Welcome to
Polana Serena Hotel
A Grand Dame of Africa Since 1922
Perched along Maputo’s Indian Ocean coast, Polana Serena Hotel is a landmark of heritage and quiet elegance. Built in 1922 in the grand palace style, the hotel has long welcomed dignitaries, diplomats and travellers drawn by its calm grandeur and attentive service.
Today, Polana Serena Hotel remains a symbol of world-class hospitality, meticulously restored to blend early 20th-century architecture with contemporary refinement. Its rooms and suites, particularly in the newly refreshed Polana Mar Wing, offer sweeping sea views, subtle African touches and an enduring sense of place.
Afternoons unfold beside the ocean-facing pool or within the Maisha Spa, where time slows down. Dining is timeless: French gastronomy at Delagoa, global flavours at Varanda and open-air sushi at Aquarius. A stay here is not about trends it is about quiet service, poetic surroundings and timeless elegance.
Accommodation
Hotels in Maputo
Each of the 87 rooms in the historic main building and the 66 Polana Mar guestrooms is thoughtfully designed with furnishings and artwork that honour the hotel’s 1922 heritage. Rooms in the main wing reflect Maputo’s Indo-Portuguese legacy, featuring hand-carved wood details and plush fabrics in soft ivory and cream tones. The newly refreshed Polana Mar Wing offers three room categories: Prime and Executive. Each room features interiors inspired by local culture, art and natural beauty with expansive views of Maputo Bay.
All rooms and suites are tailored to meet the needs of both leisure and business travellers, offering complimentary high-speed internet, minibars, generous workspaces and private balconies for added comfort.
Additional Features in the Executive Suites:
iPod docking stations
Espresso coffee machine
Studio Room
The Studio rooms are city facing with a Queen bed, bath/shower, television, air-conditioning, hair dryer, refreshment center, IDD telephone, 24 hours free wireless internet connection, electronic safe and mini-bar.
Prime Standard Room
Located in the recently refurbished Polana Mar Wing, our Prime Standard Rooms feature a king-size bed or twin beds and a private balcony with generous views of Maputo Bay. Interiors are bright and contemporary, with polished wooden floors, subtle ethnic-inspired wallpaper, and clean-lined wooden furniture that evoke a refined yet local aesthetic.
Each room includes a spacious bathroom with a separate bathtub and walk-in shower.
Prime Standard Seaview Room
Located in Polana Mar wing, our Prime Standard Seaview Room, have a king bed or twin beds, a private balcony with stunning views of the ocean. Facilities include; bath/shower, toilet. Television, air-conditioning, hair dryer, refreshment center, IDD telephone, 24 hours free wireless internet connection, electronic safe and mini-bar.
Deluxe City View Room
Our Deluxe City View Rooms have either king bed or twins beds with separate walk in shower, bathtub glazed windows. The rooms are equipped with: air-conditioning; 2 telephones with international direct-dial and voice-mail, internet (WIFI and hard-wire connection), mini bar, digital safe, tea/coffee making facilities, IP TV, LCD flat-screen satellite TV, 24-hour room service, dedicated resident's lounge, laundry, valet and shoe-shine, 240 V - 3-Pin electricity.
Deluxe Seaview Room
Our Deluxe Rooms Sea View have either king bed or twins beds with separate walk in shower, bathtub glazed windows. The rooms are equipped with: air-conditioning; 2 telephones with international direct-dial and voice-mail, internet (WIFI and hard-wire connection), mini bar, digital safe, tea/coffee making facilities, IP TV, LCD flat-screen satellite TV, 24-hour room service, dedicated resident's lounge, laundry, valet and shoe-shine, 240 V - 3-Pin electricity.
Deluxe Garden View Room
Our Deluxe Garden View Rooms have either king bed or twins beds with separate walk in shower, bathtub glazed windows. The rooms are equipped with: air-conditioning;2 telephones with international direct-dial and voice-mail, internet (WIFI and hard-wire connection), mini bar, digital safe, tea/coffee making facilities, IP TV, LCD flat-screen satellite TV, 24-hour room service, dedicated resident's lounge, laundry, valet and shoe-shine, 240 V - 3-Pin electricity.
Deluxe Garden Seaview Room
Our Deluxe Garden Seaview Rooms have either king bed or twin beds with separate walk in shower, bathtub glazed windows. The rooms are equipped with: air-conditioning; 2 telephones with international direct-dial and voice-mail, internet (WIFI and hard-wire connection), mini bar, digital safe, tea/coffee making facilities, IP TV, LCD flat-screen satellite TV, 24-hour room service, dedicated resident's lounge, laundry, valet and shoe-shine, 240 V - 3-Pin electricity.
Executive City View Room
The Executive City View Rooms have a lounge area, some of the rooms can accommodate an additional 2 single beds for children up to 12 years old. Facilities include bathroom, television, air-conditioning, hair dryer, refreshment center, IDD telephone, 24 hours free wireless internet connection, electronic safe and mini-bar.
Executive Seaview Room
The Executive Seaview Rooms have a lounge area, some of the rooms can accommodate an additional 2 single beds for children up to 12 years old. Facilities include bathroom, television, air-conditioning, hair dryer, refreshment center, IDD telephone, 24 hours free wireless internet connection, electronic safe and mini-bar.
Executive Mar Seaview Room
The Executive Mar Seaview Rooms are located at the Polana Mar wing and have a lounge area. Some of the rooms can accommodate an additional 2 single beds for children up to 12 years old. Facilities include bathroom, television, air-conditioning, hair dryer, refreshment center, IDD telephone, 24 hours free wireless internet connection, electronic safe and mini-bar.
Executive Seaview Suite
Relax in the spacious and elegant Executive Seaview Suites, which feature a separate lounge area. The suite boasts magnificent views of the sea and is tastefully decorated with ethnic wallpaper.
Bathroom facilities include a separate bath, a shower and a toilet. Other facilities include: air-conditioning; 2 telephones with international direct-dial and voice-mail, Internet (WIFI and hard-wire connection), mini bar, digital safe, tea/coffee making facilities, LCD flat-screen satellite TV, 24-hour room service, dedicated resident's lounge, laundry, valet and shoe-shine.
Presidential Suite
Centrally located on the first floor, the Presidential Suite offers sweeping views of the pool and the Indian Ocean. Designed for privacy and prestige, it features a stately four-poster bed, a spacious dressing area, and a private office.
The suite includes a formal dining room for eight, an adjacent kitchenette, a private bar, a guest restroom, and a generous lounge that opens onto a grand balcony, ideal for intimate receptions or cocktail gatherings of up to 50 guests.
A connecting door to a Deluxe Room offers added convenience for guests travelling with family, security personnel, or personal staff.
Villa Mar
Tucked along the Indian Ocean coastline, Villa Mar comprises eight beautifully designed one and two bedroom standalone villas, each offering uninterrupted seaviews and complete privacy. Inspired by contemporary architecture, the villas are styled with earth-toned interiors, refined finishes, and plush furnishings to evoke a warm, home-like atmosphere.
Each villa features a welcoming entrance, an open-plan living and dining area, and a fully equipped kitchenette. The master bedrooms include elegant en-suite bathrooms and generous dressing spaces, designed with both comfort and functionality in mind.
Opening onto private patios, the villas extend into shaded alfresco lounging and dining areas set within lush, secluded gardens. Dedicated parking, enhanced security, and personalized 24-hour service complete the experience . The villas are Ideal for extended business stays or romantic coastal escapes.
Kitchenette Suite
Thoughtfully designed for longer stays and added convenience, the Kitchenette Suite features a fully equipped modern kitchenette—perfect for everything from early breakfasts to late night snacks.
Spacious and elegant, each suite offers a warm, home-like atmosphere complemented by views overlooking the Bay of Maputo. Ideal for guests seeking the comfort of self-catering within one of the city’s most prestigious addresses.
Dining
Best Restaurants in Maputo
Polana Serena Hotel offers some of the best dining experiences in Maputo, combining refined cuisine, elegant settings, and sweeping Indian Ocean views.
Delagoa, the signature restaurant, presents classic French dishes with a Mozambican twist. Varanda serves international buffets and à la carte favourites throughout the day in a relaxed, garden-view setting.
Aquarius offers light bites, sushi, and cocktails by the pool. Whether for a business lunch or a romantic dinner, each restaurant pairs exceptional food with warm, attentive. service.
A Varanda Restaurant
Fresh and vibrant, Varanda is ideal for business breakfasts, casual lunches, or relaxed dinners. Overlooking landscaped gardens, the pool, and Maputo Bay, it offers both indoor and al fresco seating with sweeping views.
The lunch buffet presents global flavours with a creative use of spices, while dinner features à la carte options and themed buffet nights. Prior reservations are recommended.
Hours:
All Day Dining, 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Breakfast, 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., weekdays; 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., weekends and public holidays
Lunch, 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Dinner, 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Last order taken at 10:00pm
Dress Code:
Casual, guests are kindly requested not to wear shorts at dinner
Delagoa Restaurant
Delagoa blends classic French culinary techniques with the rich flavours of Mozambique. Dine in the elegant interior, or the terrace overlooking Maputo Bay, or at open-air tables in the Rose Garden.
The contemporary menu features refined European dishes reimagined with locally sourced Mozambican ingredients, all beautifully presented. Live piano music enhances the dinner experience from Monday to Friday. Advance booking is recommended.
Opening Hours:
The restaurant opens only for special occasions
Dress Code:
Smart casual, guests are kindly requested not to wear shorts or tennis shoes at dinner
Reservations:
reservations.polana@serenahotels.com
Aquarius Bar
The Aquarius Bar offers a relaxed open‑air setting with stunning panoramic views of Maputo Bay. Known for its fresh sushi, salads and sandwiches, it’s the ideal spot for light meals and sunset drinks, complemented by a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and hot beverages.
Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday
Jazz Night, Thursday 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Dress Code:
Casual
Reservations
reservations.polana@serenahotels.com
Polana Bar
A timeless social hub in Maputo, Polana Bar blends early 20th-century elegance with relaxed sophistication. Known as one of the city’s iconic gathering spots, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
Enjoy expertly crafted classic cocktails, fine cognacs, premium wines, and a curated cigar selection. On the terrace overlooking the pool, guests can unwind with evening high tea, featuring delicate pastries and savoury bites.
Hours:
24 hours, daily
Dress Code:
Smart casual, guests are kindly requested not to wear shorts or tennis shoes after 6:00 p.m.
Reservations
reservations.polana@serenahotels.com
Resident's Lounge
Located within Delagoa Restaurant, the Resident’s Lounge offers a relaxed, exclusive space for pre-dinner drinks, fine teas, coffees, and light bites.
Renowned for its global wine selection and recipient of the Wine Spectator Award, the lounge is ideal for unwinding before your meal—whether indoors or on the scenic terrace overlooking the gardens.
Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday
Closed Sunday and Public Holidays
Dress Code: Smart casual
Reservations
reservations.polana@serenahotels.com
Business Meetings
& Conferences
Memorable Meetings in Maputo
A landmark of elegance since 1922, Polana Serena Hotel has long welcomed heads of state, diplomats, and business leaders.
Today, it remains one of Africa’s most iconic venues for high-level meetings and special events. From executive boardrooms to grand receptions, every detail is tailored to ensure your event is both seamless and memorable.
Classic Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 250 guests
Banquet services for up to 300 guests
Four meeting rooms with capacities from 14 to 50 people
Dedicated meeting specialists to support planning and execution
Full-day and half-day conference packages available
Meetings at a Glance
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- Projection screen and multimedia projector
- Television and video equipment
- Lectern, microphone, and flipchart
- Notepads, pencils, pens, mineral water, and candies
- Morning coffee and tea service
- Lunch available on request
- 24-hour secure onsite parking
Polana Capacity Chart
|
Name of Room
|
Banquet
|
Cabaret
|
Reception
|
Theatre
|
Classroom
|
Boardroom
|
U-Shape
|
Hollow Square
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballroom | ||||||||
| Inhaca Board Room | ||||||||
| Ibo | ||||||||
| Ballroom Foyer | ||||||||
| Santa Carolina | ||||||||
| Bazaruto Meeting Room | ||||||||
| Pool Bar & Deck | ||||||||
| Ballroom Veranda |
Your Stay Enriched
Things to do
- Classic Film Night on the Pool Deck
- Yoga at the Maisha Spa Pool
- Spinning Class at Maisha Spa
Every Wednesday evening, relax under the stars with a complimentary screening of a classic film by the Polana Serena pool. Open to both guests and the public, it’s a serene midweek escape for friends and families alike.
Rebalance mind and body with a guided yoga session at the Maisha Spa. Whether to start your day or unwind after exploring the city, each session offers a calming space to stretch, breathe, and reset.
Stay energised while away with high-intensity spinning classes at Maisha Spa. These invigorating sessions are designed to keep you on track and fuel your day with strength and stamina.
Experiences
Maputo Travel Guide
- Maputo City Tour
- Cultural Tour to the Outskirts of Maputo
- Architectural Tours of Maputo
- Sunset Cruise to Maputo Bay
- Inhaca Island Boat Tour
- Macaneta Beach Tour
- Kruger Park Safari
Discover Maputo’s charm on a guided City Centre Tour that explores the city’s vibrant identity and architectural highlights. This curated route introduces key cultural landmarks while offering fascinating insights into local heritage and daily life.
Step beyond the city centre and experience Maputo through a local lens. This immersive tour explores suburban neighbourhoods, offering a deeper understanding of daily life, traditions, and the resilience of the communities that shape the city’s soul.
Discover Maputo’s rich design legacy on a guided Art Deco tour. Explore iconic buildings, colonial-era ruins, and striking modernist landmarks, while uncovering the stories and cultural influences behind the city’s most captivating architecture.
Set sail during golden hour and enjoy panoramic views of Maputo from the water. As the sun dips below the horizon, watch the city glow to life from a unique vantage point. This relaxing two-hour cruise runs from 16:30 to 18:30.
Just 90 minutes by boat from Maputo, Inhaca Island is a coastal paradise of coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and lush mangrove forests. Escape the city and explore this serene island haven, perfect for a day of adventure and discovery.
Just an hour from Maputo, Macaneta Beach offers a white-sand escape with a touch of adventure. Cross the Limpopo River and, with a bit of luck, spot West African hippos in their natural habitat. A perfect blend of beach relaxation and wildlife discovery.
Located just an hour from Maputo, Kruger Park offers an unforgettable African safari experience. Encounter iconic wildlife including elephants, lions, rhinos, and leopards in their natural habitat,a thrilling escape into the heart of the wild.
Welcome to Maisha Spa & Health Club
After a day exploring the vibrant city, retreat to the tranquil embrace of Maisha Spa. Inspired by Moroccan design and set within a serene garden, the spa offers the perfect space to relax, replenish and restore balance.
Choose from a range of treatments in one of five treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite. Options include facials, massages, body scrubs, Chakra balancing, and tailored spa rituals. Therapies feature the renowned Elemis skincare line or locally inspired blends made with indigenous fruits, flower oils, herbs, and marine elements.
Whether you seek deep relaxation or targeted rejuvenation, Maisha Spa offers a personalised wellness experience.
Weddings & Honeymoon in Maputo
The historic Polana Serena Hotel in Maputo, Mozambique, offers opulent, colonial-style weddings with options for outdoor garden ceremonies, elegant receptions, and professional planning assistance. As a premier 5-star venue, we provide special and customizable wedding packages.
Gallery
Images of Polana Serena Hotel
A Grand Legacy Since 1922
Polana Serena Hotel stands as one of the world’s most iconic historic hotels. Designed in 1922 in the grand palace style by a renowned architect of the time, it has welcomed royalty, diplomats, and global leaders. Its guest list a testament to its significance in the years surrounding World War II.
Located in the heart of Maputo, formerly known as Lourenço Marques, the hotel has witnessed the city’s transformation from a Portuguese trading post into a vibrant cultural capital. With roots tracing back to the 16th century and growth fueled by a key railway link to Pretoria in 1895, Maputo became a flourishing port by the early 1900s.
Following Mozambique’s independence in 1975, the city embraced its African identity and was renamed in honour of Chief Maputa. Today, Maputo is a cultural crossroads, blending Bantu, Portuguese, Arabian, Indian, Chinese and South African influences, reflections of a rich heritage that Polana Serena continues to celebrate.
Polana Serena Hotel
Polana Serena Hotel, Maputo
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, Polana Serena Hotel is Maputo’s iconic “Grand Dame of Africa,” blending palace-style architecture with modern comforts since 1922.