Benguerra Island is the second largest island in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, a protected area. The park was established to protect dugongs and sea turtles, and is also home to more than 145 species of birds, Suni antelope, native butterflies, and crocodiles. Designed to blend nature and technology, the magnificent resort on Benguerra Island redefines culture and the environment.
This luxurious paradise is nestled among picturesque sand dunes overlooking the Indian Ocean. Although it was scheduled to open in the summer of 2020, Kisawa Sanctuary has already created a stir in the hospitality industry with its incredibly eco-friendly design: using patented 3D technology to create natural building materials.
“We use these designs as a useful tool, not simply to create a distinctive style,” says Nina Flohr, founder and creative director of Kisawa. “Everything is prepared to ensure that Kisawa is an inseparable harmony between the culture and environment of Mozambique.” Flohr’s strong and enduring connection to the African continent since she was a child was the inspiration for the creation of this unique eco-center.
The entire property was created using 3D printers, even the luxurious interior designs were realistically recreated by combining 3D materials. Mortar was also put into the 3D printer to serve other tiling works and create interior details such as floors, roof tiles, etc. The fusion of island sand and seawater created an important raw material block to build Kisawa. This block creates a natural, clear texture for the facade of the architectural building.
Previously, 3D printing technology was also applied at the Bazaruto Scientific Research Center (Mozambique) to produce coral reefs, aiming to recreate the marine habitat here.
What’s more, Kisawa Sanctuary has actually created over 1,000 jobs for the local people. They are also committed to honoring the natural and cultural wonders of Mozambique. Here, you can find Mozambican textiles and woodwork, all handmade by artisans on Benguerra and the surrounding islands.
Located on a strip of land more than 3,000 km wide2With its endless stretch of sand along the beach, thatched roofs and sand walls, the Kisawa Sanctuary resort’s wooden houses seem to blend in with the natural landscape. Guests can choose from 1, 2 or 3 bedroom villas out of 12, each nestled in the middle of a private sand dune. Each building has an area of over 4,000 m2, with a private swimming pool inside and an outdoor path leading to a pristine beach area, promises to bring a unique character while still maintaining safe privacy for guests.
The resort costs $5,714 a night for a one-bedroom villa, which includes personal room service, chef hire, dining options, wellness treatments and a variety of outdoor activities such as diving and marine mammal safaris.
After officially opening, Kisawa Sanctuary will launch two beach clubs, a beach bar called Barraca, a library, a lagoon-style pool, a spa and a tea room in the main building. The spa's design is inspired by the thatched houses of indigenous people, and visitors will be treated and cared for by Chinese and Ayurvedic methods - a traditional Hindu medical system. Electric cars and electric bicycles are fully provided, so everyone can comfortably cycle around while enjoying the unique design as well as the beautiful surrounding scenery. Most especially, for visitors who love to explore the ocean, there will be nothing more wonderful than a tour to the bottom of the water with schools of rays, dugongs, whale sharks, dolphins and sea turtles swimming in the cool, clear water.
Perhaps one day, Kisawa Sanctuary will become one of many buildings around the world that use the integration of natural elements and technology to create an eco-conscious retreat. But for now, it is the first.
