Thornybush Private Game Reserve

The seasonal Monwana River wends lazily through the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, 30,000 acres of prime unfenced Kruger. Here, on the bank of the river, amongst vast jackalberry trees, sits the newly reopened Monwana Game Lodge – this fresh, new lodge exudes effortless contemporary South African style with a twist.

Spaces are bright and uncluttered, drawing the eye to stylistic cues which create a sense of place; elegant yet casual at the same time. Lines are crisp, softened by fabrics drawing on local designs with amazing attention to detail.The rooms flow through the property, offering a welcoming sense of unpretentious calm. Sliding ceiling-height windows bring light into the suites and allow you to watch elephants at the waterhole from the comfort of your bed.

The Big Five are never too far away but in between is a dazzling array of other species and birds. The landscape here is classic lowveld or what most picture to be true African safari country. Riverbeds fill and flow once a year and then return to sand while impressive trees with waterholes are where huge herds of buffalo and elephants gather.

Benguerra Island

After a safari of this calibre, a parallel Eden on a Mozambican Island awaits at Azura Benguerra.

Manicured yet rustic thatched roofs keep the heat out of the contemporary styled villas, floating linen drapes ripple in the afternoon breeze and it is less than a hop and a skip onto a white powder beach looking out onto countless shades of turquoise. The sense of isolation and raw beauty of the island is a rare treat, something akin to a castaway fantasy.

Privacy is a byword for respect at Azura and with so much space at your disposal, you’ll relish the freedom of feet-in-the-sand days spent in paradise. Dining is a delectable affair with meals served in the restaurant, privately in your villa or in a romantic, secluded spot.

There are just twenty villas at Azura Benguerra, two of which are great for families. Villa Amizade has two bedrooms and the Presidential Villa comes with three bedrooms, sleeping up to six. Private infinity pools and expansive living quarters are de rigeur at both, but it is the effortless style and the excellent service which really make them stand out.

As befits an island retreat, days are spent exploring the warm waters and the impossibly pretty beaches.

Set sail at sunset on Azura’s dhow for sundowners on a sandbank, ride horses along the shore, head out on a guided drive to explore the island or take a stroll along the beach to the new Peri Peri Beach Club for crab casquinhas, something from the charcoal grill or your favourite drink from the mixology menu. Simply soak up relaxation.