Picture this: a white sandy beach, warm aquamarine ocean, azure waves flashing their white ruffled petticoats, long sunny days of lazy fun, and warm nights spent counting the stars. This is Massinga Beach in southern Mozambique. Snaking along the edge of a hill above the endless stretch of the Indian Ocean coastline, the lodge has been designed with carefree vacations in mind. The cabins – built on stilts to maximize the perfect views, with thatch roofs and from natural materials – invite you to stay a while.

Sleep under swathes of romantically billowing muslin, the soothing sounds of the sea in your ears. Wake when the sun steals over the horizon; there is much relaxing to be done and delicious food to be eaten. And, with no Wi-Fi connection, you can rest undisturbed by the hustle and bustle of the busy work-a-day world for a true ‘digital detox’. In the afternoons, grab a board and go surfing or body-boarding, or even kayaking; snorkel around Fingers or go diving; you can try your hand at deep-sea fishing or cast off from the shore. Or just take a long walk with the water lapping at your feet…

Massinga Beach is a perfect honeymoon hideaway; the rooms are spacious and private, and secluded beach picnics are a welcome time spent alone with your partner. In the evenings, watch the waves from the plunge pool or dine on your private deck, the Milky Way twinkling above you.

Highlights

• Endless, very private beach
• Massages & relaxation therapy
• Whale watching from June to September
• PADI-registered scuba diving
• Deep-sea fishing on a Benguerra 530
• Lodge cart access to the beach
• Delicious seafood menu & beach picnics
• Owner-run for complete satisfaction

Activities

• DEEP SEA FISHING
• SCUBA DIVING
• BEACH ACTIVITIES
• PICNICS
• SNORKELLING
• STAR GAZING
• FISHING

So remote that one can easily walk for hours on the endless beaches and only pass the occasional fisherman. The emphasis on a holiday here is to truly unwind and switch off, but if you are the type to keep a bit more active when on holiday, then there are plenty of excursions from cycling the beach to visiting nearby towns for a closer look at local culture.

Rooms

Ocean Front Deluxe Room

There are 16 Ocean Front Deluxe Rooms, which have been designed for romance. They are all private, spacious, and en suite, with eye-catching sea views, a deck, a private splash pool, and sun loungers. The inviting beds are huge: extra-length king-sized beds are enclosed in a wrap-around mosquito net curtain. There is a fan and air conditioning in each room, which are particularly welcome in the summer months over Christmas and New Year. The bathroom has direct access to the deck. There is a freestanding bathtub, rain shower, and a separate toilet.

Facilities

Massinga Beach is a recipe for enjoyment. Venture from your suite to the main lounge and library to pick up a book to read or grab a sun lounger by the pool. Stroll down to the beach bar to socialize or to watch the game on satellite TV. The lodge cart takes you to the beach, where you can spend the day sunning yourself or frolicking in the waves.

Dining

As can be expected from an ocean-front lodge, seafood is high on the list of chef's recommendations. But it is not the only option and the menu includes delectable vegetarian choices, too. The breakfast selection is large: fruit, cereals, crumpets, cold meats, jams, and a traditional cooked ‘full house’ of eggs and bacon. Signature dishes are the crayfish – cooked to perfection – and the fragrant crab curry. Dining is in the main restaurant while lunch is available at the beach bar. You can order a private beach picnic or dinner in your suite.