Machangulo Beach Lodge
Southern Mozambique

Nestled between the Indian Ocean, golden sandy beaches and the enchanting forest dunes of the secluded Machangulo Peninsula, the boutique Machangulo Beach Lodge offers rustic luxury amongst untamed nature. A 45-minute speedboat journey from Maputo, it is actually on the mainland of Mozambique on the channel overlooking Inhaca Island, but extremely inaccessible by road, which gives it the feel of an island escape.

The lodge has 17 villas set either on the beach or on the hillside. Wooden walkways connect the villas and lead down to the beach and the communal areas.  Each chalet comes with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a private deck. Oceanview Villas sit high in the treetops with fantastic ocean views and offering complete privacy, perfect for honeymooners. Beach Chalets are set in the dune forests close to the shoreline and are arranged in clusters of four, with each cluster sharing a swimming pool and lounge. Family Villas have a private plunge pool and 2 en-suite rooms joined together by a lounge and dining area.

The lodge has a main pool and sun deck at the beach bar, as well as a boma to relax at in the evenings. The thatched restaurant, the Dining Room, dishes up simple fresh seafood and local flavours. Local wildlife includes great white pelicans, flamingos and African fish eagles. Dolphins and humpback whales can be spotted offshore (June to December) and there is snorkelling and diving in front of the lodge or further afield to discover unexplored reefs. Head off to snorkel and enjoy a picnic lunch at the Inhaca Island Marine Reserve, kayak through the estuaries and offshore reefs where you might spot dolphins, and visit Santa Maria village to gain an insight into the local way of life. Other activities include deep sea fishing, fly fishing and walks in the dune forests.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson