Polana Serena Hotel

From the cool marble floors, rich furnishings and delightful, old-style wrought-iron lift in the lobby, the Polana is grandiose, yet totally charming. From the reception area, a series of steps takes you to the heart of the hotel and the vast, tropical gardens and tiled pool, surrounded by white umbrellas, comfy sun loungers and uniformed waiters. There's two restaurants to choose from, as well as a sushi and cocktail bar if you're looking for something a little different.

142 rooms span the length of the palatial hotel, some in the main building and some in a newer annexe. Representing the Indo-Portuguese heritage, rooms in the main building feature intricate wooden bed canopies and opulent furnishings, however the newer Polana Mar wing is more contemporary in design, with large paintings of local crafts dominating the walls, and bright textiles layered over crisp white linen. All rooms have Wifi, air-con and super-modern iPod docks and Nespresso machines.

Polana Hill is one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Mozambique, and there several chic restaurants and a artisanal craft market a mere stroll away from the hotel. For those interested in architecture, there are a number of historic Mediterranean-style villas, Art Deco homes and buildings designed by renowned architect Pancho Guedes dotted around, and if you're looking for some sun, sea and sand, a fifteen-minute taxi ride will take you to the beach.