Best hotels in Thyolo

In the early '20s, a young Scotsman called Maclean Kay bought his first piece of land in Malawi. And it was here, in the temperate Shire Highlands in the country's south, that he planted his first tea plantation, and called it Satemwa. In 1936 he built Huntingdon House for his family, and the original home has now been turned into a beautiful boutique guesthouse. Surrounded by emerald lawns, elegant trees and lily-filled ponds (and hectares of tea), the house is tranquil and relaxed – the perfect setting in which to appreciate the timeless magic of this stunning corner of Malawi.

Though Malawi is best known for its enormous, freshwater lake, the lush southern region has a wealth of beauty and adventure, ready to be explored. Chawani Bungalow is a self-catering family farmhouse that sits on the Satemwa Tea Estate, dating back to 1874. The house sleeps ten comfortably, and comes with willing staff if you'd like the help. It's full of character and rustic charm, and the large verandah and gorgeous gardens are a tranquil spot to put your feet up. All in all, the house is relaxed getaway for a family or large group, and a fabulous base from which to explore the forested highlands, on foot or by mountain bike.

Tucked away in the verdant Shire Highlands, just a short drive from Blantyre, lies a golden-hued retreat where wildlife roams freely against a backdrop of one of Malawi's last indigenous forests. Established in 2006 but born from a dream decades earlier, this family-owned hideaway stretches across 500 acres of pristine grasslands and woodland. The distinctive golden rock architecture blends beautifully with the surroundings, while inside, the atmosphere is one of relaxed luxury. Spend your days tracking nyala and sable on a game drive, perfecting your swing on the scenic golf course as zebras graze nearby, or simply unwinding by Lake Bvumbwe with a sundowner in hand as the famous Malawian sunset paints the sky in impossible hues. The perfect marriage of conservation and comfort.