&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge

Mountain Lodge's guest area is an open-plan, U-shaped building with a central courtyard that offers views across the bush and comfortable seating so you can relax after game drives or meals. In fact, the lodge is dotted with inviting seating areas both indoors and out. You can dine inside, on the deck overlooking the mountains or in the candle- and lantern-lit boma, under the stars (the menu is chalked on a board in the main courtyard before every meal).

Each of the 16 suites offers completely uninterrupted views of the Ubombos and the Zululand bushveld. The suites are spacious and filled with light, and have aircon, comfortable beds, a romantic en-suite bathroom, a private lounge, viewing deck, plunge pool and outdoor shower (excellent toiletries!). Two of the suites have interleading rooms for families. Everything has been thought of – there's even a fresh lemon and a knife to make a garnish for your drink (from the well-stocked minibar).

Phinda Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of 23 000 hectares of pristine KwaZulu-Natal wilderness and seven distinct habitats, so there's plenty to see, including the Big Five, cheetah (recently reintroduced), antelope of every shape and size, and 400-plus bird species. (The dry months of June to September are best for wildlife.) Take a walking safari, track rhino, go birdwatching, head to the beach to scuba dive or explore on horseback.