Sustainable travel has reached new heights with the world's first 3D-printed retreat set to open next summer off the coast of Mozambique.
Kisawa Sanctuary is a new retreat, slated to open in summer 2020 on the remote Benguerra Island off the coast of Mozambique - far from the madding crowd of mass tourism. A first-of-its-kind hotel, it sets a new standard for sustainable architecture with groundbreaking and patented 3D sand-printing technology, commissioned specifically for this project, used in its construction, alongside local textile skills, crafts and materials.
A combination of 12 one, two and three-bedroom bungalows are available on the island, positioned within a 750 acre stretch of forest, beach and sand dunes at Kisawa Sanctuary. Each bungalow is individually-housed within its own one-acre lot, offering maximum privacy and optimum appreciation for the natural environment. Open and secure. The bungalows each have their own beachfront, private swimming pool, shaded day area with outdoor kitchen, massage hut and a pantry stocked to guest preferences.
In addition to eating at home, guests can choose between multiple dining venues across the sanctuary, including two beach clubs, a lagoon-style swimming pool, Baracca beach bar and a library and lounge serving food and drinks at the main terrace. Life is all about the outdoors here but indoor relaxation is encouraged at the spa, specialising in traditional Chinese medicine and ayurvedic offerings.
In addition to the construction of the sanctuary, a 3D printer will also be deployed on the other end of the island for printing sand coral reefs and marine habitats for Kisawa's nonprofit sister organisation, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies. The center is home to the first long-term African Ocean Observatory, monitoring multiple ecosystems and ongoing climate change.
Benguerra Island is situated in a WWF National Marine Park, home to more than 145 bird species, including flamingos, orca, manta rays, dugong, humpback whales, whale sharks, marlin and an assortment of dolphins, all either regular visitors or permanent residents.
