The Radisson Blu’s soaring glass and concrete overlooks the Indian Ocean, sleeker than a ship’s prow. It’s a favourite for business travellers, and no wonder – it’s next door to the plush Sommerschield embassy district and the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre, while Maputo’s buzzy downtown is a five-minute taxi ride away.
The Radisson Blu has far more than just location to recommend it, however.
While this might be the local outpost of a global chain, the establishment far from embodies corporate cookie-cutter blandness.
And although the comfy rooms offer an understated nod to midcentury Danish design (think angular armchairs and marble-topped coffee tables) there is plenty that pays homage to Mozambique: crisp navy-blue uniforms cheerfully accented with bright capulana cloth; a multi-storey mosaic mural by acclaimed artist Naguib Elias Abdula; and Paulo Alexandre’s extraordinary photographs of Mozambican life gracing the walls.
in search of the perfect cocktail
Oceano Bar
Ideal spot to observe the elite at play
The Radisson Blu’s soaring glass and concrete overlooks the Indian Ocean, sleeker than a ship’s prow. It’s a favourite for business travellers, and no wonder – it’s next door to the plush Sommerschield embassy district and the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre, while Maputo’s buzzy downtown is a five-minute taxi ride away.
The Radisson Blu has far more than just location to recommend it, however.
While this might be the local outpost of a global chain, the establishment far from embodies corporate cookie-cutter blandness.
And although the comfy rooms offer an understated nod to midcentury Danish design (think angular armchairs and marble-topped coffee tables) there is plenty that pays homage to Mozambique: crisp navy-blue uniforms cheerfully accented with bright capulana cloth; a multi-storey mosaic mural by acclaimed artist Naguib Elias Abdula; and Paulo Alexandre’s extraordinary photographs of Mozambican life gracing the walls.
Within plunging distance of the limpid swimming pool, the hotel’s aptly named Oceano Bar has sweeping sea views and loungey seats – an ideal spot from which to observe this boomtown’s elite at play. Head barman Arsenio Muiocha was born and raised in Maputo and has worked at the Radisson Blu for two years.
Last year, he beat 34 other Maputo-based finalists to win the title of Master Bartender from the Master Bar Academy, a pan-African training scheme sponsored by Diageo. Demand for his cocktails following the award has been
even brisker than usual. The bar is unlikely to get any quieter – Radisson will soon launch its two residential towers (which loom behind the hotel like two curvaceous twins) offering serviced apartments and bolstering its conferencing capacity.
Your signature cocktail? The Maputo Bay Sunrise. Strongest cocktail you’ve ever made? A Flaming Lamborghini. Bestselling drink? Johnnie Walker Black. Most popular food? The prego roll. The most famous person you’ve ever served? Big Nelo, an Angolan singer. Barman’s cocktail 8/10. A festively fruity holiday-in-a-glass. Barman’s personality 9/10. Muiocha is both sunny and suave.
INGREDIENTS
25ml Malibu
12.5ml Blue Curação
25ml Triple Sec
25ml Grenadine
100ml Pineapple juice
Pineapple and cherry
METHOD
Pour grenadine into a hurricane-shaped glass. Add the Malibu and the Triple Sec. Fill the glass with ice cubes and add the pineapple juice. Blend a half scoop of ice cubes with half a shot of Blue Curação until smooth and add. Garnish with a fresh slice of pineapple, a cherry and a straw.
MAY 2016