andBeyond is set to expand its island footprint by adding the award-winning andBeyond Vamizi Island to its portfolio. Situated in the Quirimbas Archipelago off the coast of northern Mozambique, the company will take over the management of the island from 1 March 2016. The island’s six luxury private villas will continue to operate under andBeyond’s signature brand, with the intention to re-open the lodge in the future.

With a long-standing reputation as a leading private island resort, Vamizi perfectly complements andBeyond’s other island destinations, andBeyond Mnemba Island off Zanzibar and andBeyond Benguerra Island in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago.

Vamizi’s six individually designed luxury villas provide an intimate setting for up to twelve people, making them the perfect choice for families, small groups or high profile guests in search of a private holiday. Each villa comes with a dedicated team of staff, as well as a vehicle that can be used to visit one of the island’s five secluded picnic sites or to explore the mangrove lagoons.

“These exclusive houses are very different to what we have to offer at either andBeyond Mnemba Island or andBeyond Benguerra Island, adding yet another dimension to our portfolio. They represent the ultimate private beach hideaway for individuals, families or groups looking to escape winter or to end their safari on this very unique island,” explains Joss Kent, andBeyond CEO.

Set in a marine conservation area, the waters surrounding andBeyond Vamizi Island boast some of the most untouched coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, with over 180 species of coral and more than 400 kinds of reef fish making this one of the world’s top diving sites. Vamizi’s marine sanctuary covers most of the eastern side of the island, extending three kilometres out to sea.

andBeyond intends to augment its existing conservation by supporting and driving the environmental initiatives already in place at Vamizi. While andBeyond already has a positive influence on over 9 million acres of protected wildlife land in the areas where it operates, the addition of a third marine habitat to the company’s portfolio means that marine conservation will now receive the same focus as its land-based projects.

“With its strong conservation background, Vamizi Island perfectly aligns with our values of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People,” says Kent. “This new, exciting addition to our portfolio is part of a broader strategy that will promote the conservation of the Indian Ocean from Zanzibar in the north to the southern tip of Mozambique. Home to one of the world’s great marine archipelagos, this entire area is under threat. We intend to use our influence and expertise to protect it, focusing on reef conservation and on creating safe migratory routes for the endangered species that travel this coastline, from turtles to humpback whales.”