Meet Andy from Azura Retreats

We caught up with Andy, a UK and European Sales Consultant from Azura Retreats, to find out more about these stunning properties and to discover what it's really like working behind the scenes in this part of the travel industry.

Which Property do you work at?

I'm lucky to be working with all 3 properties - in Mozambique there's Azura Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Azura Quilalea Private Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, whilst in Tanzania we have Azura Selous Game Reserve.

What makes Mozambique and Tanzania such special places for travellers to visit?

While Mozambique has steadily become a popular destination for tourists, it is not overly-developed. The people are genuinely warm and friendly, the nature is wild and beautiful and it combines the excitement of Africa with splashes of Latin flavour. In particular, Azura Retreats manages to combine this authenticity with a level of luxury that allows our guests to experience the best of what Mozambique has to offer.

Tanzania remains equally unspoilt and authentic, especially the Selous Game Reserve, which is the size of Switzerland and the oldest game reserve in the world. Travellers looking to experience the bush as it was more than 200 years ago will love Azura Selous Game Reserve, where you can enjoy viewing a variety of carnivores and plains game without the crowds.

Tell us 3 things that you love about your job?

1. Sharing Azura Retreats' undiscovered gems of outstanding natural beauty in remote locations with as many people as possible.
2. Promoting a product that truly inspires me.
3. Travelling to Europe to share the incredible story of Azura Retreats with agents who become just as enamoured with the properties as I am.

What is your typical day like?

Thankfully, my day is anything but typical which is what I really enjoy.

Every day is different and involves reaching out to as many travel trade partners as possible to tell them about Azura Retreats' gorgeous properties and the experiences they offer to families, couples and particularly honeymooners looking for an authentic and unforgettable holiday. I get a thrill from matching the right client to the right property.

One moment I’ll be conversing in Spanish with an agent in Madrid about one of Azura Retreats' three hotels, and the next, having the same conversation with another agent in Berlin or Paris or the UK. Interacting with all these different cultures is part of what makes my day so interesting.

Why did you choose to work with Azura?

I was inspired by the company’s strong focus on giving back to the local community and protecting the environments where they operate. This philanthropic focus has been a part of Azura Retreats' ethos since the first hotel, Azura Benguerra Island was built 10 years ago.

In fact, the hotel was built by hand by members of the local community who were taught vital building skills so they could find employment in the booming construction industry once the hotel was completed.

Azura Retreats also built the first school on the island which is now attended by 450 children. The Rainbow Fund was the first registered charity of its kind in Mozambique and today it supports a number of community and environmental initiatives in Mozambique.

Azura Retreats has become a brand that is synonymous with community, luxury and authenticity which makes it unique.