Benguerra Island

A tropical paradise tucked into a lush indigenous forest and looking out onto a picturesque crescent of sandy beach, Benguerra Island is the quintessential luxury island retreat. Set among swaying palm trees, ten casinhas and two cabanas offer a light and airy colour scheme that combines tropical chic with a distinct African feel and reminders of the area’s Portuguese heritage. Ideal for families or groups, the three-bedroom Casa Familia ensures privacy and exclusivity. Set under local thatch, both casinhas and cabanas boasts elegant four-poster beds with white linen canopies andcomfortable day beds. Large windows with dark wooden shutters gaze out towards the Indian Ocean, while private timber decks and cool plunge pools offer a secluded alternative to beach sands and ocean waters. Bathrooms feature generous tubs big enough for two, while al fresco showers are decorated with hand-painted tiles. Woven hammocks invite guests to an afternoon siesta, lulled by a chorus of songbirds that makes the forest canopy its home. A shaded gazebo provides the ideal venue for starlit dinners, while the stylish dining room and open lounge, both of which boast wide, sunny decks, are the setting for more social dining.

Set in its own secluded garden and mere metres from the beach, the Casa Familia boasts three bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, as well as private swimming pool set on the sheltered wooden veranda. The lodge’s colourful dhow-inspired bar, sheltered by swaying palm trees, is the perfect setting to relax or enjoy open air meals throughout the day. Set deep in cleverly created patches of shade,comfortable loungers beckon guests to relax around the pool while drinking in the ocean views.