Londo Lodge, Mozambique

Surrounded by the blue waters of the Indian Ocean and some of East Africa's finest beaches, and adjacent to the Quirimbas National Park, the lodge combines the attractions of a beach resort with the vast expanse of woodlands and bush that is the playground of plentiful small game.

There are just six spacious and attractive villas (some suitable for families), which offer every modern luxury within a traditional octagonal bamboo and thatch building. They are stylishly appointed with eclectic furnishings incorporating traditional Maconde woodcraft, Moroccan art and Victorian mirrors, and have indoor and outdoor bathrooms. Each villa is built on the edge of a 7-metre high cliff, which means guests can enjoy stunning views of Pemba Bay from the comfort of their bed or their 75-squaremetre teak deck.

Dining at the resort is a culinary treat with fresh fish and seafood, tender South African meat and a mixture of African and Asian dishes on the menu. Meals are taken in the restaurant although private lunches on secluded beaches, sunset dhow dinners or bush breakfasts can all be arranged.

There is a cliff-edge pool and spa, which offers a wide range of rejuvenating treatments. Activities at Londo are a mixture of land and sea including snorkelling or diving on the beautiful coral reefs, waterskiing, and game or fly fishing, mangrove river trips, traditional dugout canoeing or bush walks into the national park in search of the famed baobab, small game and tropical birds.