together to provide a thoughtful and authentic sense of place, and a connection with the natural environment. Colorful patterns and prints, evocative of the region, add a graphic element and intrigue while contrasting textures provide layers of tactility and patina.

PEOPLE
The bond between people and place runs intrinsically throughout Kisawa, where Nina and the team have invested significantly in the community and looked to them for guidance and inspiration at every level. 80% of the construction workforce were from Benguerra Island, half of which were women, and today, Kisawa is run by a passionate team of 175 staff, with 90% of the operational team from Africa and the remainder combining various expertise from around the world.

DINING AND WELLNESS
At the heart of the sanctuary, guests discover shared spaces dedicated to dining, relaxation and wellbeing, along with an expansive Natural Wellness Center. Located amongst dunes at the heart of the sanctuary, the Natural Wellness Center offers guests individual treatments or personalized programs rooted in Ayurvedic rituals, in collaboration with the guest’s private chef and the broader Kisawa team. A state-of-the-art Japanese Iyashi dome sauna uses gentle infrared heat to promote healing. Within the fully equipped gym, Pilates reformers are available for guests to use alone or with expert tuition.

Throughout the four culinary locations at Kisawa, the ethos remains the same: a commitment to sanctuary-grown produce, the practice of organic, seasonal gardening methods, operating a zero-waste policy and using no processed ingredients. Kisawa has built a network of farmers and producers ensuring fresh local produce daily. The multiple venues, including the Main Terrace, Baracca and two Mussassas, offer a wide variety of dishes, with a focus on Mozambican and African flavors, including an ever-changing array of seafood inspired by daily conversations with local fishermen.

RESORT TO RESEARCH
In addition to founding Kisawa Sanctuary, Nina launched its sister property, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS - also located on Benguerra Island), Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory. Their parallel operations create a new, symbiotic business model whereby (for-profit) hospitality contributes directly to (non-profit) marine science and research. The data and knowledge output of BCSS informs the environmental decisions of the sanctuary, ranging from design choices and ocean awareness to meaningful guest experiences - such as spending the day tagging sharks from the deck of the research vessel. Coined ‘resort to research,’ this is an authentic, active, day-to-day relationship that allows for the harmonious existence of Kisawa Sanctuary and BCSS.

The pairing of cultural celebration and environmental conservation at Kisawa presents a new, forward-looking narrative for both Mozambique and island escapes.

**The amenities listed below reflect an all-inclusive offering. Kisawa Sanctuary offers Bed & Breakfast as well as half-board upon request**