What's your idea of paradise?
Everyone deserves time out, especially if you’ve been up at the crack of dawn on safari.
But relaxation can take many forms.
A powder-soft beach. A crystal clear lake. A spa retreat.
The Seychelles are an escapist’s dream.
A collection of small islands blessed by mother nature, where the turquoise waters lap and white sands shimmer. Ditch your shoes and relax on the beach. Just chill. Or try a spot of snorkelling, cycling or sampling spicy creole food.
Our top tips: A direct flight from Nairobi means that the Seychelles combine nicely with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, but bear in mind that you may need a night in Nairobi and/or a night on Mahé before flying onto a smaller island. Choose your accommodation carefully – some are full service resorts with all the bells and whistles, others offer the more rustic, private island experience – and some beautifully combine both.
Mauritius is a bigger island than you might think.
Mauritius is a country filled with local markets, street food vendors and sugar plantations. Down south there’s the drama of Le Morne, while in the north it’s all about beach life and watersports. It’s a haven for golfers too.
Our top tips: Trade winds blow in from the southeast (July to September are typically the windiest months). Kite surfers and wind surfers should head to the south and east coasts, while snorkelers and water-skiers will appreciate the calmer waters in the west. Golfers should note that unlimited golf is included at the Four Seasons Resort.
Zanzibar is exotic.
Flanked by coral shores, Zanzibar is larger, more rugged and less developed than you expect. Explore Stone Town and its mesh of narrow streets. Drive through avenues of mango trees. See Zanzibari ladies balancing baskets on their heads. This is very much a ‘lived in’ island.
Our top tips: Zanzibar’s tidal nature means that at high tide many beaches simply disappear and at low tide the sea retreats some considerable distance. The resorts have beautiful pools but if swimming in the ocean is a priority then choose carefully. Zuri Zanzibar, the island’s first 5 star lifestyle resort, is set on the only non-tidal beach, meaning you can swim all day. If a private island hideaway is more your style, we’d recommend andBeyond Mnemba Island. Just a short boat ride from the mainland, it’s a paradisiacal toes-in-the-sand experience.
Unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe
Escape to an exclusive island hideaway. No big resorts. No tourist traps. In fact, very few tourists full stop.
One of our favourites is found in the Seychelles. North Island is barefoot luxury at its best. With just 11 villas, it’s perfectly feasible that you won’t see another soul for the duration of your stay.
Dreams are made of an unspoilt island escape with beaches of soft white sand that extend for miles. You'll find it at Azura Benguerra, an eco-friendly resort, hand built by the local Mozambique community and operated in partnership with it. 20 villas with private pools nestle along the beachfront.
Just off the Tanzanian coast is a private island where slick Swedish design meets desert island chic. With sailing, deep sea fishing, jet skiing, water skiing, wake boarding, tennis and a gym among the inclusions, we think Thanda Island is just the ticket for a family gathering.
Who says relaxation has to happen on a beach?
If beach holidays just aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of other options when it comes to recharging your batteries.
The great African outdoors perfectly complements a safari or city break, where there’s mountain biking, trekking and canoeing (and still the option for pool lounging). Bushmans Kloof, hidden away in South Africa’s Cederberg Mountains, is one of our favourite country retreats. We also love the epic views at Ol Lentille in Laikipia, Kenya.
Or consider a lakeside retreat: fresh, cool water and sand between your toes, without the crowds you often find beside the beach. At Kaya Mawa, on Malawi’s Likoma Island, you can sail, kayak, water-ski, dive and wakeboard to your heart’s content. While at Lupita Island, on Tanzania’s Lake Tanganyika, the focus is firmly on chilling out. We can’t think of anywhere better to shake off the safari dust.
For more inspiration
Masai Mara and Zanzibar Luxury Family Safari
For Expert Advice & Peace of Mind Plans
Call us on 01904 866 033 or email: africa@knightonreeve.co.uk to plan your Paradise adventure.