Mozambique's luxury resort scene is concentrated in two extraordinary coastal environments — the Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of Vilanculos in the south, with its dhow sailing culture and pink flamingoes and some of the most celebrated diving in the Western Indian Ocean; and the Quirimbas Archipelago in the north, with the Medjumbe Private Island and the Vamizi Island retreats that represent some of the most remote and exclusive resort experiences in Africa. Between these two poles lies a coastline of extraordinary natural beauty and a cultural richness built on the intersection of Swahili, Portuguese, and indigenous traditions.

The Islamic and cultural modesty context. Mozambique's coastal culture has significant Islamic heritage — the mosques of the old Swahili trading ports, the dhow-building villages, the fishing communities. Covered shoulders and modest dress are appropriate in these cultural contexts; a PP linen shirt fully buttoned with linen trousers is both respectful and appropriate in the heat.

For the Bazaruto Archipelago. The five islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago — the luxury lodges of Benguerra Island and Bazaruto Island, the dugong sanctuary, the manta ray diving. White PP linen over natural swim shorts for the beach and boat; a PP linen shirt in a composed colourway with linen trousers for the lodge dinner. The natural environment rewards natural fabric in white and warm natural colourways throughout.

For the Quirimbas. The northern archipelago — Medjumbe Island, Vamizi Island, the coral atolls. The most remote luxury resort context in the article. White PP linen for the beach and boat; a composed PP linen combination for the lodge evening.

For Maputo. The capital — the Portuguese colonial architecture of the Baixa, the Maputo Central Market, the Iron House attributed to Gustave Eiffel. A PP linen shirt in a warm natural with linen trousers and leather shoes for the city context.

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