Meet the Swiss heiress who built a sanctuary in Mozambique

Amid the emerald forests and azure waters of Benguerra Island, off the coast of Mozambique, lies a vision of luxury and sustainability founded by Swiss billionaire heiress, Princess Nina of Greece and Denmark.

At 36, Princess Nina is not just any businesswoman. A member of the non-reigning Greek royal family and extended Danish royal family through her marriage to Prince Philippos, her legacy extends beyond mere titles. The Swiss heiress formerly served as the creative director of VistaJet, a luxury private airline company founded by her father, Thomas Flohr. There, she redefined luxury air travel, curating everything from deluxe menus to Italian linens and even introducing $45 million Bombardier jets adorned with graffiti art.

Yet it’s her groundbreaking venture in Mozambique that has captured the world’s attention. The Kisawa Sanctuary, founded by Princess Nina in 2017, is not only a luxury hotel but also one of Africa’s few 3D-printed resorts. Harnessing a unique sand-and-sea-water mortar, the sanctuary incorporates an innovative construction method in harmony with its idyllic surroundings.

Sprawling across 300 hectares, Kisawa offers 11 bespoke bungalows, each boasting its own private beach, infinity pool, and an open-air deck. The entire setup, from its Natural Wellness Center spa to the yoga pavilion, marries opulence with environmental sensitivity.

Yet Princess Nina’s commitment to Mozambique goes beyond mere hospitality. Adjacent to the sanctuary, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, also founded by her, operates as a beacon for environmental research. Positioned within the Bazaruto Archipelago, a part of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park, the center focuses on preserving the diverse subtropical ecosystems of the Indian Ocean.

For guests at Kisawa, the experience is transformative. Alongside indulging in sunset cocktails on traditional dhows or glamping on the dunes, there’s an opportunity to dive into coral-monitoring projects or assist scientists in tagging sharks. A partnership with the Bazaruto Center ensures that exploration is not just a leisure activity but also contributes to a grander vision of environmentalism.

As Princess Nina put it in a June 2022 interview with Vogue, “Sustainability is an approach, rather than an underscore.” Every aspect of Kisawa, from its construction to the activities it offers, embodies this ethos. For those who tread the path to this remote sanctuary, the reward is an unparalleled blend of luxury, adventure, and purpose.

Whether you find solace in a spa massage, sip rosé by the pool, or dive deep into the world of marine conservation, every moment at Kisawa is a testament to Princess Nina’s visionary melding of opulence and responsibility.