Ossimba Beach Lodge

With its back to the bird-filled indigenous bush and its front facing that vast turquoise ocean, Ossimba's main area is surrounded by beauty. At its heart, a large bar counter is flanked by sitting areas with plush cream sofas. Polished floors, a high thatched roof and open sides keep it pleasantly cool. The dining room is where you'll feast on freshly caught fish and other seafood, delivered daily by the local pescadores. Sunloungers surround the pool and line the beach.

Eight extremely spacious villas are set within the lush dune forest around the main area. Each has an uninterrupted view of the ocean and a private path down to the beach. Inside, the white-washed walls, polished floors and wicker furniture have a distinctly beachy feel. A king-sized bed sits at the centre of the bedroom, which is partially divided from the en-suite bathroom. Each has an outdoor shower with a view, and the honeymoon suite has a double bathtub.

Few places in the world offer such spectacular diving right off the beach. But thanks to 1.5 kilometres of coastline in front of the lodge being declared a marine reserve, the coral reef is seeing a massive recovery of fish numbers. There are wrecks and walls nearby (excellent visibility makes diving a real pleasure). Arrange a deep-sea fishing trip; see humpback whales, in season; kayak through the nearby mangrove swamp. Birdwatchers should head to the forest for some good sightings.